The Gauge

"Every Action has an Equal and Opposite Reaction." This is one of the major laws on which our perception of the environment around us is based. I believe in a slightly different philosophy. That, of every action having a cost which requires payment. In Full.

For this to be true, every one of our actions needs to be quantified so that it may be valued. If not quantified, at least judged to an approximation for it to gain value. To an individual, the biggest dilemma is not how he will judge someone else, but how he can judge his own worth. Here in lies the basic dilemma, how does one value oneself?

Generally the first thing we notice about a person is their wealth. This can be brought forth in any number of ways. But, does it really help us to judge our own worth? Can we actually express ourselves in monetary terms, when we can't even express the reasons for ups and downs in the Share Markets with them? I'd think not.
The next thing that is generally noticed is one's popularity. One day you might be famous and the very next infamous. Fame being a very fickle friend. Does this then allow us to judge ourselves? Fame apart, the only way to judge our popularity would be to depend on third party inputs. But, can we really depend on these inputs? How far can we actually go in our trust of another?
Another measure for self-worth could be the company that one keeps. But, how could we possibly judge our self-worth with such a rudimentary tool? The company that we surround ourselves with could be what we aspire to become. Or, it could even be people we feel most comfortable with. Or, people we simply look up to. But, wouldn't this measure be quite contradictory to our intention?

Is there really any one way to measure self-worth? The conclusions drawn by me suggest not. So, a mixture of some or all of these aforementioned parameters must suffice. The next question that begs answering is, why does our own worth need determination? What could possibly require payment from our own worth? This is a question that will always yield a unique answer, drafted by circumstances in the weaves of time and necessity.

In a situation where there are no real beginnings or ends, it is but obvious that self-worth cannot hold an absolute value. It will keep changing from time to time. And, it will be for us to ascertain it, and its uses.

In an Utopian Scenario, the scales to measure one's self-worth would not require identification. They would simply exist. And, the knowledge of this would be enough to fuel the individuals belief in himself. As he would be completely at peace with himself. His basic measure though would not be wealth, fame or company.... But, would instead be his deeds and principles. Which would speak not of what he'd done for the betterment of another, but for himself. Never allowing any other to try to misuse him. Not acknowledging any to be his superior. Equal there may be. But, Superiors? Never!!

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The conception of this post had breeded an idea quite different from the one presented here. Infact, the original post would most probably have not followed this line of thought at all, as contextually it was quite different. But owing to my habit of not answering questions, the answers to which I don't want revealed, the original might never really see the light of day.