A quiet one.

I feel there is far too much noise in the world today — both literally and metaphorically.

It seems to be a prevailing attitude amongst modern culture.

Areas abundant in activity are where successful people congregate, where the streets are literally buzzing with hustle and bustle.

Cities are alive and open twenty-four hours every day, some of which supposedly never sleep.

Design of various facets and industries are becoming louder and more outlandish year on year.

Social platforms have become an arena pitting the masses against each other to hold the mantle of most vocal or provocative, for a coveted fifteen minutes under the spotlight.

All for the sake of being noticed, to get the attention of others.

If we follow Darwin’s theory of evolution, our future descendants may be born with technicoloured hair, in-built voice magnifiers, megaphones for hands, and wheels for feet — that’s if we make it that far.

Contemporary society is very much built on this desperate plea of “look at me.”

A ‘billboard culture,’ you might call it.

It is built upon a foundation of clever marketing quips, risqué edge-skirting provocation, and manipulation of digital algorithms.

Personal experience, reflection, contemplation, and trust in direct, interpersonal relationships seem to be losing the value and esteem they once held.

Today, what appears to hold far more weight are the thoughts of complete strangers, the opinions held by a select handful sitting upon elevated platforms, and acceptance from the masses.

Too often am I tempted by it’s shiny allure.

Afterall, I was brought up and continue to live amidst all these bright lights.

“It would be nice if I sold a few more books,” I’d think to myself.

“It would be nice if more people agreed with me and my perspective.”

“It would be nice to be seen.”

But at what cost?

Would it be worth compromising my sense of integrity?

Would it be worth going against my personal values and principles?

Would it be worth that regret-filled moment on my deathbed?

Would it be worth selling my own soul?

For me, it’s a hard no every time.

And this is not to say that my way is ‘right.’

It is not to judge what others do with their lives.

This is simply the perspective through which I view it and the decision I’ve made for myself.

A decision I made through experience, through having been there, through feeling like I had to drag the weight of my own life behind me at every waking instance.

I guess I could say it is unfortunate (for me, of course) that I am living in a time and place that seemingly runs counter to almost ever fibre of my being.

And after I’ve cried myself to sleep, I could also say that it simply is what it is.

I am largely at peace with the fact that I will likely never fit in according to the generic societal formula.

You’ll not likely hear me shouting gospel in ninety-second intervals from atop my soapbox in such a way that compels you to believe my every word as the indisputable truth of all existence that ever was and ever will be.

Besides, there is certainly no shortage of noise in the world today.

I am content in my little corner of the world, being one of the quiet ones.

And if you are as well, then feel free to join me.

Until next time, peace.