The Human Rat Race - Who's Winning?

“Money has been essential both for building empires and for promoting science. But is money the ultimate goal of these undertakings or perhaps just a dangerous necessity”, Yuval Noah Harari in Sapiens

A Harvard study on Adult Development revealed that strong, intimate relationships to be the secret of human health and happiness. If that is the case why do we constantly fuss over money, fame and other conventional indicators of “success”? Perhaps it is our innate drive, overarching achievement orientation or simply need for a quick fix that forces us, pushes our limits to crave for such materialistic pursuits.

Why do normal human beings find it extremely difficult to quit the rat race?

Why should it be customary for people to perform routine 9 to 5 jobs, five days a week in lieu of a steady income?

The reasons are deeply rooted in our belief systems and form core of the modern human civilization. A typical modern human life seems like a novel set-up, a set of pre-ordained decisions and paths intended just for the purpose of ensuring financial security and well-being. Just think about it, the courses we take in college, subjects we major in, institutes we select for graduation, corporations we choose to join, careers we choose, in cases even some of our closest relationship decisions too hinge on monetary motives. And it is a vicious cycle, needs of today once fulfilled automatically become necessities for tomorrow. It is indeed a tragedy that even our educational institutions are ranked on the basis of average salary offers received by students and not on the intellectual capital produced.

Does this mean that humanity has lost its freedom of choice and expression?

I don’t think so, what this does mean however is that the current consumerist system has conditioned large sections of society to think and act in certain ways so as to adhere to its covenants. And as per these tenets our talents, passions, career choices need to be in perfect alignment with the capitalist reward systems. When our passions do not conform to such superficiality we get labeled as delinquent, feckless and irresponsible. Even when people want to fulfill their aspirations, many find themselves entangled in familial responsibilities and other obligations which make it albeit impossible to herald any change.

When the outcome of every human endeavor gets evaluated in financial terms, when money is used as the sole determinant of ones’ success in life, it really makes me wonder what the true meaning of life is. Surely a cushy job, fancy designation permits one to vacation in exotic locations, binge & splurge during weekends, afford exorbitant EMIs on home loans and pursue other hedonistic pleasures necessary for a lavish modern lifestyle. Inasmuch as they may seem important, numerous research have shown that even with all the material comforts, it is possible for one to feel alienated, arrogant and depressed. For example, a recent study on a group demonstrated a high correlation between internet usage and depression, participants suffering from symptoms of depression used internet more. Studies have also shown that beyond a certain threshold, any additional wealth does not have a positive impact on happiness or well-being. It’s then mostly the insidious social pressures ala keeping up with the joneses syndrome where obsession with material goods is linked primarily to social status alone.

The terms of the capitalist construct are seriously flawed – with purely monetary reward systems, categories of employment and career choices are limited. The concomitant effect being generation after generation keeps getting swallowed in the corporate quicksand without adding substantial value either to itself or to society. This restraint on human choice inhibits innovation, independent thought and creativity which is a travesty for a society which has for centuries taken pride in such values. When was the last time we had a masterpiece in the field of arts, literature, philosophy and music? Just imagine the quantum of accrued knowledge we have lost over the years as a result of our self-indulgent pursuits.

It’s true that even if somebody is born with a particular talent, that talent will usually remain latent if it is not fostered, honed and exercised. Not all people get the same chance to cultivate and refine their abilities. It’s inevitable that if we continue working somewhere or in a field just for money we’re bound to feel frustrated and dissatisfied in the long run. However, given that a free market economy, success defines talent and not the other way around how does one find a niche? I’m not suggesting anyone to lead an impecunious lifestyle, but rather to make a balanced choice.

How do we find meaning and purpose in the humdrum of everyday existence?

The ancient Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, meaning “a reason for being” offers an elegant solution to some of these existential questions facing humanity today. In its simplistic interpretation the concept can be represented as a Venn diagram of four intersecting circles – What you love; what the world needs; what you can be paid for; what you are good at. It is the convergence of four elements – your passion, your mission, your vocation and your profession.

Ikigai is the idea of seeking a purpose in everything we do in life. It indicates the value that one finds in life or things that make someone feel like their life is valuable. It is the reason for us to wake up in the morning. What’s truly remarkable about Ikigai is that it’s unique to every individual and acknowledges that the idea of “happiness” is actually quite obscure. Ikigai, as a concept, is able to develop as you do. If one path of purpose ceases to exist, you can adapt, change and pursue new passions with purpose. There are many different aspects to Ikigai, but there is one fundamental part to it that really stands out: Even if your present doesn’t feel right, if you don’t feel truly valuable in your current state but you have a strong goal you’re striving towards, then you will have found your Ikigai.

Man’s search for meaning is an eternal, unending journey and Ikigai offers a plausible solution. However finding ones' Ikigai is not easy. You needs to look within, determine the ultimate purpose, goal in life and works backwards from there. Ask yourself – What do I love? What am I good at? What can I be paid for now? What does the world need?

By wanting things just for the sake social status and cohesion we become our own enemies. Do not let society or big multinational corporations decide your future and determine success. It’s time to realize that earning money and owning things are not the only truths in life, there are other aspects beyond economic success that define us. It’s clear that in this rat race, no one is the winner but the loser – humanity!! Surely there must be higher, loftier ideals to aspire than just money. As Sadhguru once said, “A rat race is for rats. As a human being you can consciously create what you want, without being driven by social compulsions.”