Human

As humans, we come in a variety of different packages. One of the things we have in common, (and possibly the most important), is our brain. We all think, we are all free thinkers, no matter what our life’s circumstances may be. Even a human being born to a life of repression remains a free thinker, the only difference being the inability to express those thoughts, for fear of repercussion. History has shown that the mind cannot be repressed indefinitely. Eventually repressed thoughts will turn into actions. But we are all different, not all of us need to express our thoughts, or even find it necessary to follow dreams. Some are perfectly content with a routine, so long as there is some sort of compensation.

For most of us, our paths are already drawn by the time we’re born. There are expectations and obligations, if you are to live in society. You must get some sort of education, and eventually become a so-called productive member of said society, which basically adds up to getting a job, paying your bills and contributing to the economy by being a consumer. Our education, in fact, is mostly geared towards attaining employment. Gainful employment becomes our number one goal.

Since we are all different, being human, some of us don’t take to the educational system for various reasons, many of which are perfectly valid. In return, the employment options become more limited, not so much in terms of salary, but in terms of choice. People with limited education are those that tend to have the more tedious, repetitive and laborious positions, such as in factories and construction, to name but a few. That’s not to say that they aren’t happy. That’s the beauty of the human mind. There are many who can block out all the negative aspects of what they do, and just forge ahead and do it. I believe it’s due to these people that the system continues to churn on. The powers that be rely heavily on those who will do what it takes to live their lives, and not brood about what they might have had, or could have instead.

Are they happy? Who’s to say. The old saying “you do what you have to”, says a lot about us humans. Happiness is relative. It all depends on how your brain is wired. To me, there is no doubt that we were not born to work for anyone, we’re simply designed that way once we become old enough.

As human animals we possess the instinct for survival, so we must do whatever it takes in order to do so, which can manifest itself in different ways, from taking up arms to begging on the street.

Over the last couple of years, due to the pandemic restrictions and political volatility, people have begun to look inward, reexamining how they live their lives, and that has thrown a wrench into the gears of this machine that drives our capitalist system. The system doesn’t afford room for too many free thinkers and subsequently the whole system of labour must be realigned. People need to feel included; they need to feel like they matter, like they are a part of something, not just cogs. Even with our woefully, (and I believe intentionally), inadequate educational system, the newer generations have come to realize that there is more to life than punching the proverbial clock, so employers need to be aware and make the necessary adjustments.

Are we happy? Of course we’re happy, but not all the time, which is fine, we need adversity in order to stay sharp. Balance and justice should be our ultimate goal, no matter what we do for a living.
Fiquem bem.

Raul Freitas/MS