Ah yes, that Carly Simon song. You probably think this blog post is about me.

Being vain refers to having an excessive or exaggerated pride in one’s own appearance, abilities, achievements, or qualities. It often involves a preoccupation with one’s physical appearance, a desire for admiration, and a tendency to prioritize oneself over others. Vanity is associated with an inflated sense of self-importance and a constant need for validation and admiration from others. People who are considered vain may focus excessively on their looks, status, or accomplishments, often at the expense of developing genuine connections with others.

I often think society is too vain, but what do I know, I don’t have a color television. I do think that in my younger years, I was to concerned about others, saving our world, or doing what appears to be right, without taking care of myself or working to better myself. I was taught that the only real heroes in the world are people like Martin Luther King, and that one can’t be a hero without some grandiose public act that gets world renown. But as I frequently say, “if you can’t save the world, you should at least try to save yourself.”

I have frequently written about the high cost of political activity. Many people give of their lives up and liberty to be involved in politics and work for societal or even community change. Often their reward is a jail cell or a bullet in their back. Ask the late Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King. Or the January 6th rioters and Black Lives Matter activists spending decades behind bars. By entering the public sphere, and not being merely a private citizen means you give up a lot. You can do a lot of good, but that life isn’t for everyone. I don’t think you have to be saving the world to do well for yourself.

I don’t embrace the extreme consumerism and marketing of pop culture. I don’t reject all purchases, but I do try to be frugal and protect my own interest. It’s foolish to be ignorant of all the institutions and people trying to tear you down, enslave or imprison you in a million different ways. I always try to be respectful and helpful, but I also make it a priority to protect myself first and foremost from all the evil that is going on currently in society. I will help people when I can, hold open a door and be a friend, but I won’t lay down my life to save another. I have only one life, and I am not going to die on a cross if I can all avoid it. Caring about yourself while also being understanding of the world around you doesn’t mean you’re so vain.

The world needs people like Martin Luther King. People who protest, raise their voices, stand out on the freeway or railway track. People who are willing to take a bullet in their back or spend decades behind bars in the fight for what is right. But we don’t have to all die for what is right. You can still be a good person, live a good life with taking a bullet in your back. Some have to die for what is right for the world, but you don’t have to.