The author in the article discusses the concept of self-development as part of everyday life. While most people view it as something, we must specifically dedicate time to outside of main responsibilities, the author believes that it should be a primary meaning to life. In this article he uses stated values, directly saying, “What matters is realizing that the reason you were born is to become the best human being you can possibly be. Personal development is not a tool for reaching a bigger goal” (Turak, 2014). The author largely discusses values of self-development as terminal; it is an idea and principle that differs individually for everyone. He refers to his figure of inspiration Dostoevsky that sought to understand self-development but “never mentions a job, a career, a profession, or material gain” (Turak, 2014). The author himself avoids providing concrete directions, only offering personal examples, and emphasizing that these values may be marginally different for people in context of what challenges or interests them. This makes for Turak’s system of values to be abstract as self-development in ideology lacks any specific sign or symbol, and in fact, it is a process which in itself is never finished since no human being can achieve or learn everything, always leaving room for self-development.
I partially agree with the author, suggesting that self-development should take greater priority for people beyond something done like a hobby. However, I also believe that there is structure and responsibility in the world, with people needing that structured approach in having a routine, jobs, and other seemingly limiting factors. For most people, without structure, they would not know what to do or pursue. Self-development is beneficial when one is able to competently pursue something, a passion or learning. Therefore, not attempting to discredit Turak’s argument, but motivations such as a job or money are beneficial or necessary as well, after all not everyone can be great. However, I do think that self-development should take a greater role in lives, perhaps being integrated with jobs, learning, and other responsibilities, where one is provided opportunities to challenge oneself and pursue passions related to the field of interest rather than simply fulfilling routine tasks with which most of us find facing every day.
References
Turak, A. (2014). What every leader must know about personal development. Forbes. Web.