Cog, or a Particle, which would you want? Options

[AC9breaker]

With Summer just about here, I've had a lot more time to do things Ive been wanting to do, and a lot more time to do nothing. Usually in those times of nothingness, I contemplated about things I've done or plan to do; entertain various thoughts of existentialist, philosophical, political, or just thoughts of an incoherent nature.

Recently I've had this thought in my head and I'm not sure which would better suit the goals I plan on achieving. That being would it be better in life to live as a cog in a clock, or a particle in space. I don't recall exactly what was thinking that brought me to these two examples but ultimately I thought a choice is made of from these two.

As a cog, one would have others to support you, one can depend on others (which could also serve as a handicap) there is a logical order or process in which things occur.

As a Particle, one is free to choose ones own destiny , no constraints. The Unexpected.

There are also downsides to both paths but I would rather see what some of you guys would say or choose. There is the other path that I've obviously overlooked. I say that because I refuse to believe that there is only two choices in anything we do in life. So, lets share our thoughts with each other. Do I just have too much free time on my hands or is there something to what I'm saying here?

[AC9breaker]

I'm not in any way trying to put down the role of the Cog. Like you said, they both have their ups and downs. I just wanted to keep the topic open and free from my thoughts and really general; hoping to stimulate other unique thoughts.

As for the cage, you can't deny that some people end up putting themselves in a rut or really do limit them self to life that isn't what they may have waned for themselves. Usually they end up living average American lives. Not to say that there is nothing wrong with it, but to me living such an average life would be my own cage. Not being able to pursue a greater goal would have to be my greatest fear. I've already taken the time to even plan out steps and paths I would need to take to reach a point where I could accomplish such things and back up plans if need be. Like you said, we build our own cage and the cage for me would be not being able to accomplish my goals.

I personally have already decided on a life of a particle if it makes any sense. I really want to have a significantly positive effect on this world. I want to change the world for the better in a manner that can be felt by all or at least a large amount. It seems to me that in order to bring about change, one has to have the perspective outside of group in order to change it. I feel that in doing such a thing and bringing about change, one is also alienating them self from the group. Those belonging to the group may come to see that persons thoughts as too different and may be drawn away or may even try to destroy it. Thus forth causing one to be shunned, living the life of a loner or as a particle in space, alone. I say to myself I could deal with such a thing but of course its easier to say now then to actually live through it.