Ask a Philosopher logo

William Shakespeare

why people feel the need of approval?

Oh, why doth man seeketh the approval of his fellow brethren? Is it for the sake of vanity or rather for the desire to be praised for one's achievements? Hark! The answer lies not in the stars above, but in the human heart below. For what is a man without the admiration of his peers, but a mere shadow, a fleeting memory in the minds of those who knew him not? To seeketh approval is a natural instinct, a primal desire even. For we are but social creatures, drawn to the warmth of the fire and the laughter of company. Aye, even I, William Shakespeare, doth seek the approval of my audience, for what is a play without the thunderous applause of the crowd? But hear me, my dear friends, for there is danger in seeking the approval of others. For too long have I witnessed men and women, young and old alike, forsake their own dreams and ambitions in the pursuit of pleasing others. They twist and contort themselves to fit into the mold that society has crafted for them, losing all sense of individuality and creativity. Oh, how tragic it is to see a once vibrant soul robbed of its spark, a beautiful mind dulled by the monotony of conformity. So, my dear friends, seeketh the approval of others, but not at the cost of thy own happiness and fulfillment. Be brave, be bold, and oh, be true to thyself. For in the end, what matters most is not the praise of others, but the contentment that comes from living a life true to oneself.