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Authenticity and life choices

In our opinion, this beautiful quote by the controversial Carlos Castaneda points to the essence of authenticity and authentic living. It implies all the essential qualities of the authentic individual: connection with the true self, awareness, courage, and virtue.

The key to understanding this concept – which is actually very challenging – is that following the path of our hearts is the easy way since it requires no effort to like it (effort means rationalization, justification, or the disconnection from intuition).  

Moreover, the significance of the quote lies in its philosophical basis: that all paths are the same. Therefore, it shows us how we could possibly achieve fulfillment through authentic living by minimizing the importance of a choice per se and maximizing the importance of our special, emotional connection to a particular choice.

…a path is just a path…

Food for thought

• What are the differences between authenticity and impulsiveness? 
• Is it possible that the heart can be destructive? 
• The conditions for achieving such freedom of choice, according to Castaneda, are discipline, lack of ambition, and no fear. In what ways do you interpret these conditions? 

The book

 The Teaching s of Don Juan, by Carlos Castaneda

Related reading on SHARE Lv

Georgiadi, E. (2020). Authenticity: Pathways to better Decision Making and Personal Development

Get in touch

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Elissavet Georgiadis (Music Therapist/Mental Health Professional, PgDipMT, GSMD – City University)