Metamorphosis: Embracing ‘Being’ in a ‘Having’ World – A Veteran’s Journey

In our life, where does true fulfillment lie? Philosopher, Erich Fromm, posited a profound dichotomy that might hold the answer: the contrast between “having” and “being.” As we navigate the complexities of our existence, this distinction becomes a beacon, guiding us towards a more meaningful engagement with ourselves and the world around us. This journey of understanding holds particular resonance for those experiencing the metamorphosis of going from military to civilian life—an evolution that challenges the very core of one’s identity and values.

At the heart of Fromm’s philosophy is a simple yet transformative idea: the modes of “having” and “being” represent fundamentally different ways of interacting with the world. “Having” is about possession and control, measuring success by the material and the quantifiable. In contrast, “being” emphasizes experience, personal growth, and the depth of our relationships. It’s not what we own but who we are, not our conquests but our connections.

For many who have served in the armed forces, the military is not just a career; it’s a crucible of “being.” Here, amidst the rigors of service and the bonds of comradeship, one’s sense of self is defined by shared experiences, mutual respect, and a collective pursuit of a higher purpose. The value of an individual is not measured in material terms but by their courage, loyalty, and dedication to the mission and each other.

Emerging into civilian life, veterans often confront a world seemingly obsessed with “having.” Success is frequently quantified by titles, possessions, and bank balances. This shift can feel disorienting, as the deeply ingrained military values of selflessness, commitment to a cause, and the primacy of the group encounter a society that often prioritizes individual achievement and material gain. Some veterans are quickly taken with the idea of “having,” but eventually find something missing.

The Gardener’s Philosophy – Cultivating “Being” in Civilian Life

Drawing inspiration from Fromm’s gardener metaphor, veterans can approach their transition to civilian life as an opportunity to cultivate their essence, much like a gardener nurtures a rose. This process involves creating conditions conducive to growth—seeking out communities that value depth and authenticity, engaging in continuous learning, and pursuing activities that resonate with one’s core values and passions. It’s about protecting one’s innate potential while adapting to a new environment, ensuring that the transition enriches rather than diminishes one’s sense of “being.”

The stories of veterans excelling in civilian spheres by adhering to a philosophy of “being” are not only uplifting but also enlightening. These high achievers, once nurtured in the military, continue to make their mark, whether they aspire to lead Fortune 500 companies, manage private equity firms, educate in our nation’s schools, or dedicate themselves to community service. Their transition exemplifies how the disciplined, purpose-driven ethos cultivated in the military is a potent formula for success in any endeavor. It highlights the critical need for society to recognize and foster this potential, ensuring that today’s high-performing veterans become tomorrow’s leaders across every field of endeavor. This evolution from military to civilian excellence showcases the enduring power of Fromm’s principles, where a life focused on “being” lays the groundwork for achievements that extend far beyond the individual, shaping our nation’s future for generations to come.

As we consider the journey from military to civilian life, Fromm’s distinction between “having” and “being” offers a valuable framework for navigating this transition. By embracing “being,” veterans can forge paths that lead not just to success in conventional terms but to a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. This metamorphosis, challenging though it may be, holds the promise of a life lived in authentic alignment with one’s values and potentials.

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This first appeared in The Havok Journal on April 5, 2024.

JC Glick serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The COMMIT Foundation. JC brings with him a wealth of experience as a leadership consultant and career Army officer and is driven by a deep commitment to supporting veterans in their transition journey. Since transitioning from 20 years of military service in 2015, JC has been a founder and partner of two leadership companies, where his clients included Fortune 500 companies, international non-profit organizations, government agencies, the NFL, numerous NFL and NBA teams, and multiple NCAA programs.

Over the course of his Army career, JC spent over seven years in the Ranger regiment, serving in two Ranger Battalions as well as Regimental Headquarters, participating in the Best Ranger Competition twice, and has over seven and a half years of command time with 11 operational and combat deployments to Haiti, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Afghanistan. JC is the author of two books, including A Light in the Darkness: Leadership Development for the Unknown. In 2017, he was selected as a TEDX Speaker and delivered Rethinking Leadership at TEDX Hammond. JC is also an adjunct professor at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and is a Liberty Fellow, part of the Aspen Institute.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.