Life is too short to be the sort of drone we are being conditioned to be. I refuse to continue to contribute to the mass brainwashing of our people while trying to get my own piece of the American "dream". How could it be a dream if it has been handed to us? Aren't dreams supposed to be uniquely conjured by the individual? I have no problem with following the path drawn for you as long as it leads to happiness, but too often it is not. Instead, life is wasted following the rules and conventions laid out while suppressing the creative individual in all of us.There is something fundamentally wrong with sacrificing our own freedom and happiness to make others prosper, but why would they teach this to us? They would much prefer to keep competition insignificant and weak. I vow to question everything with vigor while attacking approaching challenges with an unabated enthusiasm and unwillingness to fail. Thus, the birth of the "Zealous Dreamer", and my relentless pursuit of unconventional success.
I'm not trying to rewrite the book or teach a lesson, just simply trying to provide a new lens in which to view the world. In an effort to reveal my character further, here is what I value:
- The Truth: This includes what comes from my mouth, people I encounter, and the leaders that govern our world. There is a grand spectrum of misinformation stemming from "little white lies" that ease pain, and extending to the more vicious idea that overpopulation is not threatening our very existence. Through my efforts I intend to spread the Truth and dispel rumor.
- God: Whichever one or many that you choose, remember the importance of our existence on Earth. It is one thing to pray and attend ceremony, but is another to practice the moral fiber conveyed through him/her/it. I am not even close to understanding the vast mysteries of life and the existence of God, but in developing a more spiritual relationship with him, I intend to comprehend more.
- Family: Without mine, I would not be the man I am today. My parents are the source of my existence, and for that I owe them more than a "happy anniversary" and a phone call on holidays. The nurture and support they have provided me are the source of my energy, and I owe them everything. My siblings the same, as there is no one in the world as closely connected to us than our brothers and sisters.
- Relationships with Others: Extended family, close friends old and new, acquaintances, strangers, and even enemies help shape our lives far more than we give them credit for. It is the way we interact with these people that defines our essence. We owe these people the same respect we desire, and hopefully that attitude will be deflected back to us, empowering us with the support we need to attain our goals. I have learned more from the people I have encountered in life than from any classroom I have spent time in.
- Education: As much as I believe we are born with certain innate aspects of our foundation, it is nurture that primarily shapes our character. Human beings have such a strong desire and ability to learn that sometimes it gets exploited. This can only be combatted with a new form of education that doesn't yet exist. The ideal is one that promotes learning through problem solving and life-skill building, not through reading from a text and writing in a notebook. The old style is now obsolete, and youth are being provided a disservice rather than being granted a gift. A shift is looming, but we are still focused on improving the wrong imperfections of our education systems.
- Diversity: In an ever-changing population, there will be a growing need for educating ourselves on the many beautiful and unique cultures of the world. In our lifetime, the typical American will not be of European descent. We mustn't continue to force this culture and values on young people. Instead, we must accept change and should attempt to create the "melting pot" we have boasted for so long. The entire world is flattening, and we aren't going to advance as a society if we force standardization.
- The Written Word: The industry is dying, citing the emergence of electronic media as the main reason. However, as soon as they shift to an online-based format, people will once again support it. It is the cheapest and easiest expression of our freedom of speech, and its death could bring mass censorship. Frightening to think about, but very possible, we should do everything in our power to preserve this right.
- Self-Control: It is outright impossible to avoid temptation altogether, and if it were possible, I am sure I wouldn't avoid it. Instead, I prefer to practice sin in moderation. The only foreseeable way for me to accomplish all that I strive for is shifting my priorities toward more production and less consumption. Seems easy, but many have tried, and few succeed.
- Living Life: This is the reason why abstinence will never work for me. We only have a short time on this planet and in our body, and I intend on doing the most with my time here. This may come off as selfish, but most of happiness is derived from acknowledging what you want and attaining it, even if you are putting your own needs over someone elses'.
- Physical Health: I hate cliches but, "your body is your temple", is one I can tolerate. Our body is the vehicle we are provided to experience the world around us, and it is our responsibility to keep that vehicle in top shape. It should not be abused, nor neglected, and should work as an expression of the self. If I am seen as strong, enduring, and capable, than more likely than not I will be treated that way.
- Open-mindedness: The antithesis of stubbornness and the only way to adapt, it is utterly necessary to carry yourself with an open mind. What we "know" about the world is always changing so it is absolutely irresponsible to claim to "know" anything.
- Responsibility: Through my observation of my peers and of my former students, I have witnessed a thorough rejection of responsibility. Upon further review, it can also be seen in the frivolous lawsuits of today's society that individuals are deflecting blame onto the people and world around them. It is time to take responsibility for our actions and situations, and it begins with accepting our own unique experiences.
- Creativity: This is the only way to refuse the ordinary mediocrity that affects the masses. We must take chances, try new things, and avoid getting used to the mundane motions of the rat race. Find your medium and begin producing!
- Sustainability: I mentioned above my concern for overpopulation, but here is where I offer a way to contest the negative effects of such a major issue. We have inflicted great pain onto our planet and it shows in climate change, air and water contamination, and the general appearance of nature. We caused this, and only when we take the responsibiility, can we begin to fix it. We must adopt the mentality of "carry in-carry out". It may start with a few simple actions on a small scale, and hopefully the model will be followed by the masses.
- Humility: I also stated above that I am not trying to write the book nor preach it. I understand my imperfections and accept them. No matter how great my accomplishments will be, I know that there will be more to do. I am not above being taken care of, and especially not above taking care of others. I will not allow my pride to overshadow what still remains to be done.
