Action is character F. Scott Fitzgerald

How do we discover a sense of authenticity? or what is authenticity? I often hear and read many different articles about being original, authentic, true to the self, and you must live in the present moment all without having too much ego. It is all very well reading words abstracted from the Eastern Block that was part of their lives in the 1500's. But, we are living in the forever fast Western World where information comes at us faster than we can digest it. Is there any wonder original thoughts are difficult to gather never mind trying to do what is almost humanly impossible. There are many aspects of a personality that need to be present in order for us to live life, have a career and create. That is, we need some ego, some narcissism and some drifting thoughts in order to find originality and authenticity. We are human after all. To think creatively and originally is to live by ourselves, live in isolation, quietness and it is to accept that boredom is a creative link. In boredom, your own thoughts can be heard. Your own heartbeat can be felt. With that, a natural flow of inner creativity floats to the surface. To paint this creativity and allow others to enjoy it, is where that little bit of narcissism and ego come into play. Without it, no art would be on show. No books would be written and little music could be heard.