Seeking the truth behind the mirror
Nowadays, we are flooded with images of people bearing the stigma of physical perfection. Individuals from all walks of life post on their virtual platforms, showcasing the virtue of a beautiful, highly appealing image.
Indeed, this visible allure drives many to pursue that goal, regardless of what the path might entail. I observe many teenagers succumbing to the siren call of the perfect body, going to extremes—such as anorexia—just to admire themselves as perfect beings in the mirror. To what extent does this affect our souls?
Yes, being able to look in the mirror and see what one considers perfection draws attention—but whose attention? What does a person seek by drawing focus to their own body? Does this lead to happiness, or merely a more comfortable life from a material standpoint?
Modern society values sexual fluidity as the pinnacle of human potential. We see fluid behaviors—deeply centered on the self—fueled by the desire to be an object of others' desire. I encounter this reality almost daily: at work, at the gym, on the street, at the supermarket... a dizzying display of the physique, driven by a clear intent to grab attention and be worshipped as a perfect being.
This approach might yield financial gains, but it can also lead to a labyrinth of emotions that fail to bring fulfillment to the soul. I frequently hear sentiments that prioritize "having" over "being"—a mindset that has unfortunately become the goal for future generations. The digital age has ushered in the virtualization of relationships, love, and human understanding. I am reminded of Steven Spielberg’s film *Ready Player One*, which depicts a virtual society where you can be anyone, anywhere. Genuine human connection was absent; living in a dream world was deemed preferable to facing raw, unvarnished reality. Ultimately, however, the film reveals that reality is both real and necessary. Against the backdrop of this virtual reality, we are also experiencing a clash with human reality—a realm where people struggle to cope with pain and disappointment. These are common elements of human relationships; through the joys and sorrows they bring, we learn to become better human beings and gain a deeper awareness of our individual selves. Without stumbling blocks and mistakes, we would not know who we are, what we want, or what truly fulfills us. In this context, I observe a flood of mental health professionals positioning themselves as guides to self-discovery and the processing of traumas stemming from disappointment and error. While I believe such professionals can indeed be effective, the process must stem from an individual's own will, rather than from self-promotion on social media.
What has become of us? Values such as truth, love, rectitude, honesty, and ethics are becoming increasingly rare. Fear plays an ever-growing role in people's lives, driven by the trivialization and commodification of human relationships; we forget that behind what is visible lies a soul that goes unseen and uncared for. When I speak of my search for a soul to share my life with, the response I hear is that such a thing is very hard to find. Naturally, given this reality, we rely increasingly on external perspectives—whether professional or otherwise—because we cannot cope with the reality to which we are exposed. In many cases, people are raised within increasingly impenetrable "bubbles" that shield them from the lessons of human interaction—lessons that are fundamental to our evolution as human beings.
Deep down, everyone wants what I want: to find a soul compatible with my own—someone to share life with, with wisdom and joy; someone who feels complete simply in the other's presence, finding a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Living is not easy, for we are exposed to the kindness and cruelty of the world and its inhabitants; yet, this is precisely what makes us human—living and learning through pain and joy, through defeat and victory. We are social beings by nature, and there are no shortcuts to this. This process transforms us, revealing the finite nature of life and the importance of living it with responsibility, charity, and abundant light.
We learn from both happiness and sadness, for in doing so, we discover the truth lying behind the mirror of every living soul. Without this, we chase after the instantaneous, fantasy, and illusion—feelings that vanish all too quickly.
We are better than that!