Light of Many Lamps – Response to Monica Grace

Monica reviewed the same short story by Arnold Bennett as I did but took a substantially different approach. This provided a different insight that I had not thought of while reading the story, likely due to different life experiences. It was interesting to see that we both touched on the western perception in which North Americans live as if they are immortal whereby time is worthless. However, she discussed the concept of time within the context of losing a loved-one. I found this to be an incredibly powerful example as I have never been through this and have not experienced this heartache. As a result, I likely live as if I am immortal and also treat my loved ones as if they are going to live forever. Her honesty inspired me to reflect on how I treat my loved ones and if I am appreciating them for the precious days that we have to spend together.

In addition, I also found her realizations to be quite moving. The one that really struck home for me was the one about “Relationships over Ambition” because I have been in Bennett’s place where I budgeted and accounted for every minute. Last year, I became slightly obsessive with efficiency and making sure I was operating my life at maximum productivity. This led to biohacking my body and other methods to ensure that absolutely no time was wasted. However, this resulted in avoiding friends or family as I figured it was “dead time” that was not helping me to accomplish my goals. I became so incredibly goal-oriented that I was sacrificing my closest relationships all in the name of ambition.

I also really appreciated the question that Monica Grace asked at the end, which challenged readers to ask themselves, “Is the sole purpose of advancing and improving ourselves in life a good reason for why we should not waste our time? Or is there a greater purpose in this life to live for?”

Based on my experience that I discussed, I would disagree with the first question because it can lead to burnout, and turn into an unfulfilling vacuum of the rise and grind lifestyle. André Maurois eloquently stated, “The greedy search for money or success will almost always lead men into unhappiness. Why? Because that kind of life makes them depend on things outside of themselves” (Watson, 1951: p. 18).

Although we may feel that we are accomplishing our goals, it is important to ask ourselves are these efforts for a greater purpose such as serving others? Or is it to simply to serve self-interests? In addition, I also agree with Monica that without God at the helm, our lives become directionless, meaningless, and without purpose. Without Him, we look for meaning in things such as accomplishments and goals to give us self-worth. Unfortunately, these efforts may be in vain as they lack the key ingredient to a life of purpose.

Thank you Monica for your transparency and vulnerability so that I could have these deep reflections about my own life! Looking forward to reading more of your posts!

Christina

Reference

Watson, L. E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.