In reading philosophy over the years, I have always had a weak spot for tabula rasa, particularly that which is offered up in Freudian psychoanalysis. As a refresher for anyone who hasn’t discussed it since high school or college, Sigmund Freud effectively claimed that we are products of our upbringing, with personality traits largely determined by environment, an emphasis on family dynamics. Before Freud, Jean-Jacques Rousseau employed the theory in arguing that warfare (or the mentality and general aggression that leads to warfare) was and is a product of society, or that we must learn to wage war.
While I do not whole-heartedly subscribe to this blank slate theory, I do believe that much of our individual outlooks on life — namely curiosity and perseverance and overall appreciation for the ups and downs and all arounds — are more or less directly influenced by how moments and pursuits of passions are presented to us by parents and siblings and whoever you share intimate relationships with growing up.
With that in mind, celebrated National Geographic explorer Mike Libecki lives by a similar code when considering his upbringing of his daughter, Lilliana.
“She inspires me to inspire her,” he says.
Needless to say, the perennial Adventurer of the Year candidate lives on hell of an inspiring life.
And you have to love the kid one-upping her pops.
His saying? “Life is sweet.”
Hers? “Life is marvelous.”
Indeed.
