Robert Louis Stevenson: 'To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive.'

To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive.

In the world we live in, it is all too easy to passively accept the views and preferences imposed upon us by society. Throughout our lives, we are bombarded with expectations and standards that often leave little room for individual choice. However, Robert Louis Stevenson's powerful quote, "To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive," reminds us of the importance of maintaining our own autonomy and listening to the desires of our own hearts.At first glance, Stevenson's words may seem like a simple encouragement to assert one's personal preferences. They remind us to be true to ourselves and not succumb to societal pressure. This straightforward interpretation carries immense significance as it emphasizes the preservation of our individuality and the need to nourish our souls. It is a reminder that we should never lose sight of our own wants and desires in favor of conforming to others' expectations.However, to truly delve into the essence of this quote, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: existentialism. This school of thought posits that human existence is inherently subjective, and meaning is shaped by individual experiences and choices. Existentialists argue against blindly adhering to predetermined norms and assert that true authenticity is achieved through self-awareness and the pursuit of personal passions.Drawing from existentialist philosophy, we see a parallel to Stevenson's quote. Both advocate for the importance of self-discovery and personal preference in shaping an individual's identity. By recognizing and pursuing what we genuinely prefer, rather than blindly accepting external dictates, we assert our autonomy and keep our souls alive.There is immense value in introspection, particularly when uncovering our genuine preferences. Society bombards us with countless influences that often drown out our inner voices. We are constantly exposed to media, advertising, and social norms that seek to shape our desires and determine what we ought to prefer. It takes courage and self-awareness to navigate through this external noise and truly understand what brings our souls to life.As we embark on this journey of self-discovery, we may encounter obstacles and conflicting influences. It is during these moments that the contrast between what the world tells us to prefer and what our souls truly long for becomes most apparent. We are constantly faced with choices -- whether to prioritize our own desires or conform to societal expectations. Stevenson's quote encourages us to have the courage to stand by our preferences, even if they contradict what the world tells us to prefer.By defying the expectations imposed upon us, we assert our humanity. We affirm that we are not passive recipients of societal pressures, but active agents capable of shaping our own lives. Through this process, we can find a profound sense of fulfillment and meaning, as we align our actions with our deepest desires. Moreover, by embracing our true preferences and resisting conformity, we contribute to the diversity and richness of the world around us.In conclusion, Robert Louis Stevenson's quote serves as a powerful reminder to stay true to ourselves and listen to the desires of our own hearts. By recognizing and pursuing what we genuinely prefer, we assert our autonomy and keep our souls alive. Delving deeper into the concept, we can draw connections to existentialist philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and personal preference in shaping our individual identities. In a world that often demands conformity, it is through the courage to defy expectations and embrace our true preferences that we can find fulfillment and contribute to the richness of human experience.