While I was watching the movie Sucker Punch recently, there was one quote that hit me: “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” I have thought about it. And I am not sure I totally agree with it. It certainly has a strong emotional appeal. Standing for something means to believe in something greater than yourself. Standing for something means to be guided by some moral values beyond your self-centered needs and wants. It means taking a stand, having an opinion, being a representative of some idea or ideal.
So, there is value in it. BUT… Standing for something (in a strong sense) is not necessarily positive, nor is it leading to good outcomes. I have met many people in my life who were truly taking a stand for their religious beliefs, their political views, or other things. I have been there myself. The problem with that is threefold:
First, my way of thinking and my belief system are just that: they are MY way of thinking and MY belief system. Doesn’t mean it’s the best one, or even a right one. Too many people have suffered because other people “stood for something”.
Second, usually people who have found their truth stop evolving. They stop asking questions because they are full of answers. And the secret to moving forward is curiosity and an inquisitory mind.
And third, when tragedy hits you, your belief system might crumble. Some things I so strongly believed in when I was younger have become things I regard as somewhat misguided today. And some things I did or said, because I thought I was standing for something, I am even partly ashamed for.
So, yeah! Find something to stand for. But be sure it is something worthy, beneficial to your fellow men and women, and contributes to a better world. Don’t stop asking questions and keep an open mind. And be aware that there are other truths too.