Unveiling True Wealth: Unmasking Care Actor
Throughout this transformative period, one of the most profound realizations I encountered was the true nature of wealth and the kind of people I had once aspired to gain approval from. Growing up, my definition of success was closely tied to financial wealth and the validation of those who possessed it.

However, as I journeyed through the trials of my illness and the solitude of my reflection, I uncovered a stark truth: the pursuit of approval from those who are financially wealthy but morally bankrupt was a misplaced endeavor. It dawned on me that their wealth did not equate to happiness or integrity; rather, it often masked a deep-seated propensity to derive satisfaction from the suffering of others.

The person who I looked up to the most served as the epitome of this realization. They had a high amount of academic intelligence, admiration from others, and even when faced with cruelty, never let it show emotionally. I had above average, but far from a genius level intelligence as a child, was more of an outsider, and definitely a lot more sensitive to the hostility of others.

As a child, I was amused by their spelling of “character” as “charactor.” Little did I know, this misspelling would come to symbolize their adult persona—a facade of virtue meticulously crafted to deceive others. They’re what I call a “care actor”. Their life, as I came to understand, was not a testament to their character but a performance aimed at convincing the world of their goodness. I used to be ashamed of my sensitivity, but as an adult I’m more disturbed by their callousness of emotion that they still carry to this day.

This epiphany was jarring, serving as a mirror reflecting the values I had unwittingly aligned myself with in my quest for their approval or to immolate so I could be more like them. This individual, once a towering figure in my life, inadvertently taught me the most valuable lesson: the essence of true character cannot be fabricated or bought. It is measured not by one’s ability to accumulate wealth or orchestrate an illusion of virtue but by the authenticity of their actions and the kindness they extend to others, regardless of age or status.

This lesson became a guiding light, illuminating the path away from the empty pursuit of materialistic validation towards a richer, more fulfilling path defined by genuine connections and self-respect. In distancing myself from the pursuit of approval from those whose values were diametrically opposed to my own, I found freedom.

The realization that I no longer desired to be like them was liberating. It marked a pivotal shift in my understanding of happiness and success, steering me towards a life where wealth is measured by the quality of one’s character and the depth of their relationships.

This journey of unlearning and rediscovering has been instrumental in shaping a new perspective—one where I am no longer a prisoner to the expectations of the morally bankrupt but a seeker of true wealth in the form of unshakeable integrity and authentic human connection.