What an Idiot

My best friend and I have always referred to one another as idiots, not in a condescending way but rather as an endearing proclamation of the obvious.  And for the life of me, I cannot look upon the word 'idiot' as being something other than an accurate depiction of someone who is utterly self-aware.  Some of the best people I've known have been complete idiots, and so I feel I should probably redefine the word for personal use or investigate its lesser-known meanings for my own edification.

So the word idiot derives from the Greek word idiotes (a private citizen or individual) and idios (private, one's own).  And in Athenian democracy, an idiot was someone who was completely self-centered and concerned almost exclusively with private, as opposed to public, affairs.  (And thus I've used my Wikipedia quota for the day).

At any rate, these definitions seem particularly relevant in our using the term idiot to mean something other than ignorant and uneducated.  Being self-centered shouldn't have such negative connotations attached to it.  Instead, centering yourself on your own beliefs, wants, desires, and fulfilment should be something that is wholly encouraged.  It doesn't need to celebrate exclusivity or the ego, rather.....being self-centered should merely focus on the self as the impetus for creation/actualization.  Though this may seem somewhat in line with Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, I don't necessarily view this as a bad thing.  There's a lot of truth in her rationale that the pursuit of one's own happiness is the purpose of your life.

Too often we sacrifice our life's ambitions for the sake of the Other.  A particular code of ethics, a sense of propriety, and the burden of personal responsibility weigh on our soul to such an extent that we seldom if ever rejoice in the freedom of doing what we truly want and being who we truly are.  And pursuing your dreams shouldn't mean we have to leave our families or abandon taking care of those we love.  The two need not be mutually exclusive.  My point is that I think, in the end, the Other would benefit from you being honest with yourself and following your bliss, regardless of the implications.

If we were unencumbered by certain ideas that we cling to, archaic notions that we must set aside our passions in order to grow up and take up the mantle of adulthood, we'd realize that we never needed to forgo our own happiness FOR someone else.  Joy is cumulative.  Your devotion to your own self-interest will be rewarding not just for yourself, but for others who realize that they can find peace of mind the same way.  Ultimately we will help everyone find their bliss by surrendering the burden of living for someone or something else.

Our reason for being is simply to be ourselves; a care-free, self-amused, unapologetic idiot.