Creating or Reflecting?

On which one is more important, this question often comes up, creating more or looking back at what we have done and seeing what needs to be done in the future or what should have been done.

Living in a metropolitan city like Jakarta has taught me many things. Your social status depends on what mobile phone you have, your postcode, and what car you drive. Consumerism is a big thing humans face right now; in my opinion, creating can be a double-edged sword. If you are familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is at the very top of the pyramid. Ironically, in this modern-day, someone’s self-actualization can be measured by an apple fruit logo. I can’t help but wonder, are we going backwards?

When I moved to Cambodia, the thing that attracted me was the simplicity of living in this country. I went to the mall in short and flip flop, and no one looked at me strangely; the feeling of not caring about what other people’s opinions are deliberating. Looking at materials thing that I have in more sentimental ways rather than a thing that constantly needs to upgrade as if this brand tells me that my life is not good or cool enough.

Creating or reflecting? My answer will be a hard reflection. Creating new things without the ability to justify the need to create new things further than making more money gave huge domino effects on society, the environment, and most importantly, our self-actualization.

Food for thought…

By: Mutiah Fauzan