The 2 Types of Human Existence (And Philosocom's Directory on Work)
Updated: Apr 26
(Philosocom's Subcategory Directory On Work
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The Two Lives: Surviving vs. Thriving
In a world driven by money, much of our lives depend on whether or not we have sufficient funds to afford things.
There are two types of living in this world: surviving and living. Most of us dedicate much of our adulthood to working in exchange for the currency that allows us to live another day. And when that day comes, we dedicate it to the next day, and so on. That's what is casually known as "the rat race".
It is not necessarily that we enjoy working so much to survive, but it is the most immediate solution. Even if the pay is not high, it is a worthy endeavor if we do not want to end up on the streets, and if we do not have the means and character to maintain a business.
Although working guarantees our existence, it requires us to have less free time for ourselves. Unfortunately, the world is not fair, and not everyone will be wealthy enough to not need to work, and get a chance at contemplating post-purpose. Working is an inevitable part of many of our lives, and it takes up a significant portion of our adult lives.
The Privilege of Living
However, those who have free time to do more than just rest and consume entertainment have the "privilege" of being able to live the second type of existence: Living, rather than merely making a living possible.
Those who live beyond working and rejuvenating can have more time to invest in themselves as people who are more than just the different functions they serve in their work, in their nuclear family, and so on. It's there, when we're alive beyond being a cog in a machine, where we can realize that we exist beyond the confines of society.
When you are "alive," you can have the space to dedicate to self-actualization, which is usually a necessity to feel satisfied with one's existence. This is, of course, assuming that one's job does not provide them with the meaningfulness they seek.
Therefore, if you want to increase your satisfaction in life and feel more worthy as a human being, you must either find a more satisfying job, or if you cannot, invest some of your free time in self-actualization instead of resting/sleeping, being entertained, and so on.
Finding Work That Fulfills You
Work is usually done for money, but the harsh truth is that mere material gain, even if imperative, doesn't always satisfy everyone's desire for self-worth and contribution. While some need money more than others, it's not arrogant to want more from your career.
When considering a job, ask yourself these crucial questions:
Is this all I can expect for my work life?
Is there a deeper meaning I seek?
Am I content simply working in a job I don't particularly enjoy, or should I broaden my horizons?
While some jobs are essential and open to a wide range of people, that doesn't mean anyone should fill those roles. We all have unique skills and ambitions. For instance, before the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, I took a chance on a basic job tying and cleaning medallions. After just two exhausting hours, I knew it wasn't for me. As a neurodivergent, my brain process stimulation differently. In other words, monotony is extremely tiring for me, while philosophy is experienced as effortless, hence why I wrote so much aleady.
Surprisingly, the employer, even though needing more workers, acknowledged I deserved a better fit. This experience is a major reason why I chose this path – living simply and pursuing my own goals on the path to philosophership, as opposed to becoming a part-time clerk with job security.
Let me be clear: I have immense respect for blue-collar and white-collar workers. These jobs are vital, and without them, society wouldn't function. On the contrary I despise the prestige bias which overlooks their basic importance.
However, it's important to understand that not everyone prioritizes money solely when seeking work. Some of us crave a career with a deeper purpose, and that's perfectly valid.
I mean, using logic and cognitive empathy, philosophers can give people a reason to live and overcome their suicidal tendencies. Of course saving lives from suicide is important.
And yes, I saved some people's lives from suicidal tendencies during my philosophical career. Not giving names. Moving on!
Finding Your Spark: Beyond Survival and the Paycheck
We all, as adults, must make a decision sooner or later in regards to what we can do and what we want to do. That decision must ultimately be made if we want to have a sense of clarity to our future and to our development as individuals.
I made an unconventional decision, but one that I'm proud of. Even if I live like an ascetic, at least I'm not feeling insignificant in my role. When I experimented with the medallion job, I very well knew that anyone could replace me and do a job just as good.
But even if you're good at your job, it doesn't feel very good, for some, to feel expendable. It's not always a sense of ego, but of the worth you're giving in exchange for your work. Some are perfectly content in their line of work and having a few days off a week.
But what about those who wish to live beyond surviving and resting? About having bigger plans? Plans... involving greater influence? We might work to survive the next day, but there won't always be another day to live for any of us, once time has run out. This yearning for purpose, for a career that ignites your passion, is a valid pursuit.
There is no shame in prioritizing financial security, but there should also be room for personal fulfillment. Choosing a path that allows you to contribute something meaningful, something that feels irreplaceable, is a worthy, ambitious goal. It's about finding your spark, that thing that makes you feel significant and engaged in the world, rather than simply existing from paycheck to paycheck.
