Finding Satisfaction Without Purpose
I saw the new Dane Cook / Jessica Simpson movie, Employee of the Month, last night. It wasn’t the worst movie I’ve ever seen nor was it the best. But the interesting thing about the movie was the emotional climax—the point where Cook had seemingly lost everything and was presented with two alternatives. He could either quit, feeling sorry for himself or he could try again, working hard to endure the situation.
Of course, like any movie the first option wasn’t really an option, and so Cook chose to keep going. As He was discussing his options with his friends, one encouraged him to try for himself. And Cook replied, “I’m going to do this for myself. I’m going to do this for my pride.”
Huh? I’m going to do this for my pride?
Have we as a culture become so overly narcissistic that the reason for working hard is for our own pride? Is this a good reason to do anything? Alas, it was a sappy and sentimental moment with the background music proclaiming his re-entry into life, but it left me with a vapid feeling. If his sole motivation for life was his own personal pride, consider the limited satisfaction he will have in life? And what happens when things don’t go well again? Does he continually try to please himself? Or does he quit and commit suicide because that would give him the most pleasure?
This indicates to me the huge problem of living life without purpose. This trend oozes out in the seemingly banal dialog in movies. Of course, I don’t necessarily equate this movie with a cross-sampling of society, but this movie seems to be one of many examples of our man-centric mindset. And it further brings to mind the societal necessity of self-esteem: if your only goal in life is self-satisfaction, then you must have good self-esteem.
What a sad way to live your life.
Comments
ryan Said: (October 16, 2006 10:11 PM)
Good thoughts. I'd like to hear yours on Win a Date with Tad Hamilton.