Society - The Coveted Company

A perpetually hard thing to resist

I have stayed alone in an apartment for five months. I interacted with people only over the phone or when I was outside for work or shopping. Nothing seemed unbearable, though my close ones advised me to be more social.

I slept and woke up on time. I cooked and ate diligently to keep myself healthy. I took showers every day. I watched television, read books, pampered myself once in a while, and sincerely claimed that I was staying alone in an apartment.

Now, years later, with age and comprehension, I renewed my understanding of my state back through those days. I discover that I was reasonably involved with society! A conclusion that formulated when I envisioned a speculative plot, where I carefully and deliberately eliminate all associations around me.

In this plot, I am without society, and the picture looks entirely different. Much of me has changed. Now, I only eat when I am hungry. Pampering or grooming takes a backseat as now no one cares about my appearance, and I am not clicking selfies anymore. Or even if I click one, it would be for the sake of an older me reminiscing a younger one. They are two entities as it is.

Television, books, and social media are removed by norm as they are entertainment presented by society. I would probably stargaze or write my book. However, my sleep cycle remains unchanged, possibly attributed to my love for the morning air. Also, I can arrange for the minimal amenities of my life by myself - like work and groceries. Let me also bring it in, that money was no more my needful, as I didn't interact with anyone who understands its worth.

The most significant change comes in psychologically, as the mind encounters most of the variations. Firstly, I am no more waiting for a second opinion. I become more confident and carefree. Secondly, gossip built into my genes is now missing. That dwindles my very origins of recreation. There is no one to compete with and, no one who can appreciate my lifestyle! Voila, now at least it seems to me I am entirely on my own!

Probably, many more changes happen that I am reluctant to add to the list as this article intends social engagement. But, if you are not experiencing any of the changes mentioned here, then you are probably still a part of society even though you claim to be alone.

One of my distant acquaintances once questioned the state of saints. Those who practice absolute renunciation - can you agree that they lead a lonely life? We recognize them as they live among us. I would suppose that they returned to society for their longing to be social beings. As for those, we do not know - we also do not know their thoughts, on being empowered to isolate themselves from society. Whether they felt the longing or craving to come back or even if they enjoyed their life? Put it this way: people who doubt gravity do not tend to return from their experiments to tell the tale.

Society is a group of people viewed collectively, who share likings, regulations, and lifestyles.

In the article 100 not out, we see society playing its part towards the longevity of human life. The more you interact and communicate, you add years to your life. So, how can one not crave that one ingredient of the magic potion of longevity?

Community, collaboration, interaction are the stepping stones that sustained human beings to maintain their stronghold as superior creatures. Practicing it overages, it is now genetically embedded inside us. With my experience over time and again, I have realized that society is our innate craving, an absence of which can curtail life itself.

I want to mention one of my favorite person's talks on TED. He is Derek Sivers, a marvelous writer, and entrepreneur who has a social window of 2-3 hours. I might be sounding stupid to state the hours, but it caught my attention. As striking as his thoughts!

In this Ted talk, Derek mentioned a very valuable and meaningful social phenom, that directs us towards our stance as we. Do watch Derek talk as he explains it best!

A leader is never successful without followers! It is indeed a simple phenomenon that drives society yet resides in the subconscious space. With followers comes the crucial role of community on which we rely, to transform us into influential role models. A symbiotic relationship develops.

Another interesting allusion is in the form of our social media. Two decades back, even as we took a liking to the world of the internet, we mapped it similar to our social structure. Like, Follow, and Share, and that is one reason why companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram rose to the top in such little time. They flawlessly modeled our community! However, through time a few missing pieces will always prevail. A significant one being the absence of physical interaction in real-time.

The start of this decade has given us a new normal, that claimed away certain parts of society. We started living fearful of the community itself, and we are still trying to fit in, suppressing our desire. The change that I have seen in every household proclaims that we are doing an excellent job, as I know it's perpetually been hard to resist a craving. So let's hang in and direct all that suppressed energy to more good for ourselves and our close ones. To ensure a safe and probable future!

By: Joyeeta Mukherjee

Disclaimer:
This article and the opinions expressed in it are personal opinions. It is not meant for imposing specific views or endorsing a particular way of life. Also please do ignore any errors or omissions that you might come across. We pledge to learn from them. Happy viewing.