I have always found the idea of hiring an interior decorator to design a family home odd. Because there is no ideal style. Decisions merely reflect arbitrary personal opinions and tastes whether professional or not. If ten designers were independently consulted, there would be ten different designs. It seems to me that the question is whether I want a comfortable and functional place to live or something that may or may not impress those who enter.
I suppose that interior decorators could serve as knowledgable resources, but the ultimate decisions should be made by those who will be living there. Of course, with all of the resources available on the internet, I still wonder about the need to spend money for ‘professional’ opinions. I am sure that part of my attitude is due to the fact that I think homes should look lived in rather than being ready to appear in a magazine. As long as the home is structurally sound, neat, clean and suits the daily needs of the inhabitants shouldn’t that be enough? Do we really need the approval of others in order to thoroughly enjoy our dwellings?
Similarly, how should we develop our inner life? Do we need professional mandates about our spiritual, emotional, intellectual and psychological state? Certainly there are innumerable religious, political, social and commercial ’experts’ vying for our allegiance and ready to tell us what to think, believe and do. Judging from the popularity of internet influencers, it appears that many enjoy the simplicity of following the guidance these interior designers offer.
In my home, I like an eclectic approach. The same is true about my inner life. For several decades, I viewed the Bible as the infallible word of God to be interpreted literally. I still revere the moral teachings, but no longer consider its the sole source of inspiration. I have benefitted from contemporary authors, but find my most cherished guidance among the ancient writings of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Stoics.
As a species, humanity’s technological evolution has been amazing. However, socially, mentally, and spiritually we have not changed much. That is why insights from antiquity are still poignantly relevant to modern humanity . A wonderful collection of quotes and insights from around the world and over thousands of years was compiled by Leo Tolstoy near the turn of the twentieth century. It is titled "A Calendar of Wisdom" and illustrates this point quite well.
In Greece twenty-five hundred years ago, there was an ancient inscription on a pillar along the pathway to the Oracle of Delphi that read, “Know Thyself.” Judging from the billions of dollars that are spent annually on mental health services, this seems like sound advice today. Unfortunately, it often appears that people do not take time to consider the origin, composition or validity of their beliefs, motivations, moral compass or other aspects of their inner being. Too often, it is left to chance or the influence and/or manipulation of others. Socrates addressed this shortcoming when he said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” We should certainly be open to guidance and inspiration from various sources, but if we hope to live completely authentic lives, ultimately, we must become our own interior designers.