Zola once said to Cézanne, “Is painting only a whim for you? Is it only a pastime, a subject of conversation? If this is the case, then I understand your conduct: you are right not to make trouble with your family. But if painting is your vocation, then you are an enigma to me, a sphinx, someone impossible, and obscure.” So Cézanne left Aix-en-Provence and joined his friend in Paris.
So how do you identify yourself and what provides you with the most self-actualization? What are you willing to do to follow your goals? Do you merely wish to pay them lip service or do you want to go further? Different individuals will answer each question differently. Some may take more time to make their decision than others. Our best chance for satisfaction and success is to collaborate with those who share our philosophy.
In life, there is no right answer for everyone; we must determine our path ourselves. You cannot travel both paths. Look down each one as far as you can, know how way leads on to way, and don’t come back. Find the people who share your dreams and work with them to build something unique.
T.S. Eliot observed (or perhaps cautioned) that “only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” During the pursuit of self-actualization or purpose, we should be mindful to keep the company of those who are willing to take the same risks as us.
Stay clear of those with opposite passions – conflict avoidance and compromise are difficult but essential – and let them live their life. Otherwise you will remain a sphinx, which is a demon of destruction and bad luck according to the Greeks. Sphinx belong in the desert, not on the basketball court. That will make all the difference.