Do followers lead authentic lives?

Answer 1

The nature of being a follower can potentially mean no, they lead someone else's idea of a life, not their own.

I see a difference between being inspired in one's own journey by a spiritual leader versus the blind acceptance and following of dogmatics that can be practiced by some.

Answer 2

Becoming authentic seems to be a process for all human ones, whether leaders or followers. My observation is that few leaders are authentic; similarly, I've known many non-leaders (is this what you mean by followers?) who most decidedly are authentic, or nearing authenticity. From my point of view, Mandela and Gandhi, for instance, are examples of authentic leaders, turning humility into service. Each was selfless, coming from a higher consciousness. I have seen this in a few non-leaders, as well, seeming "unimportant" ones who rise above all consideration of themselves and demonstrate unconditional love to everyone they meet. The only difference between these unknowns and the ones who are known to many rather than to the few is that the limelight does not shine down on them. In both cases (known and unknown alike), the only criteria for leading authentic lives is to "follow" their inner guidance and to serve selflessly. Many so-called leaders are profiting from a self-serving agenda. It would be careless and inaccurate to distinguish "leaders" from "followers," for all are capable of becoming authentic, integrated human beings. The seed of authenticitly is planted within all beings. Those who are awakening and awakened have identified within something that is beyond themselves. Of course, the ego is the culprit in every case, and must be overcome to reach authenticity. Do followers lead authentic lives? It is possible... I am Sirius

Answer 3

I would tend to think it would depend on the reasons they follow. If they follow because they have no identity of their own, then no they do not lead authentic lives. If they follow for a time to learn then they are only enriching their own authenticity.

Answer 4

when you decide to start the journey......you look around for the leads......and travel that path for some time before you realise that this is not the path you want to travel.....

From there starts your journey towards authenticity......

you will follow many leads before finding your very own path...


so you see......before you start an authentic life you are normally a follower for quite some time..

Answer 5

Following to me is reflecting upon the track of the known or on that which came before. Our perception or what we can see - the horizon which is open to us - is based upon all that which came before us, as our experience. Then I would think we are all followers and thus not living up to our full potential, until we come to the point to realize that we can't really know anything. Yet, the path to come to this point is one of following, first we follow the paths of others, then seeing the futility fo tracking the outside, we turn within and start to track ourselves, lastly we realize there is actually nothing to follow - as all is unknown in the present moment.

Betsy

Answer 6

It depends on what they are following. If they are following that still small voice inside to truth, then nothing can be more authentic.

Answer 7

All Lives are equally authentic.

Answer 8

When you say you follow a particular path it does not necessarily mean you checked your brain at the opening of the door. Many students or followers of a particular path come to it because they have looked everywhere & have decided that this map "feels" right. These will usually question & examine each step therefore making it their own. Are there blind followers, of course, but one should not assume. Many of the "paths" were forged & left as signs by those that went before, & as we choose to walk those paths, we add our Light & wisdom to those that went before.
Blessings.

Answer 9

I do, if you mean an honest life. I try to follow Jesus's admonition to treat others as I want to be treated,

Are you referring to followers of Christianity or followers of all religions? Or are you referring to followers of atheism or agnosticism?

What do you mean by "authentic"?

Answer 10

We all follow. Someone or something taught us first and we followed examples set by predecessors long before we discovered ourselves. The idea of originality is a myth since it can't be verified. The tiniest seed can grow into amazing fruition.