Contrition [Itachi Uchiha x Reader]

#41: Camouflage

"...the theory focuses on identifying the basic types of human motivation and the order in which they ought to be met. But I think we can all agree that human needs and wants don't stay constant over time, especially over the duration of a couple of generations. If Maslow had to update his theory according to the present day desires, WiFi would probably be the first thing on the list." Hinata's monologue received a few chuckles from her students. "Truth be told, all humans are capable of change. Time is an important factor. Over time, you may realize that some of your own priorities have changed. Show of hands, who here thought, as children, that you would be married by the time you were twenty-five?" About a dozen reluctant students raised their hands, exchanging glances with those around them.

Hinata smiled. "And how many of you still plan to? Anyone here below the age of twenty-five who wants to get married? Or anyone above that age already married?" The hands all went down one by one, until only two hands remained up.

"Priorities change, just as people do. The two of you who still have your hands raised, I hope that you do fulfill that goal. The rest of you, know that there's absolutely nothing wrong in wanting different things from the time you were younger. Growing up, we were put under the impression that once we were older, our mistakes would be more permanent. We were told that we would no longer have the luxury to change our minds, to alter our plans, to abandon certain goals and pursue new ones. I'm sure a lot of you here enrolled at University knowing exactly what you were going to major in, only to change your minds mid-semester. As of now, some of you may want to study further, or enter the job market, or start a family. You may even want to do all three. Now if we were to go by Maslow's theory, humans are only expected to have so many needs. But aren't we more complex than that? We are selfish. We want everything, all at once. We want happiness and fame and success and love. We don't necessarily pursue them in an orderly fashion. We may think we want something, and then chase after the exact opposite." Hinata paused as she looked around the lecture hall. "I'm sure you're all tired of hearing every adult in your life tell you how wonderful college is, and how it will be the best days of your life. Some of you may have already realized that it's nothing but a load of crap, but I'll say it for the ones who don't know. These days are going to be spectacular, but I doubt they'd be the best of your life. I also doubt you would want them to be. It's not very reassuring to know that once you graduate college your best days are behind you. It's also not wise to go through college expecting life changing moments to happen. Bear with me, what I'm saying has something to do with Maslow's theory and our changing priorities. Let's say your priority as of now is to enjoy college to the fullest, go to as many parties as you can, fall in love, et cetera. The days you get to do them would be the best days, right? But after you graduate, you want to find a job, marry that special someone, travel abroad... More great days. Granted, your responsibilities in college have nothing on your duties after you graduate. But surely that's not what best days are made of. You don't treasure only those memories that are untainted by expectations and pressures. If that was the case, wouldn't our earliest years of childhood be the best days of our lives? Wouldn't every human, past the age of five, be doomed to never see a better day? My point is, do not limit your own happiness, your own wants and desires and needs, by conforming to what others say you should do. If we could all confine ourselves to the items in Maslow's pyramid, life would be much simpler. But that's not the case. Just a little psychology lesson in your last class of the year."

She turned off the projector. "And with that, I wish you all the absolute best for your finals next week. I shall see you all after the holidays."

Hinata was the first one out of the room, her notes tucked neatly underneath her arm as she hurried towards her office. She swung the door open and her smile reappeared.

"Tell me you heard!"

"Heard? I watched the whole thing live on the University website!" [Name] [Surname] exclaimed, proud. "You were wonderful! I particularly enjoyed the little life advice you snuck in there."