Is it possible to find serenity in the face of our own imperfections? Pandora's Box emerges as an extraordinary relic embedded in Greek mythology. It is configured as a divine receptacle in which the misadventures of the world were deposited by the gods, including war, discord, afflictions of the body and soul. However, within her, there rested a single gift: hope.
Since its genesis, this myth has carried a social connotation. In this context, Pandora's Ark changes to symbolize the malevolence that can come from it, the disobedience and curiosity that harm human beings.
Consider the morning variety shows, in which reporters approach passers-by with the query, "What is your greatest flaw?". Without hesitation, the answers flow: "Ah, I say what I think!", "I'm excessively sincere", "I'm greedy for food", "I'm vain", and others along the same lines. I don't remember anyone admitting: "I'm vindictive!", "I'm lazy!", "I'm deeply jealous of my friends and co-workers!", "I'm petty!" or "I'm compulsive about sex.".
Expressing such generalities is socially accepted as something ordinary. There is even laughter when these confessions are made, as they are perceived as amusing. However, few truly understand the real meaning of being 'transparent', 'sincere', 'greedy' or 'vain'.
Understand: admitting the desire to see a colleague who is about to embark on an international trip, while you have never left your country, fall from the Eiffel Tower is "not good". Likewise, taking racist stances, demonstrating reluctance to maintain intimate relationships with dark-skinned people (at most, accepting them as nannies, security guards or drivers), exhibiting excessive ambition, running over others like a steamroller, revealing laziness to Washing the dishes just once a week, or even being sloppy to the point of changing your underwear every two days while taking a shower, are attitudes that don't go down well.
The majority carry flaws and virtues with them, as an inherent part of the human condition. Understanding, admitting and balancing these aspects is crucial to preserving mental health, although this is an arduous task. In some cases, even two decades of therapy provide no relief from such an undertaking.
There are also those who hide their social imperfections through extravagant purchases, such as an SUV financed in 500 installments, although they lack the resources to cover the insurance. They take on the role of displaying a motorcycle in front of the prestigious condominium, creating narratives on digital platforms to simulate a life that does not match reality.
Owning a mansion with a majestic chandelier in the window, while sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the bedroom or leaning the TV on shopping crates, illustrates a more focused focus on 'Having' than in 'Being'.
Few actually face the mirror and see beyond the enchanting green eyes and long blonde hair. Imperfections do not resemble a pimple which, if properly treated, does not leave marks.
Defects permeate our essence, often leading us to inflict injustice, sabotage relationships and disregard the possible reactions of others. In some cases, the resulting wounds arouse a reaction from the injured party, while others choose silence, suffering years on end with bitterness and pain.