ESCAPISM

What is life without escapism? Life seems impossible to live without some sort of "thing" that may have the potential to help us get through it. Look at Freud. He lived to be 83 years old, smoking 20 cigars a day. Jung couldn't even quit his pipes. The man died at the ripe old age of 85. Both had their unique and personal reasons not to quit.

In a nutshell, you could argue that it gave them peace in a world of complete and utter chaos. Now, may I clarify that escapism is not exclusive to habits that are detrimental to one’s body and soul? I also want to clarify that I am not looking to justify unhealthy habits of any kind. In fact, the purpose of this article is not to identify the fine line between healthy and/or unhealthy. 

That's not the point at all. Rather, the point of this article is to point out how escapism, if you will, is almost, if not completely, a fundamental part of existence. I would dare to say it is a requirement for us to be able to exist in this physical realm altogether. When I use the term escapism, I am strictly referring to every action we take, every activity or habit we may partake in to make life easier to live, to make the weight of existence much more bearable. Humankind looks for things to cling to. It could be a belief, religion, or ideology; it could also be a cup of coffee, a slice of cake, a book, a cigar, sex, or simply a glass of wine. Hell, it could be all these things at once. It could also be anything, just about anything.

There is only one issue with escapism, and it’s that fine line that we are always in danger of crossing when confronted with life: the line between dearth and excess. When is it too much? When is it too little? That is the question that every individual should, in their best interest, always have present in their minds. When is it ok to exercise restraint? And when is it ok to lose some control? That is the balance that one needs to find in their lives for the purpose of living in harmony with oneself and the world. After that is done, at least in theory, everything shall fall into place.

On the positive side, escapism grants us the opportunity to enjoy things we would otherwise deem insignificant. Like a liquid extracted from beans that we call coffee. Or a select group of meticulously packed leaves meant to be burned and smoked for the enjoyment of the palate—a cigar. Escapism, when manifested as hobbies, for example, teaches us the value in enjoying the small things in life. If and when practiced correctly, one achieves the ability to express the fixation that one may have for something with a sense of detachment. As one comes to terms with the reality that life is somewhat absurd, it's a truly insignificantly significant experience; it's a serendipity that contradicts itself.

Escapism teaches us that even the smallest things can provide us with the most immense of joys. If it isn’t obvious already, I personally don't think escapism is inherently bad; as with most things in life, it strictly depends on what we make of it. It will always be a double-edged sword, waiting for us at the door.

The Greek poet Hesiod once said, “Observe due measure; moderation is best in all things." The Roman comic dramatist Plautus said, "Moderation in all things is the best policy,” just to name a few. We get the idea.

But moderation isn’t key for everything; there are certainly things that are better off left alone, things that shouldn’t be incorporated into one’s life no matter what, as they bring no value or benefit to one’s being. Now, what are these things? Well, it depends on who you ask. It is safe to say everybody has their own answer to this question. There is one thing that is certain, though, and it is that escapism is, in fact, inescapable.