Are You a Creator or Just Another Follower?

As I grow older and gain experience, I realize that humans do not necessarily become wiser; rather, they evolve in response to their environments. Whether it be politics, business, employment, family, social circles, or even indulgences like bars and substances, we are products of what surrounds us. Some individuals live their entire lives within the confines of their hometowns, while others, embrace a nomadic lifestyle, exploring the world in search of identity and experience. The environment we cultivate shapes us profoundly.

This environment is shaped by the conversations we engage in—what our friends and families discuss, the narratives presented by the media, the trending topics on social platforms, and even the gossip that permeates our daily lives. These fragmented elements coalesce to form a broader societal reflection, subtly influencing collective thought patterns and behaviors.

Some of us have had the privilege of attending elite international institutions, rubbing shoulders with individuals who go on to achieve great things. This exposure fosters a belief in our readiness for a globalized world, reinforcing our sense of privilege. Yet, another individual in a different school experiences the same phenomenon, creating an echo chamber of perceived preparedness and superiority. Some of us don't even get to go to school. When layered with environmental influences, this privilege compounds, reinforcing the illusion of impact and success.

We climb the ladders of our careers, believing that we are making a difference—not just in our own lives, but in our families, workplaces, and even on a global scale. However, while we may indeed achieve professional milestones, we often fail to recognize that our societal impact remains limited. The perception of influence does not always translate to genuine change.

This mindset is evident in the leadership of today. Baby boomers or millennials who have ascended to positions of power often embody protectionist and identitarian tendencies, convinced of their "best-in-class" status. They assert that their worldview must be adopted by others, framing opposition as defiance. Similarly, religious leaders, more divided than ever, leverage faith as a tool—whether for good or ill is not the point. Their agendas persist, shaping narratives and influencing the masses. Political figures weaponize faith to justify territorial expansion, cloaking atrocities in the rhetoric of innocence and divine promise.

Then there are ideological movements, such as those championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. While the movement sought to foster inclusivity, its rapid expansion outpaced society’s ability to adapt. The world, by and large, was willing to accept these changes, but the imposition of these ideals created resistance. Not everyone moves at the same pace, nor does everyone share the same foundational environment. Consequently, some individuals felt overwhelmed, others suppressed—not out of malice, but due to the disparities in contextual upbringing.

Beyond these social and ideological influences, we must confront the darker realities of the capitalist system in which we operate. The very system that enables comfort and success for us simultaneously cripples several others. Health insurance companies, meant to provide security in difficult times, often prioritize profit over people, making access to care a convoluted and frustrating process. Hospitals and doctors, institutions that should embody trust and care, are increasingly entangled in business agreements with pharmaceutical companies, insurers, and hospital networks, prioritizing financial incentives over genuine treatment. Where does humanity fit into this equation? The same distrust extends to banks, governments, media, and large corporations—institutions designed to serve but often operate in self-interest. Even inflation, a seemingly natural economic force, is exacerbated by policies and decisions that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable while benefitting those with financial leverage. Where is the direction for humanity in this system?

Scientific research corroborates these observations. Studies reveal that our environments—both social and physical—significantly shape our development and well-being. According to research published in PubMed, early environmental influences dictate cognitive, social, and emotional trajectories. Similarly, Harvard’s Making Caring Common project found that over half of young adults feel little to no sense of purpose, correlating with increasing rates of anxiety and depression. In a world where digital engagement often replaces genuine human connection, our collective sense of purpose diminishes.

What has become of humanity’s collective ambition for a better future? Why do we persist in fragmentation rather than unity? If we harnessed our collective knowledge—not merely for capitalist progress but for true societal nourishment—imagine the possibilities. A world where we facilitate each other’s growth, share wisdom, nurture our planet, and foster deeper patience and love.

But change is difficult. It requires us to build ourselves, much like stepping into a gym for the first time or committing to something larger than ourselves. The initial steps feel impossible, the weight of change overwhelming. Yet, just as discipline and perseverance transform the body and mind, they can also reshape our environments and purpose.

But this requires courage. This demands that we build ourselves rather than simply conform to what is dictated to us. Will you live your life as a follower, absorbing the environment passively, or will you shape your destiny with conviction and purpose? Were you born merely to consume and chase fleeting dopamine hits, or do you carry the burden of consciousness for a reason?

We must critically examine the environments we immerse ourselves in, consciously curating those that enrich rather than deplete us. Let us step beyond the screens, engage meaningfully with one another, and reclaim our sense of being. But more than that, let us be courageous enough to shape the world, rather than be shaped by it. If we fail to recognize the power of our surroundings, we risk perpetuating the very cycles that have led us to this state of disconnect. The choice is ours—do we remain complicit in a world of fragmented purpose, or do we actively cultivate one that thrives on unity, strength, harmony, and individual purpose?