In a recent column published by The Guardian, journalist Zoe Williams put forth a controversial theory, suggesting that the pursuit of fitness and wellness could potentially lead to the development of a judgmental and narcissistic mindset, or in her words, turn someone into a "right-wing jerk.
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According to The Guardian, Williams stated, "there is a dark side to wellness, which I always, for shorthand, thought of as political: getting fit makes you more rightwing." She further explained the process, saying, "The mechanism is incredibly simple: you embark on this voyage of self-improvement, and more or less immediately see results. You feel stronger and more energetic, probably your mood lifts, and pretty soon you think you are master of your own destiny. Youre still not, by the way: destiny does not care about your step count."
As reported by The Blaze, Williams' column further argued that as individuals become healthier and more confident, they are more prone to highlight the shortcomings of others who may not be "as healthy as you." This, she suggests, can lead to a sense of superiority or being "high on self-righteousness."
"You embark on this voyage of self-improvement, and more or less immediately see results. You feel stronger and more energetic, probably your mood lifts, and pretty soon you think you are master of your own destiny There you are, high on self-righteousness," Williams wrote.
Beyond the potential for judgment and self-righteousness, Williams also proposed that there is a "capitalist logic" inherent in the pursuit of wellness. She suggested a dichotomy between investing time "on your biceps" and nurturing one's personality, implying that the pursuit of physical wellness could detract from personal development.
"I realise its not really a question of an unwitting slide into fascism, hastened by a treadmill. Its more that there is a fixed amount of excellence in any self ... Wellness could turn you into a bit of a jerk, is what Im saying," Williams concluded.
While Williams' perspective is certainly thought-provoking, it raises questions about the balance between physical wellness and personal growth, and whether the pursuit of one necessarily detracts from the other. It also invites a broader discussion about the potential political implications of personal wellness, a topic that warrants further exploration.
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