Rat Race: To enter or Not

The term "rat race" means to compete with peers for Wealth & Status. On in other words "To Keep Up With The Jones". This instinct is prevalent in animal societies also, as they compete for territory & mates. It is called "Pecking Order." The advantages of entering the rat race & succeeding are, it satisfies the inbuilt ego factor. But it also entails a lifelong chase after futile goals as evinced by suicides among conventionally "successful people."

The other, more interesting option is not to enter the rat race at all, but be content with the basic requirements of life. This invites the opprobrium of being labelled "A Loser" by all & sundry. As Thoreau, probably the most famous person to opt out of the rat race, said that "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, it is perhaps because he hears a different drummer."

But in order to so, it may require one to be free of family commitments, as otherwise it may be unfair to the family to deny their normal aspirations. Here, it may be pertinent to note that Thoreau & all his three siblings remained unmarried & none survived beyond 60 years.

Here it is important to note that one should march & not remain idle, but only "to a different drummer". The goal of the march need not be wealth & status as with the majority, but may be spirituality or cultural pursuits, which are uniquely human & not shared with animals.

By doing so, one may leave the rats to race & be a cultivated human being.