The modern tribe: Who are we in its eyes?

We live in a world where we are constantly required to be at our best, to adhere to ideal standards, and to demonstrate incredible willpower. But is that realistic? Modern society tries to convince us that everyone can be a superhero if they want to. But who really stands behind this image, and why is it being imposed on us?

We live in a world where we are constantly required to be at our best, to adhere to ideal standards, and to demonstrate incredible willpower. But is that realistic? Modern society tries to convince us that everyone can be a superhero if they want to. But who really stands behind this image, and why is it being imposed on us?

Today's culture creates the illusion that those around us must always act rationally and fully control their emotions. When someone fails to meet these expectations, we feel disappointment and even anger. However, the truth is that people are much more complex and unpredictable than the images we see around us. We are the result of countless random factors, and not everyone has the same potential.

Yet we are constantly persuaded that we can become anyone — strong, determined, and optimistic. The modern "ideal person" is an image that has roots in both ancient Greek and Christian traditions: outwardly perfect, inwardly pure, capable of taking full responsibility for their life, and, at the same time, successful. This image is sold to us as reality.

This hero is a product of neoliberal culture, which has elevated individualism to the highest level. The ideal person, always striving for more, competitive and independent, fits perfectly into the modern economic and social system. And those closest to this image are usually the winners in the game of life.

However, this game is not for everyone. If you are an introvert, if you enjoy silence and solitude, your behavior may be seen as suspicious by society. The ideal extrovert — active, bold, and charismatic — is deeply embedded in our culture. We see this in films, books, and even in the stories of our friends.

But not everyone can conform to this ideal. Many of us are those "quiet loners," whose path differs from the one offered by culture. And there's nothing wrong with that. The question is, why does society so actively promote this image? Perhaps it’s because such people are easier to influence and manipulate, becoming those who fuel the system — from consumption to corporate success.

In the end, these individuals are best suited to thrive in the era of perfectionism, where success, financial independence, and ideal images take center stage. And this is exactly how the modern tribe wants to see us.

But it’s important to remember that life is not a race for mythical standards. We are all unique, and our value lies not in how much we fit cultural patterns but in our ability to find our own path and live in harmony with ourselves, not with imposed ideals.