MODERN MUTING

Enough of “Finding Our Purpose”

Each Monday, Julio Vincent Gambuto presents “Modern Muting” — a weekly Medium story series dedicated to helping readers step back from all the bullshit of modern life, create quiet, re-evaluate, then go forward boldly. It’s 500 words a week of “self-help meets the system.”

Of all the noise of modern life, there is perhaps nothing that hits at our core more than the never-ending conversation about purpose. It pushes the sensitive buttons of our insecurities and lights up our inner — and very chatty — philosopher like no other word. Countless thought leaders make the hunt for it their circular gospel: once you find your purpose, you will align with the universe and suddenly find happiness, meaning, and joy.

Mmmm, I’m not sure about that. There is a lot misguided about this line of thinking. Not only is it a function of extreme privilege — to have the time, resources, and comfort to ponder the point of it all — but it traps us in an infinite loop of analysis and self-monitoring. Am I there yet? Did I find it? Is this “it”? A dance teacher told me once, “You can’t dance and watch yourself dance (in the mirror) at the same time. Pick one. I promise you’ll enjoy dancing more.”

I am reminded of my 20-something need to travel abroad to find myself. I had been awash in this type of talk for years…