I hope you like this.
No, it shouldn’t matter
what I think of what you like
so long as you really like it.
If it does,
then you only like
the feeling of being liked.
The recognition
of the investment of
your valuable attention.
The validation
of your style and taste.
The influence
you so clearly and confidently display.
None of these things
are as important as
that song that speaks to you.
That song that reaches you.
Trail Wood,
1/20
We delve into the essence of personal preference and its validation by others, unraveling the layers of this introspection. The focus here is on the genuine appreciation of something, such as a song, versus the external validation one might seek or receive for that appreciation.
The Essence of Genuine Appreciation
At the core of our discourse is the notion that the intrinsic value of what one likes should not be contingent upon others’ opinions. The true connection with something, like a song that resonates deeply, stands on its own, a beacon of personal significance unswayed by external validation.
External Validation versus Internal Resonance
The allure of external validation – the feeling of being liked, acknowledged, or influencing others – is contrasted with the purity of genuinely liking something for its own sake. This dichotomy highlights a deeper existential query: Do we cherish things for the joy they bring to us, or for the recognition they bring from others?
The Transience of External Validation
External validation, while momentarily gratifying, is ephemeral and often hinges on the shifting sands of societal norms and perceptions. It is a whimsical breeze, fleeting and capricious, unlike the steadfast connection one feels with something that truly speaks to their soul.
The Power of Personal Connection
The song that reaches us, that speaks to us, represents more than mere melody or rhythm; it is a conduit to our innermost feelings, memories, and thoughts. It transcends the superficial need for external validation, anchoring itself in the depths of our being.
The Primacy of Authentic Experience
In our journey through the cosmic fabric, we recognize that authentic experiences and preferences hold a sacred space. They are the stars in our personal universe, shining with a light that needs no external source to validate its brilliance.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We reflect on the importance of genuine appreciation for things, such as a song, as opposed to seeking external validation for our preferences. We distinguish between the ephemeral nature of external validation and the lasting, profound connection that comes from truly resonating with something. We emphasize the value of personal connection and authentic experience over the fleeting approval of others, recognizing that what truly speaks to our soul is paramount.
Glossarium
- External Validation: Seeking approval or recognition from others for one’s choices or preferences.
- Intrinsic Value: The inherent worth of something, independent of external opinions or influences.
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” – William Shakespeare
A Poem of Authentic Resonance
In the silence, a melody plays,
A song that whispers, that sways,
Not for the world, but for the heart,
A sacred symphony, a solitary art.
No applause sought, no eyes to see,
In this dance, the soul is free,
For what moves us, in depths untold,
Is a treasure more precious than gold.
Beyond the clamor of voices loud,
Beyond the fleeting, fickle crowd,
Lies a truth, pure and profound,
In the song that speaks without a sound.
So let us cherish what truly speaks,
In the language of peaks and creeks,
For in our hearts, the truth we find,
In the music of the self-aligned.
Feel free to share any songs that have reached deep into your being, or your thoughts on the importance of authentic personal connection.
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