Beyond the Box: A True Real-World Experience - By Akira Singh

Written By: Akira Singh

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Akira Singh's thought-provoking essay, "Beyond the Box: A True Real-World Experience," is a compelling entry in the Essay category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This insightful work challenges societal norms and explores the profound theme of finding meaning in life through the contemplation of death. Singh invites readers to reflect on the societal pressures that shape our existence and the importance of embracing the present moment to lead fulfilling lives.

About the Work

"Beyond the Box" presents a critical analysis of societal constraints, drawing on the thoughts of philosopher Giacomo Leopardi. The essay reflects on how the denial of death and the pressures of capitalist society contribute to unfulfilled lives. Singh argues for the necessity of acknowledging mortality as a means to inspire action, creativity, and meaningful connections, urging readers to transcend the metaphorical box imposed by societal norms.

Beyond the Box: A True Real-World Experience

Original Submission by Akira Singh

Beyond the box: A true Real-World Experience

Human existence is moored in creation and connection; like a boat tightly docked. Giacomo Leopardi believed that our entire existence was anchored in suffering, that the knowledge of morality fueled it. His fear of death was his excuse for his existential paralysis. He became obsessed with it. In Zibaldone, Entry 4175, he writes, “Not only men, but the whole human race is and will be inevitably unhappy”. His assumption on life led to a stagnant existence. His awareness of death caused him to focus on the future without acknowledging the present; in the modern world, our problem is denial. Humans are in denial of death which leads them to live unfulfilling lives. Our death denial stems from the constraints of our capitalist society. This essay challenges Leopardi’s belief by arguing that societal pressure, and our lack of contemplation on death, restrains us from living a meaningful life. This essay will demonstrate how societal pressure and the necessity of contemplation is the key to the true ‘Real World Experience’.

The reason for our meaningless lives is institutionalised societal pressure. Society forces us to live a structured life; a metaphorical box. We have created these walls around us which form a prison. These ‘walls’ are gender oppression, wealth infatuation, beauty standards, academic success, social media comparison, and political conformity. In Entry 3817, Leopardi writes, “Society is not a progress of our nature, but a corruption... it is a state of constraint, of violence, of constant war, though hidden and silent, against nature”. He suggests that societal actions are hidden and silent. Our actions in the modern era prove that none of these constraints are hidden nor silent. War crimes are constant and deafening; child exploitation is omnipresent; and capital is a tool used by those in power to expedite unprecedented atrocities. Gender inequality is on the rise, outré aesthetic norms are illusions sold to women, and the categorisation of students based on standardised tests is shackled to a child’s mental health. These societal pressures are evidence in our unfulfilling lives. Humans are trapped in a cycle of unfiltered noise and repetition which we call a capitalist society. Humanity’s lack of contemplation on death is the side effect of our structured way of life. We live in a naïve box existing in complacency. I believe the only solution to living a meaningful life is by observing the inevitability of the end to figure out how to live in the present.

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Death contemplation is the answer to society’s constrained life. By understanding the concept of death, humans open themselves up to the possibility of action. Death can be used as a constant motivational source to achieve desired goals, take risks, and promote connection with others. While the knowledge of death is bittersweet, it serves as a reminder that existence is finite, urging us to fully inhabit the present. There are a lot of assumptions about the next life, and many people view it as a second chance, but none of this is guaranteed. Reincarnation is not a fact. Living in a world surrounded by these societal pressures forces us to be afraid. We are afraid because of our societal restrictions. One cannot go through life betting on freedom in the next life. Once humanity accepts death, the ‘risk’ becomes trivial compared to the ‘risk’ of living an unfulfilling life. In Entry 115, Leopardi writes, “The most certain way to conceal from ourselves our own unhappiness is to believe that we are happy or will be so”. He clearly states that we hide our unhappiness in superficial notions. One could call it a blindless faith. Consequently, our current social structure is the cause of our unhappiness and unfulfilling lives. Our ‘box’ is the fuel which drives humanity to endless suffering. A sense of urgency is required to overcome these challenges. Humanity needs to face this reality and build that awareness into determined action.

Change can be made with one small step. Through a critical understanding of our society and the acknowledgement of death, humanity can create art and forge significant connections which lead to a meaningful life. Creation is second nature. The universe exploded into being and humans were born from a primordial artisanship. Nothing can better conquer humanity’s collective unhappiness than creating. That is what makes humanity distinctive. As humans we are biologically social beings. Each of our connections made throughout our lives holds a fundamental importance. They are what truly matters in existence. When we reach the end, our minds will flood with memories of people we loved. Ultimately, our connections are what makes existence worth living. In Entry 2172, Leopardi writes, “Action, and action alone, is the source of all the life and all the pleasure that is possible for man”. Even a pessimist like Leopardi recognized the importance of action. Without it, humanity would never have been able to walk on the moon. Through urgent action humans can live a meaningful life filled with happiness and cultivate worthwhile connections. Humans accept a constrained life, yet that is not what we were made for. We are made to create and connect. That is the only way to find a meaning in this life.

While societal pressure tries to cut our ropes and drift us into “unfiltered noise,” the awareness of death is necessary for us to stay “moored” to what actually matters. Death contemplation is the motivator needed for action. With it, one can live a meaningful life. A death realization urges humanity to take the necessary risks to achieve their goals. Through this determined action, creation and connection are born. Creation being music, art, books, poetry, movies, and technology while connection flourishes through romantic relationships, friendships, and strong family bonds. Finally, our meaning in life is not tied to death or social structure; it is our sheer grit that pushes us toward it.

Beyond the Box - Akira Singh

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform that celebrates diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It provides a unique opportunity for writers worldwide to showcase their talent and engage with a global audience. Participants explore various themes and styles, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our gratitude to Akira Singh for their profound essay, "Beyond the Box: A True Real-World Experience." In the context of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Singh's work challenges readers to reflect deeply on societal constraints and the importance of living a meaningful life. Thank you, Akira, for sharing your insightful perspective with us.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.