A Passionless Society?
I find myself incredibly drawn to passionate people. They are such a rare commodity these days, but nothing energizes me quite like talking with someone who knows their own mind. But are we quickly becoming a passionless society? These days many people are either staring down at their devices in a zombie-like state or are full of depression and rage. But what about the people who are so devoted to their craft, a relationship, or a cause that they can’t contain their need to shout it from the rooftops? Is there anything in life that gets your heart pounding more than passion? It’s that feeling that motivates us, gets us dreaming and puts those dreams into action.
Sure, passion can also be blinding and lead to a lack of wisdom, but nothing would ever get accomplished without the motivation of intense enthusiasm. Yet as a society I find people becoming increasingly numb. Numb about life, about love, about their core beliefs. It’s easier to go along to get along. It’s easier to watch the shows and movies you are told you can’t miss, listen to the handful of manufactured entertainers we’re force fed, and parrot the opinions you’re told are socially acceptable. It doesn’t require critical thinking and it’s devoid of controversy, which suits most people just fine. We’ve gotten to a point where nobody wants to make waves and oftentimes we don’t celebrate those that do.
But intrinsically we all recognize it when we see it in a movie; a confession of romantic feelings, a great accomplishment in the face of incredible odds, or a person willing to put their life on the line for a deeply held belief. But do we have the heart to let it rise up in us to do the same, or is it just too much effort? Now, I’m not referring to those who react aggressively and violently to shut down the freedom of speech of those they deem a threat. Fear is the driving factor in their attempt to strong-arm others to conformity, but the passion I’m speaking of is driven by what the dictionary calls, “strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor”. The kind of passion that drives a person to do something out of love for someone or something.
In fact, we see the ultimate expression of passion on display when Jesus Christ willingly laid down his life for all of mankind because He loved us so deeply. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” -John 15:13. WOW! And this historical moment was so impactful on mankind that we actually refer to this act of love as “THE Passion”. Does society even value this precious gift anymore, or is it now just seen as something that makes people uncomfortable? Are we so cozy in our self-made bubbles that we now have disdain for even the greatest act of passion?
Well, I still believe there is nothing so captivating as watching someone talk about something with unbridled enthusiasm. Sure, their intensity can be intimidating to some, because it often leaves very little room for debate, but isn’t it to be admired just the same? I’ve been told that my eyes light up like a Christmas tree when a topic comes up that I feel strongly about. Nothing piques my interest quite so much as talking with someone about a shared interest. When I meet people who show little to no passion about anything, I just don’t understand it (and probably never will). I’m not referring to people who have been deeply hurt or abused, but those that seem content to just get through the drudgery of life until they die. Don’t they know, there is so very much in life to be excited about? So many adventures that await us if we dare? Who can sleep?
When you set yourself on fire, people love to come and see you burn. —John Wesley
