Know Your Place
'You should know your place.'
I think it's horrible how that phrase has been so vilified. To know one's place should be the goal of every individual. And to put each individual in their place should be the goal of the society. Because what is the opposite? People who are aimless/deluded about their role. A society that either has no role or encourages the wrong role for people.
I think this phrase alone does a lot to describe my ideological worldview. It's the foundation upon which I think the world should be built. And I would think that most people would agree, depending on how it's phrased. But the underlying sentiment remains the same.
People want order, stability, predictability. That's what any solid society is built upon. Without these aspects, you can't relax. You can't trust anyone or anything. And as such, you spend your energy at the mercy of your basest instincts, paranoid and defensive. But when everything is in its place, including the people around you... then you are free to relax and pursue other goals beyond mere survival. Everything is 'as it should be.'
So the question becomes, what is your place? Well... that's for you to find out. But it's not just a solo affair. This should be a team effort. Your parents should be raising you for a place they see fit. Your school should be educating you for future in that place. Your friends should be encouraging you to fulfil your destiny. Your society's art and literature should be exposing you to the myriad roles you might one day play.
And all this hinges upon a realistic accounting for oneself. One's temperament and intellect. One's interests and aptitudes. You should want a place in the world suited to your strengths, but that requires you be honest about what those strengths are. Not everyone is suited for everything. (I know I just lost some people there [who am I kidding, no one who would take issue with that could possibly be reading this haha].)
I hope that you find your place in the world. And I hope you help others to find theirs.
Yours Truly,
[Redacted]