Losing one’s identity is the ultimate loss in the journey of life

Rediscovering an old city, eclipsed by its new name and the latest onslaught of science and technology, is as difficult as to rediscover yourself — particularly

Rediscovering an old city, eclipsed by its new name and the latest onslaught of science and technology, is as difficult as to rediscover yourself — particularly the innocence and idealism of childhood.

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During a recent visit to Colombo, I found it tough to digest the fact that the famed city of Ceylon is lost in the maddening race for progress and prosperity. This put me into thinking whether the same — or even worse — has happened to our own lives as well, over the years.

What and why did we do things that have made us get into a rat race to lose our identity, peace and happiness?

This gets me into the shock of saying that in the race for the so-called world-class status and business, we have lost our soul and identity. And, when you realise what Nobel laureate Andre Gide says in Autumn Leaves, it makes you pause and think hard: “It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not.”

That indeed is the crisis we have fallen into today. But how many of us realise that we have turned ourselves into soulless objects rotting from within? Our ability to look within for peace and progress has been reduced to mindless search for what is not.

It is in this regard that the wisdom of US author Sherrilyn Kenyon hits our conscience: “To know who you are is the greatest power of all.”

Isn’t it our duty, as gifted souls, to retain our identity and nurture it? We need to realise that objectifying ourselves is in no way going to get us a winning goal. The ultimate win is the one that makes you realise that your soul is not to be bargained for any kind of name and fame.

(Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal.)