2-1-1: You cannot escape from suffering, know yourself through people’s eyes, regrets are helpful too.
Hello and Happy Wednesday. Here are the 2 deep philosophical thoughts, 1 book summary and 1 book recommendation. Book Notes (bonus). Enjoy.
Food for Thought:
1. If there is any meaning at all, there should be a meaning in suffering. Suffering is an ineradicable part of life, as are fate and death. - Victor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning.
2. Your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing. - Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment.
Book Summary: The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene.
We are not what we think we are. There is so much depth to ourselves that we aren't even aware of. We may think we are rational and always make good judgments, but our past tells another story. We may think we are empathetic and understand people at a deeper level, but our relationships prove otherwise. What really happens is that the emotions we suppress as we grow up come to the surface and stir us while we make decisions.
If we think we are above all others, it would be difficult to get into another person's shoes and see things from their perspective. After an achievement or a temporary gain, we feel grandiosity and absolute power. As much of our success comes from people around us, it isn't a wise choice to bring up the envy in others; they wish for our downfall. With deep-rooted flaws, biases, and unmoving convictions, how can we bring out the best in ourselves and thrive in the world?
The answer lies in close introspection of ourselves. What situations trigger what emotions? Where are these emotions coming from? Is there a backstory to that emotion? Do I brag about my achievements or listen to another person attentively in a conversation? What are the mistakes I made? Is there a pattern? Am I making the same mistake again and again? When it comes to criticism, am I rigid about others' opinions or consider them before taking a decision?
Remember that initial observations can be wrong. We may quickly jump to conclusions, as being rational is tiresome. In these moments, we have to be patient, knowing ourselves through a long process. Also, consider the fact that we are in continual flux. The assumptions we made about ourselves would become obsolete with time.
Don't be naive in thinking that people will be nice to us. While interacting, keep a distance and evaluate whether what they say matches what they are doing. People are good at disguising; knowing what they are up to eliminates the drama.
Book Recommendation: The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink
We wish we could live regret-free. Some go on to say that they have no regrets but their lives would tell a different story. We shouldn’t have to be that averse; we can learn from our regrets. In the book, the author talked about four types of regrets and how regrets can deepen our sense of living. Though this book's contents may seem counter-intuitive, they help us understand what we try to avoid: regret.
Book Notes: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
Download the notes by clicking here
Meet you next week,
Avinash Sai
Author and an avid reader.
follow me on: @bookloafer