What is ‘Passion’?
Passion — an extreme interest or wish for doing something.
I am guilty of asking people I meet for the first time the extremely daunting question of “what are your passions?”, to which often I am then face to face with someone who looks like you’ve just led them into their fourth existential crisis. I apologise to everyone I’ve ever asked this question to.
Why is this question bad and why is it looked down upon when the other party can’t seem to answer it?
Part one. The question is bad because of the word ‘passions’. ‘Passion’ has extreme connotations, and people have very subjective ideas of how much they are interested in something. I would say that your own perception of your interest in something is often underplayed. You may think of it as just a hobby, but when you’re doing it five times a week, is it just a hobby or is it a passion?
So here is how I think the question should be revised. “What are your interests?” or “What do you like?” You can say spaghetti and that would be a valid answer. I’m guilty of asking questions about evoking strong emotions towards things, simply because I evoke strong emotions towards a lot of things. I’m guilty of judging people when they don’t also evoke strong emotions towards things. What do you mean you don’t also question the purpose of this period of your life and why you’re feeling anxious every single second of the day? It’s important to remember how subjective perception of human experiences are.
Part two. If you do have a passion (in the way you actually know for sure you are passionate about something), great! I’m happy for you. But if you don’t, that’s also fine. Who imposed this ideal that you have to have passions in life? The positive thinkers, motivational speakers, your parents.
What is the purpose of life then if you have no passion? Everyone has passion, just not always in the most conventional sense of the word. But, in the conventional sense of the word, having a passion does not mean someone has it all figured out. Because most people don’t. Finally, there is no purpose in life. The meaning of life is the finding of meaning itself. Sappy.
Stop looking down on people who can’t answer the passion question. It doesn’t make you (me) any better than they are. You won’t reach enlightenment the second you figure out what your passion is and what exactly you want to do with your life. There is no singular moment where the angels start singing and the audience claps because you’ve realised your passion. ‘Passion’ is too nuanced and subjective to ever be certain about. Ask people what they like or what they derive pleasure from doing. And here is my final word of wisdom, stop judging people for having a different path than yours (very guilty).
