(Authentic: 2023 The Word Of The Year)
Every year, Merriam-Webster selects the word of the year. This year, its chosen word is ‘authentic.” it’s the most searched word according to the dictionary officials.
The word authentic is often used as an adjective, like authentic art. Among other meanings, it relates to true to one’s personality, spirit or character.
In fact, there is a crisis of authenticity in our world. And that is mainly at the individual level.
The question is: who in the world are we individually?
The question does not relate to our standing or relevance in society.
Nor does it search for an identity among the people around us. Or in the company of living and non-living environments, the universe, and the celestial world.
It is just establishing and developing the authenticity of the Self.
It is an earnest attempt to find life under the true Self and personal values rather than assigned by external demands of society.
The study and the action involve discarding the false Self that reflects our behaviour as others perceive it.
In this exploration, we may see that the self-image created was false or fake to please others or accepted by society’s norms.
The authenticity concept arises from the insight that humans generally live or exist inauthentic ways.
Social relationships, cultural values, and norms construct an inauthentic Self.
The recovery of the authentic Self requires a radical reexamination of cultural contexts, habitual lifestyles, and ways of thinking.
It also involves a positive progression of authenticity across time.
Authenticity is a feeling that develops with its persuasive use; being true to the Self and seeking what is morally good help create sincere and natural authenticity of the Self.
Recognizing its valuation and the volume of its search in the dictionary or other means, Merriam-Webster’s 2023 honouring the word authentic as the word of the 2023 year is the right choice.
-Promod Puri
Promod Puri.com 