Philosophy is the essential, centering pursuit. It challenges us. It requires work and reflection and self-criticism. It requires that we hold ourselves to certain standards and that we hold ourselves to account when we fail to. It's the real work, not the busy work. Philosophy is what birthed you, raised you, and continues to re-make you as life goes on. Don't let some momentum in your other pursuits fool you into thinking you no longer need it. It's home. Make sure you're paying the proper respects. Make sure you're going back often, so that today's rhythm does not become tomorrow's rut.
"Grief is such a trick. It's about looking into the past. Grief gets you stuck there. You get stuck back there, thinking about the things that happened, that you liked, didn't like, the things you'd do over or avoid. That's what grief really is. Missing what you had and wishing for the do-over. It really is a big thief of your present. I've had enough grief to understand that you may be in some regret over what has happened. But that is not going to change anything about your present. It impacts it negatively because you are no longer paying attention to your future. And that is the biggest lesson I've learned about grief. You think you can get over it, but you're really bringing it with you."
Stoicism isn't about judging other people. It's not a moral philosophy you're supposed to project and enforce onto the world. No, it's a personal philosophy that's designed to direct your behavior.
This is what Marcus Aurelius meant when he said:
"Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself."
Be open to the idea that people are going to be fools or jerks or unreliable or anything else. Let them be. That's their business. That's not inside your control.
No comments:
Post a Comment