Charles Taylor on Living Uniquely You

There are few things our culture seems to love more these days than a good “you do you” message. Whether it’s embedded in the latest Disney storyline or in bright bold face across a t-shirt, the chances are good that this idea has been shared with you in one form or another. But some would say “you do you” has more to it than being a slick coffee mug slogan or a feel good plot.

‍The Ethics of Authenticity, written by Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor, discusses the influential modern view that each individual’s uniqueness sets the standard for how they should live their life. The following selection presents the idea that a vision of the good life shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all because each of us is responsible to our own unique self.

Quote

[.alt-blockquote]“Herder [an 18th-century German philosopher] put forward the idea that each of us has an original way of being human. Each person has his or her own ‘measure’ is his way of putting it. This idea has entered very deep into modern consciousness. It is also new. Before the late eighteenth century no one thought that the differences between human beings had this kind of moral significance. There is a certain way of being human that is my way. I am called upon to live my life in this way, and not in imitation of anyone else’s. But this gives a new importance to being true to myself. If I am not, I miss the point of my life, I miss what being human is for me.”[.alt-blockquote]

[.alt-blockquote-attribution]Charles Taylor, The Ethics of Authenticity, 28-29[.alt-blockquote-attribution]

Questions

• How might we recognize and define our unique ways of being human?
• What might the implications of living authentically to your individual self be to your community?
• Do you believe you have an original way of being human? What differences set you apart?
• How does this approach to being responsible to yourself differ from egoism?
• Are there common aspects of our humanity that everyone shares? Would acknowledging these stand in opposition to an ethic of authenticity?
• Would becoming responsible to yourself change the way you view yourself? How so?

Context

• The Ethics of Authenticity by Charles Taylor
• Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most, Chapter 3: Who do we answer to? and Chapter 6: How should we live?

Pairs Well With

• Christian ideas about the value of each individual
• A high value placed on self-expression

Pairs Poorly With

• An extensive moral code that applies strictly to everyone
• Social cohesion based on similarity
• A utilitarian emphasis on experiential happiness