Analysis of Self-Sufficiency

“Over the years, Americans in particular have been all too willing to squander their hard-earned independence and freedom for the illusion of feeling safe under someone else's authority. The concept of self-sufficiency has been undermined in value over a scant few generations. The vast majority of the population seems to look down their noses upon self-reliance as some quaint dusty relic, entertained only by the hyperparanoid or those hopelessly incapable of fitting into mainstream society.” 

― Cody Lundin

     Sarah sang the National Anthem as she washed the dishes piling towers all around her. She clearly enjoyed the Harmony, and sang it even though there was no-one there to sing the melody. With her hair pulled back in her ever-present ponytail, she worked determinedly at her new project she had taken for herself -- that is, cleaning the entire mess of a kitchen. Now, usually, we are pretty good at keeping the kitchen clear and sanitary, but at this point in time, the kitchen was an absolute disaster.
     For this very reason, Sarah would have thrown a fit if our mother were to assign her the task of cleaning the entire kitchen. Clearly, the task was much too great for a 10 year old. And yet, when she saw that mother was stressed out, and needed help, she took the project on quietly and happily, singing as she worked. It was obvious as she worked for several hours that nothing would distract her from her purpose -- she would get the kitchen clean, no matter the price.
     As I observed her dedication, so different from the circumstances in which she was told to accomplish a difficult project, I came to the realization that this was a trait that I owned as well. I love the feeling of seeing a need, and then filling it with out any outside influence to do so. Frequently, when I am home alone, I will begin to clean, and then never stop until the house is spotless. When the family returns from their various activities, the reaction of relaxation and relief is immediate, and I feel absolutely wonderful!!! However, If the family were to leave, and my mother were to tell me that I must complete so and so chore before she returns, I often grudgingly accomplish this and nothing else. I only reach her expectations and no higher. When it comes to this kind of circumstance, Sarah and I enjoy doing projects which we have set for ourselves, but are inclined to rebel when required to accomplish it at the will of another.
     However, as I have studied more about this natural inclination of ours, I have discovered that it is not only Sarah and I that struggle with it. And it is not necessarily a general weakness. As I have read about America's gradual separation from Great Britain, I discovered that this tendency seems to be a trait of human nature -- able to be a strength or a weakness as the user is -- or is not -- able to control it.
     When Great Britain established the many extensive taxes on products such as sugar, tea, and stamps, America cried out in anger at the injustice of it. However, it was not because of the the actual taxes that they were required to pay. Instead they cried out against the fact that they had had no voice in the matter. "Taxation without Representation" was their cry, not "Taxation without Limits." If America had been allowed to be a part of setting the taxes, there would be no injustice felt by the colonists, and all would be well. However, they felt that they had a right to have their opinions and voices be a big part in the decisions which would affect them personally, and that this right was not being respected.
     So it seems that this desire for self-sufficiency can be a force for good or for evil, just like all other traits of our human nature. To find the balance can be complicated and hard to maintain -- and thus easier to let loose and not worry about it. But to accomplish the balance between selfish immaturity and a drive to do great things is to become one step closer to achieving self-mastery -- and that is a fine trait indeed. One that I place great value by, as it gives one power to accomplish one's visions and dreams.

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. — Lao-tzu