I just happened on your post. I’m sure that this is exactly what most people need to hear. So thank you for writing it. As a parent and a philosopher I only offer my students (including my children) the truth: your life is the only life you get to experience; there will be pain and sometimes suffering, but don’t be afraid to accept this reality. “Happiness” while not an illusion (and not subjective) cannot be pursued. Viktor Frankl, who survived the Holocaust, teaches this point in his writings on his life. That we take the necessary steps to survive (whatever our challenges may be), day-to-day, and at some point we can reflect upon our life that its sum is good (and happiness ensues) because we were the agents responsible.
“Life is not something, it is the opportunity for something.” (Viktor Frankl)
Simple - but not TOO simple. Joel, you're a humanistic Einstein (or whomever actually said it)! Glad I got turned onto this "new" project of yours. I look forward to more in 2025. Wishing you a happy and healthy (but not toxically so) New Year.
I just happened on your post. I’m sure that this is exactly what most people need to hear. So thank you for writing it. As a parent and a philosopher I only offer my students (including my children) the truth: your life is the only life you get to experience; there will be pain and sometimes suffering, but don’t be afraid to accept this reality. “Happiness” while not an illusion (and not subjective) cannot be pursued. Viktor Frankl, who survived the Holocaust, teaches this point in his writings on his life. That we take the necessary steps to survive (whatever our challenges may be), day-to-day, and at some point we can reflect upon our life that its sum is good (and happiness ensues) because we were the agents responsible.
“Life is not something, it is the opportunity for something.” (Viktor Frankl)
Thank you for your kind words.
And the notion that life is inherently a mixed bag is actually ancient, expressed beautifully and poignantly in a 2,000-year-old allegory.
Simple - but not TOO simple. Joel, you're a humanistic Einstein (or whomever actually said it)! Glad I got turned onto this "new" project of yours. I look forward to more in 2025. Wishing you a happy and healthy (but not toxically so) New Year.
Glad to have you here, Peter. And thank you for your kind words!
"This is toxic positivity — an outrageous, heartless, unfeeling, and unrealistic ban on anything that isn’t superb. And it’s killing us." - Fantastic!
Thanks for your kind words!