Am I a Pig?!
A lesson in personal identity
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I live with the pigs
I eat with the pigs
I eat whatever the pigs eat
I sleep with the pigs
I play wherever the pigs play
I do whatever the pigs do
When I look out in the pasture, all I see are pigs
I think therefore, I must be a pig.
Moral of the Story
It’s easy to forget who we are when we surround ourselves with too much of one thing. There’s nothing wrong with hanging out in the pigpen — but if you’re not really a pig — then isn’t it nice to have options when the butcher appears?!
Solutions
Get variety in your life instead of sticking with only the people you’re comfortable with.
Base your identity on solid personal values instead of the people around you.
Develop healthy principles that bring genuine happiness.
Determine who you are in the quiet moments without distraction.
Learn how to impact the world around you in a positive way instead of letting the actions of others dictate who you are.
Let your actions be based on personal need that is carefully contemplated instead of random external stimulus.
Break out of your “filter bubble” online. Change your internet settings wherever possible to include new interests rather than letting social media and apps keep you stuck in that bubble.
To learn more about “the filter bubble” and how it’s affecting you — whether you know it or not — check out this TED Talk from the author of the book “The Filter Bubble”. It was written in 2011 but is even more relevant in today’s world.
