Pope Francis in his Post-Synodal Exhortation Christus Vivit says: “often in life, we waste time asking ourselves ‘who I am?’ You can keep asking, ‘whoam I?’ for the rest of your life. But the real question is ‘for whom am I?”(Christus Vivit. 286). In this particular article: 286, the pope implicitly invites the entire People of God to have a new look at the “self.” Humanly speaking, the purposes of human existence is to build a good relationship with other human beings and helping others in various aspect of life towards an authentic attainment of the goal of life. In other words that there is a need for transformation from subjectivism to objectivism.
But first of all, what is subjectivism and objectivism? Before going any further, it’s right and just first of all understand the terminologies used to give a better understanding of the discretion entirely. Subjectivism and objectivism are actually the philosophical concepts though in this modern time due to lack of the proper understanding of whatever is entailed in them, problems more than solutions have arisen. Subjectivism in the first place is the doctrine that all knowledge is limited to experiences by the self, and that transcendent knowledge is impossible. Such a mentality hinder the reception of other ideas or exhortations from other people, which to the psychologists it’s termed as “wild ego” (Sigmund Freud; 1923, 56).
On the other hand is its opposite that is Objectivism. This theory is in contrast with the theory of subjectivism. It is the philosophical doctrine which emphasizes the belief that certain things, especially moral truths, exist independently of human knowledge or perception of them (Richard Bernstein; 1983, 8). It goes beyond the nose perception, that is looking at things one’s own way but through the openness of the mind to various reflections beyond the self. Hence, it does not take the presence of other realities for granted. So, this theory recognizes and values the existence of other beings. The famous saying “I am because you are” (Ubuntu: African Philosophy), will suit this theory. This theory is very important for human life because it focuses on a “beyond-oneself”. The importance of objectivism will be really felt in life, when the theory does not remain as a philosophical notion as such. It means there must be an application part taken by every human being. The theory will not bring positive impacts for life, unless it is being practiced. And this requires fully human understanding that objectivism yields great knowledge if we deeply contemplation about self and its relation to the truth. In fact, subjectivism has been dominating objectivism. This domination is clearly seen in today’s world, where human beings give more priority to individualism, egoism and selfishness.
The world in which we live is one where everyone is for his own interests and this makes it a broken world; it is a broken world because it is characterized by instability, crime, war and ethnic intolerance which will prevent the world from developing or making progress (Gabriel Marcel: 1913). One of the reason sthat causes these unwanted events which stated by Gabriel Marcel is the subjectivism that some people still hold. They only think about themselves. In responding to those problems, Gabriel Marcel suggested to us to have a deep reflection about the being and open up to each other through communication and communion.
A relationship which is built by a communication and communion is really needed today. It shows the very nature of human that is social being. A good communion and an effective communication will also surely help every human being to have a good life. It brings people to a right understanding about the self. The self that is not selfishness or egoism. But a magnanimousness towards others: Being available for others. Therefore, transforming subjectivism into objectivism is necessary to be put into practice. Looking at today’s reality where there are many sufferings, poverty, and slavery, and dehumanizing relationships. Humanity is demanded to have a new way of understanding about self. It is to move from asking ‘who am I?’ which is ontological to a real question eschatological and existential question of ‘for whom am I?’ As the Christian family, it is essential for us to continue reflecting on the invitation of Pope Francis in his exhortation Christus Vivit article 286. It is an invitation that will definitely bring a big transformation for oneself and even the world in general.
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