Authentic Essay

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The modern version of authenticity follows the pursuit of a self-determining ideal. However, in order to lead an authentic life, one most forgo these ideals of what authenticity is. Modern existentialism emphasizes individualistic experiences and uniqueness as well as the personal responsibility of choices. These choices are made when we decide how to present ourselves to others. When someone claims that they live an authentic life, they must also come to the realization that “significant others” or society assisted in the creation of their lifestyle. The people around us give “authentic qualities” weight and significance. This is relevant today with a child's development. Without the input of the family, authority figures, and classmates, …show more content…

Otherwise, our surroundings would be too similar and the ideas and beliefs would be almost identical to our own. People must try to escape the narrow opinions they are used to and be open to bigger ideas and unfamiliar opinions. A variety of ideas allows one to shape their identity and authenticity. Society has morphed authenticity into a self-determining, monological ideal, but one must not dismiss the connection and influence that other individuals have on his or her life and the demands of human aspirations. There exists an ideal of authenticity where everyone is different and true to themselves. Individuals reject conformity and crave originality for personal definition. However, the emergence of true authenticity comes when someone believes that the identity they possess has been constructed by the relative significance given to traits, qualities, and actions determined by others. Through this dialogical communication, we then acquire these traits as a result and possess them as a part of our budding identity. The impact these “significant others” have on us cannot be detached from our identity as it is integral to our foundation. Authenticity is not self-defined, but is an accumulation of the varying ideas and opinions of significant others that create an identity and lifestyle that one possesses. The creation of an authentic lifestyle and fulfillment of one’s accepted identity must have the cognizance of

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