 |
Narcissus, 1599, Caravaggio |
Those who lack the information and mental acuity to recognize the superficiality and insincerity of it all are led to believe that their contributions are insignificant and that they have no worth unless they are heard, seen, accepted, and acknowledged by others.
Telling ourselves that receiving attention is the path to fulfillment - whether in a corporate setting, family, or local community - is an unhealthy form of self-care and an ineffective way to contribute to a cause.
In our pursuit of authentic recognition, we often become less authentic. This happens when we place more trust in the arbitrary and often flawed judgments of strangers, shifting public opinion, and the whims of social media algorithms than in our own logic.
The most important and influential people in our lives are not those we see on TV, on stage, or on social media. They are also not the pretentious folks trying to convince us that their lives are perfect. Instead, they are the people who have helped shape our lives with their consistent and often selfless presence, which is anything but glamorous.
 |
Fishing in Spring, the Pont de Clichy (Asnières), 1887, Vincent van Gogh |
Lao Tzu, the author of the Tao Te Ching, a Chinese classic text central to religious and philosophical Taoism, stressed the importance of aligning oneself with the natural order of the universe. He discussed the concept of wu wei, which is the cultivation of a mental state in which one’s actions effortlessly align with life’s natural flow.
Meditations, a timeless masterpiece by Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, was written for personal use only and not intended for publication. The book contains his private musings and has influenced people across the centuries. It is one of the most notable sources for studying and understanding ancient Stoic philosophy. Aurelius's most lasting contribution to humanity did not come from his position as emperor and the most influential figure of his time. Rather, it was the result of his contemplation of Stoicism during moments of solitude and seclusion, when no one was watching.
Similar to Socrates' dictum that "the unexamined life is not worth living," one should accept that life becomes easier in today's chaotic world by believing in and striving for true fulfillment, which does not come from being seen by many, but rather from "seeing" ourselves. This profound "seeing" occurs when we understand our values, act with integrity, and meaningfully contribute to the quiet rhythm of human existence.
Meditations, a timeless masterpiece by Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, was written for personal use only and not intended for publication. The book contains his private musings and has influenced people across the centuries. It is one of the most notable sources for studying and understanding ancient Stoic philosophy. Aurelius's most lasting contribution to humanity did not come from his position as emperor and the most influential figure of his time. Rather, it was the result of his contemplation of Stoicism during moments of solitude and seclusion, when no one was watching.
Similar to Socrates' dictum that "the unexamined life is not worth living," one should accept that life becomes easier in today's chaotic world by believing in and striving for true fulfillment, which does not come from being seen by many, but rather from "seeing" ourselves. This profound "seeing" occurs when we understand our values, act with integrity, and meaningfully contribute to the quiet rhythm of human existence.
