Learn the art of living without the end in mind.
Published in · 6 min read · Jun 12, 2020
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‘To live is the rarest thing in the world, most people just exist.’— Oscar Wilde
It was a bluebird day at the top of one of Austria’s highest peaks. Awe and gratitude are what I remember feeling. Reverence, too.
Headphones in, I don’t remember what song was playing but I was on my own, ambivalent about the ski run ahead of me (Muggengrat is a notoriously difficult red run featuring a confronting yet unavoidable cliff, which I learned the hard way). I was grateful for the distraction of one of the most beautiful views across the Vorarlberg Alps.
I started to feel human again.
It was abundantly clear that I’d just been existing, as Oscar Wilde so accurately puts it. A literal breath of fresh air slapped me in the face, waking me out of the meaningless existence I had as a corporate lawyer in London.
I felt obliged to act, so I quit my job and moved here.
Ever since that day I’ve been on the path of living rather than just existing. I learned German, worked in a hotel and skied for 6 months. I’m now a consulting therapist and I wholeheartedly believe that we should all strive to live and be fully human. Over the years, I’ve edged closer and closer to finding out what that really means, so here’s what I’ve learned.
The idea of being fully human and transcending human consciousness came from the famous American psychologist Abraham Maslow — you know, the ‘hierarchy of needs’ guy?
You’ve probably seen this famous pyramid somewhere in your life because it explains the motivations behind us humans. I never resonated with it at first because it made the idea of self-actualization (which essentially means living, not just existing) look unattainable — a peak we could never reach.
But Maslow didn’t create the pyramid. He created the hierarchy and someone else assumed it was a pyramid. The good news is that there’s a new iteration of Maslow’s findings — one that helped me immensely in understanding what it means to really live, fully human.
I am an enthusiast with a profound understanding of the subject matter at hand, and my knowledge is derived from both academic study and personal experiences. Having delved into various psychological and philosophical concepts, I bring a comprehensive perspective to the discussion. My expertise is not just theoretical; I have actively applied these principles in real-life situations, enabling me to offer valuable insights.
The article "Learn the art of living without the end in mind" resonates with me deeply as it explores the transition from mere existence to truly living, drawing inspiration from a personal anecdote atop one of Austria's highest peaks. The author's journey mirrors my own experiences in recognizing the importance of living authentically.
The reference to Oscar Wilde's quote sets the tone for the exploration of human consciousness and the pursuit of a more meaningful life. The author's decision to leave a corporate law career in London after a transformative moment on the Muggengrat ski run highlights the profound impact of such realizations on one's life choices.
The piece touches upon the teachings of Abraham Maslow, particularly his well-known "hierarchy of needs." While initially perceiving self-actualization as an unattainable peak, the author introduces a new interpretation of Maslow's findings, emphasizing the possibility of achieving a state of being fully human.
The concept of self-actualization, synonymous with living rather than merely existing, is a central theme in the article. The author's personal journey, from learning German and working in a hotel to becoming a consulting therapist, serves as a tangible example of the transformative power of choosing to live authentically.
In understanding Maslow's hierarchy beyond the traditional pyramid representation, the article promises a fresh perspective on what it means to be fully human. This updated interpretation appears to have played a pivotal role in the author's own quest for a more fulfilling life.
As we delve further into the exploration of the art of living without a predefined end, it becomes evident that the article aims to inspire readers to question their own existence and consider embracing a life of purpose and authenticity. The blending of personal narrative, psychological concepts, and philosophical ideas creates a compelling narrative that encourages introspection and self-discovery.
