Most people believe that the best way to pursue a happy and meaningful life is to gain acceptance from those around them. I am not one of those people. And I believe that is what defines me as the person I am.
Elaboration 1: I do not find relationships with other people meaningless or unenjoyable. I find it can be one of the most fruitful parts of life. The difference is that the people I enjoy having in my life do not define my values, but are an extension of them. In other words, my enjoyment is not defined by the approval of those in my life but the people themselves and how they relate to me as a person and my values.
Elaboration 2: I am sure most of us do not think of ourselves as mindless beings simply doing the bidding of those around us. I am sure that is not completely true, but I believe it is probably more true then you think. I would suggest taking a second glance at your life. Do you go to church because you really want to? Or because your parents want you to? Are you going to college because its where you want to be? Or because its expected of you? Would you die for your country because its what you want to do? Or because its what everyone else thinks it's what you should do? Are you being polite and kind to those around you because they deserve it? Or because you fear their disapproval? Consider all aspects of your life. The questions are hard to answer honestly, and easy to rationalize.
Elaboration 3: I am not advocating being a hermit. I am advocating self respect. There is nothing wrong with wearing pants to improve your social interactions with people. But that hardly makes it the meaning of life.
Elaboration 4: One of my favorite quotes by Ayn Rand is when she was asked if she is the same person now as when she wrote "The Fountainhead", she replied "Yes, but even more so." I do not claim to be entirely consistent with this definition of myself, but I do believe that it represents the truest part of myself.
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