People Misunderstand the term ‘Passion’

One of the reasons many struggle to find their place in life is their misunderstanding of the term ‘passion’. It originates from Latin ‘passio’, which means to suffer or endure. Make no mistake. This is not about the masochistic tendencies of a human being, but an expression of suffering out of choosing something one loves. Nowadays, people think passion means skipping the bad bits and doubling down on the pleasurable aspects of their pursuits. The title of the movie by Mel Gibson ‘The Passion of the Christ’ confuses them when they realize that suffering is its central theme. Maybe this ignorance of one of the central laws of nature is the reason why there are so many weak people in this world. Ultimately, our relationship with our pain determines whether we become heroes or anti-heroes. The latter arises from the rejection of any suffering and, by extension, any meaning. Our sense of agency also originates from the same relationship. If nothing is deemed worthy of preserving, then action becomes redundant and pointless.

Finding something worth striving for and being ready for disappointments is key because good things come to us only through facing the unknown. Those who now have ‘an easy life’ once made hard choices, stayed on course through hardships. That’s why you should know and accept that pursuing a big dream comes with growth through uncertainty.

All you need from that point is alignment. Once you commit your life to a cause with the acceptance of these truths, plan your future with the view and intention of acquiring the three capitals by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu: economic, social, and cultural.

Economical – your ownership and gravity.

Social – your connections and networks you belong to.

Cultural – knowledge, education and habits.

Notice that those who live rich and fulfilled lives have found the best compounding alignment between these three categories.

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