Ron Swanson is an anchor in turbulent water.
He is a man of principle. He knows his preferences. He knows his core values.
And he doesn’t budge. He sturdily maintains his stance.
Despite his opposing political views from his closest colleague Leslie Knope, he respects her commitment to her own values, and he also calls her a close friend.
But he doesn’t “blend.” He doesn’t pretend he is something he’s not, just to be liked. He knows that authenticity, consistency, and integrity are more important than fitting in. In fact, he knows that he possesses intrinsic value, that his worthiness for belonging is inherent. He need not conform to anyone else’s expectations.
He doesn’t give a f*** about anyone else’s expectations.
Towards the end of the series though, when he falls in love and bears new responsibilities for his partner’s children, he strays from his “eat meat only” principle. His loved ones are concerned about his insanely low potassium level, so he agrees to eat a banana.
He prioritizes a new value, that for his family. And he does what he needs to do.
Living with integrity need not mean self-sacrifice. Any short-term discomfort can be understood to contribute to a clear life purpose and meaning.
