What Now, Young Padawan?

During my studies in literature, philosophy and political sciences, I have come across a great many authors, novels, essays, texts – sometimes enough to give me indigestion. I could have chosen to reference the poetic lines of Aragon, German romanticism or Simone de Beauvoir. They all taught me the importance of seeking the mot juste, sensitivity and emotional intelligence.

And yet it was German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk’s last book You Must Change Your Life that inspired in me my best quality: aspiring to the impossible. Not concerned with consensus, he simply orders people to strive for perfection. A disciple of Nietzsche, he admonishes us: it’s time to adopt a new way of life based on exercise and self-knowledge. “You must change your life” was first a line from a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, a voice that spoke to the poet in the Louvre, through an ancient torso, and which went on to have a life of its own. In the space of a century it has grown, indeed it has become an imperative heard across the globe. One cannot deny that the sole concern in the world today is the understanding that things cannot go on as they are. To come out of the crisis, people must grow, exceed normality. Aspiring to the impossible is fuel for true revolutions and has a transformative power.

On finishing this ambitious book, I decided all my dreams would come true and all my plans would pan out well. I quite simply decided that there was nothing I could not do. Yes, I am bursting with youthful enthusiasm and the impatience of an alpha female, but I know what I really want and the forces and emotions that drive me to want it so much. I want to make a difference, follow my heart and my soul and make my contribution. And if we believe Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done”.