From Faust to Dorian Gray, our literature is filled with stories of people who sold their soul (in a manner of speaking) for fame, wealth, beauty, power, or myriad other reasons. And there is always that moment at the crossroads where the vast majority of protagonists get their comeuppance by having to pay back their debt. One more soul in the fire – BOO!
But in the enlightened world of the 21st century, the devil is an outmoded boogeyman. These days, many of the trappings from generations past can be acquired with just a dash of narcissism, a pinch of sociopathy, and a well-connected Twitter feed (and yes, I know it’s now called “X”; I’m sticking to the blue bird.) So, what is the going rate for our individuality?
It seems that in today’s world, the price for someone’s soul has gone up. People are staying at jobs they don’t like because the pay is good; couples stay in loveless relationships because it’s better than being alone. And some people become living doormats because they’re either afraid or don’t wish to get hurt. In the greater macrocosm, it’s not so very different. Some people are willing to go against their better judgement for the sake of promoting a person or entity they know to be the wrong choice. Others are willing to forego helping others for the sake of convenience, while others let wrongdoings go unchecked because it’s none of their business.
Whether we actively seek to trade our beliefs for some perceived trinket or commodity or wish to slip under the radar at the cost of our self-respect, the price we’ll pay will always be higher than can possibly be imagined. Exchanging your dignity for the posturing of others doesn’t make you a team player; it makes you an outlier in a den of thieves. Following the banner of a given ideology or faith because it’s the will of many only serves to strip you of your voice. And giving in to the bluster of bullies only robs you of your power to make positive change through the strength of your convictions.
So the next time you think you’ve found an easy road to wealth, power or notoriety, ask yourself: What’s in your conscience?
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