4-26: There’s a lot I don’t think I’m very good at, especially when it comes to mechanical know-how or being able to figure out how to fix things. My expertise is in writing and metaphysical practices like tarot, clairvoyance, and astrology. Since I’ve done these things for so long it’s almost as though that’s who I am rather than what I do. But when I dig deeper I know that’s not true — or at least it’s only partly true. I don’t need to define myself by my purpose in life.
That’s because I’m not an object, like a hammer. If we just described a hammer, without ascribing any purpose to it, it’s useless, as Heidegger says. Also, a hammer doesn’t have a purpose without someone there to put it to use. In other words, a hammer can’t exist in and of itself: it has to have a purpose and someone making use of that purpose in order for it to exist as the object we mean when we say the word “hammer.”
In the same way, when we first meet someone we describe our “purpose” to them. We don’t say we have two legs and two arms and a head: we outline our name, origin, profession, family, and hobbies. But even that isn’t really who we are!
Unlike a hammer, humans can’t be defined by their purpose. That’s because we’re not static objects, we’re moving verbs—we’re always shifting, shimmering, and growing. Next time you encounter someone, try to see their higher self—their bigger self. Imagine what they will be or could be—their infinite potential. And see that in yourself as well.
Don’t limit yourself to what you think you’re good at or who you think you are or even who you’d like to be! Try something different and see how it resonates with you. Push at your boundaries and encourage other people to do so too. Explore your realm of feelings or delve into the world of crossword puzzles. Explore a different way home, a new way to connect with people, and a different place to sleep or daydream. Surprise yourself.