Rain Bordo

**Title: The Consequences of Unbuilt Personalities: A Reflection on Mateo Balaban’s Insight**

**Introduction**

In today’s fast-paced, efficiency-driven society, the notion of personal development is often eclipsed by external successes and societal pressures. We are inundated with the idea that success is quantifiable — degrees earned, jobs attained, and wealth accumulated. However, Mateo Balaban’s thought-provoking quote, “Unbuilt personalities build unbuilt personalities,” compels us to reconsider our understanding of personal growth and its broader implications. This essay aims to delve into the depth of this quote, exploring how a lack of personal development not only impacts the individual but ripples out to society at large.

**Understanding ‘Unbuilt Personalities’**

To fully appreciate the weight of Balaban’s statement, it is essential to define what is meant by ‘unbuilt personalities’. An unbuilt personality can be characterised as an individual whose character, values, and emotional intelligence remain underdeveloped. They often possess superficial skills or attributes but lack depth in their relationships, ethical considerations, and self-awareness. This shallow self-awareness can lead to a myriad of issues, including unhealthy relationships, ineffective leadership, and a societal penchant for apathy and consumerism.

On the other hand, a ‘built personality’ is one that has undergone a process of introspection, growth, and development. Such individuals possess resilience, empathy, humility, and a strong sense of identity. They engage with themselves and others at a deeper level, leading to meaningful interactions and contributions to society. It is crucial to reflect on the contrasting effects that unbuilt personalities can have on the world around them.

**The Cycle of Unfulfilled Potential**

Balaban’s assertion suggests a disturbing cycle: individuals without inner development can influence others in similar ways, perpetuating a cycle of unfulfilled potential. When one considers educational environments, for instance, unbuilt personalities often perpetuate disengagement, low self-esteem, and a fear of failure in their peers.

Imagine a classroom where educators, having burnt out from the rigours of a demanding profession, exhibit a lack of passion, creativity, and emotional connection with their students. This environment might foster insecurity and discourage exploration and risk-taking among students. Consequently, an unbuilt personality can create a chain reaction, leading to a collective stagnation that stifles innovation and critical thought.

The workplace offers another poignant illustration of this phenomenon. Managers who have not developed themselves personally may adopt authoritarian or disengaged leadership styles. This not only reduces employee morale but also dampens the culture of collaboration and growth. An organisation filled with unbuilt personalities tends to produce mediocre results, lacking the creativity and inspiration necessary for meaningful advancement.

**Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth**

Central to the development of a built personality is emotional intelligence, which encompasses self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage one’s emotions. Research has repeatedly shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence tend to be more successful in both their personal and professional lives. They forge strong relationships, work collaboratively, and inspire others.

In contrast, unbuilt personalities can perpetuate environments characterised by conflict, misunderstandings, and lack of trust. Such environments are detrimental to personal fulfilment and collective success. When individuals cannot engage with and understand their emotions or those of others, they hinder their ability to connect meaningfully. This not only affects their relationships but also diminishes their capacity to contribute positively to society.

Balaban’s quote not only highlights the importance of personal development but also raises a crucial question about societal responsibility. If individuals fail to cultivate their inner selves, can they be expected to contribute to the well-being of others? The answer, regrettably, is often no.

**The Role of Society in Cultivating Personal Growth**

A proactive society must cultivate an environment conducive to personal growth and development. Educational institutions, families, and community organisations should prioritise emotional intelligence training, character education, and mentorship programmes. The skills needed to navigate the complexities of life’s emotional landscape should not be relegated to a separate domain but woven into the fabric of society.

Moreover, the media and cultural narratives play a critical role in shaping our understanding of success and personal identity. In an era where self-worth is often tied to external validation, the importance of developing one’s character is frequently overlooked. If popular culture celebrates materialism and instantaneous success, it can inadvertently contribute to the proliferation of unbuilt personalities.

Ultimately, a society that thrives on the philosophy of Balaban must encourage individuals to prioritise their development, both personally and interpersonally. When people focus on building their personalities, they will inevitably inspire others to do the same, leading to a collective elevation of society.

**Case Studies: The Impact of Built Personalities**

Examining figures who exhibit built personalities can illuminate the profound effects of such individuals on their communities. Consider leaders like Nelson Mandela, whose deep understanding of empathy, resilience, and vision galvanised a nation. His ability to connect and inspire others stemmed from his well-developed personality, demonstrating how one individual can transform societal paradigms.

Contrast this with individuals who, despite possessing significant power or wealth, showcase unbuilt personalities, leading to toxic environments. The consequences of a lack of personal growth manifest not only within their immediate circles but extend outwards, fostering distrust, division, and stagnation in broader contexts.

**Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Personal Development**

In conclusion, Mateo Balaban’s poignant statement, “Unbuilt personalities build unbuilt personalities,” serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for personal development in individuals and its implications for society. As individuals cultivate their inner selves and foster emotional intelligence, they create a ripple effect that influences those around them, leading to a more enriched and cohesive community.

We must acknowledge that while external achievements can appear commendable, true success lies in the cultivation of character and interpersonal connections. In order to break the cycle of unbuilt personalities, we must re-evaluate our definitions of success and encourage behaviours that prioritise personal growth. Only then can we hope to foster a society rich in resilience, empathy, and genuine fulfilment. As we strive toward building our personalities, let us remember that we are not acting solely for ourselves but also for the benefit of those whose lives we touch.