Existentialism

The Definition of Hell: Meeting Your Potential

GoalDude

The great motivators of our time have all spoken about the power of potential. They’ve emphasized that within each of us lies a dormant force so compelling that, if tapped, it could lead us to achievements beyond our wildest dreams. But what if there was an alternative perspective, one where the concept of ‘potential’ takes on a more ominous tone? What if, as the statement goes, the definition of hell is dying and meeting the person you could have become?

Let’s pause here and consider the weight of that thought. I know, it sounds like the plot of a Twilight Zone episode that Rod Serling forgot to write. But stick with me.


The Heavenly Hellfire of Regret

Hell isn’t just a concept of fire and brimstone; it’s the agony of unrealized potential. It’s the pain of looking back on your life and recognizing the moments you shied away from risk, the times you chose comfort over challenge, or the instances you let fear dictate your decisions. If this isn’t a wake-up call wrapped in a fire alarm at 3 a.m., I don’t know what is.

The idea isn’t to scare you into action but to ignite a fire that makes you question the trajectory of your current path. It’s a bit like having a guardian devil instead of a guardian angel, whispering not-so-sweet nothings like, “Hey, are you sure you want to binge another Netflix series when you could be learning the guitar?” or “How about swapping that doughnut for a dumbbell?”

The Tale of Two You’s

Imagine meeting this person you could have become. They speak several languages, wrote that book you always said you would, started a charity, and basically lived your dream life. Meeting them isn’t about jealousy; it’s about realization. Realization that the same 24 hours were available to both versions of you. One chose to make them count, the other didn’t.

Making Heaven Out of Hell

So, how can we transform this notion of hell into a slice of heavenly motivation? The first step is taking an inventory of your life. Where are you now? Where could you be? Then work on closing that gap one day at a time. Every day is a new opportunity to diverge from a path leading to regret.

The Antidote to Regret: Action

The beauty of this concept is that it urges you into action. It fosters a sense of urgency that can be your greatest ally. Unlike the procrastination demon who whispers, “There’s always tomorrow,” this guardian devil screams, “What if there is no tomorrow?”

Humor Me: The Ultimate Choice

In the grand comedy that is life, we’re all stumbling and improvising our way through scenes, hoping for a few laughs and maybe a standing ovation at the end. But what if the real choice is between being a lead actor or an understudy in your own life story?

Imagine a curtain call in the theater of life where you’re greeted not just by applause, but by the person you could have become. Would they be giving you a standing ovation or a facepalm? The answer to that question, my friends, is the difference between a life well-lived and one mired in ‘what-ifs’.

So let’s make a pact, shall we? A pact to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield until we’re either living our potential or darn close to it. That way, when the time comes for that all-important meeting, it won’t be a journey to hell but rather a heavenly affirmation that we squeezed every last drop out of this thing called life.

More Life Shattering Ideas Below

Become the Leading Protagonist of Your Own Life

GoalDude

We often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of life, playing the role of a bystander, observing other’s lives with curiosity and admiration. But what if we told you that you don’t have to be a journalist recording someone else’s life? Instead, you can take the reins and become the protagonist of your own unique, incredible story. In this article, we’ll explore how to step out of the shadows and embrace the leading role in your own life.!

Discover Your Passions and Pursue Them

One of the critical elements of embracing your own life story is recognizing your passions and dedicating yourself to them. What makes your heart race? What gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment? Identify these forces, and don’t be afraid to chase after them. The more you pursue your passions, the more you’ll feel like the star of your own show.

Set Personal Goals and Work Towards Them

A well-crafted narrative needs direction and purpose, which is where setting personal goals comes into play. Establish both short-term and long-term goals for yourself and create a detailed roadmap for how to achieve them. Goals should be a reflection of your own desires and aspirations, not someone else’s expectations!

Cultivate Your Unique Voice and Perspective

Every great protagonist has a unique voice that sets them apart. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through in all aspects of your life. Whether it’s your personal style, your hobbies, or your opinions, own your uniqueness and let it guide you. This will not only make your life more interesting but also give you a sense of ownership over your story. Need some inspiration, read our article on Francis Bourgeois.

Build Meaningful Relationships

No protagonist’s journey is complete without a cast of supporting characters. Surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire, and challenge you to be the best version of yourself. These relationships will enrich your life and provide you with valuable connections and experiences, making your story all the more vibrant and engaging.

Take Risks and Embrace Growth

A compelling narrative is one filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. Don’t shy away from taking risks or venturing outside your comfort zone. Embrace the inevitable ups and downs, and view each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. This mindset will transform your life into an exciting adventure, with you at the helm.

Remember, you are not a journalist recording someone else’s life – you are the protagonist of your own extraordinary story. So, carpe diem, and make every chapter of your life a captivating tale worth telling!

Live Your Best Life!

The Philosophy of Kierkegaard: A Guide to Living a Gratifying Life

GoalDude

Soren Kierkegaard, the 19th-century Danish philosopher, is often regarded as the father of existentialism. His work delves into the complexities of human existence, focusing on the individual’s subjective experience and the process of self-discovery. By exploring Kierkegaard’s philosophy, we can glean insights into how to live a gratifying life, rooted in self-awareness, authenticity, and personal meaning.

The Concept of the Self

Central to Kierkegaard’s philosophy is the idea that the self is a synthesis of opposing elements – the finite and infinite, the temporal and eternal, and the freedom and necessity. To live a gratifying life, one must recognize and reconcile these opposing forces. This means understanding that life is full of contradictions and uncertainties, and embracing the process of becoming a fully-realized self.

The Stages of Life

Kierkegaard proposed three stages of life, each representing a different way of relating to the world and the self:

  • Aesthetic Stage: In this stage, individuals seek pleasure and enjoyment, often pursuing hedonistic experiences. While this stage can provide temporary gratification, it can ultimately lead to boredom and despair, as it lacks deeper meaning.
  • Ethical Stage: Moving beyond the aesthetic stage, individuals enter the ethical stage, where they begin to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a moral code. This stage involves a greater sense of commitment and purpose, but can still be limiting if one adheres to external standards without questioning their personal values.
  • Religious Stage: In the religious stage, individuals transcend the ethical stage by embracing a personal relationship with the divine or a higher power. This stage, according to Kierkegaard, is where true self-awareness, authenticity, and personal meaning can be found.

The Leap of Faith

Kierkegaard argued that a gratifying life requires a “leap of faith” – a willingness to embrace the uncertainties of life and commit to one’s own values and beliefs, even in the absence of objective evidence. This leap of faith is not blind or irrational, but rather a conscious choice to trust in one’s own experiences and inner convictions.

Authenticity and Individuality

A crucial aspect of living a gratifying life, according to Kierkegaard, is embracing one’s individuality and striving for authenticity. This means being true to oneself, even in the face of societal norms and expectations. It involves recognizing and accepting one’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and desires, and striving to live a life that is congruent with one’s innermost values.

The Importance of Passion and Subjectivity

Kierkegaard emphasized the role of passion and subjectivity in living a gratifying life. He believed that individuals must engage wholeheartedly in their pursuits and be willing to confront the emotions and experiences that arise in the process. By embracing the subjective nature of existence, one can cultivate a richer, more meaningful life.

Soren Kierkegaard’s philosophy offers valuable insights into living a gratifying life. By understanding the nature of the self, navigating the stages of life, taking a leap of faith, embracing authenticity and individuality, and acknowledging the importance of passion and subjectivity, one can strive to live a life imbued with personal meaning and fulfillment. Kierkegaard’s teachings remind us that the journey towards a gratifying life is a deeply personal and introspective one, where the individual must confront the complexities and uncertainties of existence with courage, conviction, and self-awareness.

More Philosophical Masters…

Overcoming Nihilism: Harnessing Schopenhauer’s Wisdom to Preserve Your Drive in Life

GoalDude

Arthur Schopenhauer, the influential 19th-century German philosopher, grappled with the challenges of nihilism and its potential to undermine our drive and purpose in life. Though his philosophy often touches on pessimism and the inherent suffering of human existence, Schopenhauer’s philosophy also offers insights into preventing nihilism from consuming our lives. Let’s explore Schopenhauer’s wisdom to help maintain our drive and find meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Embrace the Power of Art and Aesthetics

For Schopenhauer, art and aesthetics provided a temporary escape from the suffering and meaninglessness of everyday life. He believed that by immersing ourselves in the beauty of art, music, and literature, we could transcend our immediate circumstances and experience a momentary reprieve from nihilism. By nurturing our appreciation for art and aesthetics, we can cultivate a sense of wonder and connection to something greater than ourselves, helping to counteract feelings of nihilism.

Develop Compassion and Empathy

Schopenhauer viewed compassion and empathy as essential human virtues that could alleviate some of the inherent suffering in life. By cultivating these qualities, we can foster a sense of connection and shared humanity, helping to counterbalance feelings of meaninglessness. By empathizing with others and working to alleviate their suffering, we can find meaning and purpose in our own lives, preventing nihilism from eroding our drive.

Seek Wisdom and Personal Growth

Schopenhauer believed that the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom could help us make sense of the world and our place within it. By engaging in a lifelong quest for learning and self-improvement, we can continually challenge ourselves to grow, adapt, and evolve, ultimately cultivating a deeper understanding of our own existence. This intellectual journey can provide a sense of purpose and meaning that counteracts nihilism.

Practice Mindfulness and Acceptance

One of the cornerstones of Schopenhauer’s philosophy is the idea of acceptance – coming to terms with the inherent suffering and challenges of life. By practicing mindfulness and embracing acceptance, we can learn to navigate life’s difficulties with grace and resilience, reducing the power of nihilism. Through mindfulness, we can focus on the present moment and cultivate an appreciation for the simple joys of life, helping to maintain our drive and motivation.

Find Your Personal Values and Pursue Your Passions

Schopenhauer emphasized the importance of discovering our personal values and passions as a means of finding meaning. By identifying what truly matters to us, and pursuing those interests with dedication, we can create a sense of purpose. Engaging in activities and causes that align with our values can help sustain our drive and enthusiasm for life, even in the face of adversity.

Schopenhauer’s insights into the human condition offer valuable guidance for preventing nihilism from undermining our drive and motivation. By embracing the power of art, cultivating compassion, seeking wisdom, practicing mindfulness, and pursuing our passions, we can counteract the influence of nihilism and create a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives. In doing so, we can harness Schopenhauer’s wisdom to navigate the challenges of existence and maintain our drive to thrive.

More Philosophical Discussion

The Ephemeral Nature of Material Ownership

GoalDude

I read a few articles recently that had me delve deep into the notion of what ownership really means. One article written in the Wallstreet Journal discussed a poor woman whose life savings were accidentally “confiscated” by the FBI for crimes she did not commit. Honest mistake, right? Simple fix… Just give her money back, right? Oh no, through some bullshit legalese she is now fighting in the courts to get her money back costing her time, money, and emotional capital. I know, it had me scratching my head too.

Some financial “experts” think the government should use eminent domain to seize private lands in order to boost green energy projects. My guess, is these experts have something to gain, but I digress… So basically our property and land can, for most intents and purposes, be taken without our consent… So what do we really “own”? Our thoughts, ideas, and how we chose to implement those in the world. And quite honestly that is about it! Even our relationships with others can be fleeting and tempermental.

It is unfortunate that ownership of material possessions is often seen as a measure of success and security. However, as recent events have shown, the stability of property ownership can be uncertain. Whether through government intervention, financial challenges, or even natural disasters, material possessions is transient and vulnerable at best. Afterall, when we all shuffle off this mortal coil so to speak, we don’t take any of this crap with us anyways… Consequently, it becomes essential to acknowledge and appreciate the aspects of our lives that cannot be taken away and cannot be controlled: our thoughts and ideas.

The Power of Thoughts and Ideas

  1. Personal identity: Our thoughts and ideas shape our beliefs, values, and perceptions, which in turn contribute to our sense of identity. By nurturing and embracing our unique perspectives, we can cultivate a strong sense of self that remains impervious to external circumstances.
  2. Creativity and innovation: The power of human thought and imagination has driven progress and innovation throughout history. By valuing and investing in our ideas, we contribute to the ongoing evolution of society and help to create a better future for ourselves and others.
  3. Emotional resilience: As our ultimate possession, thoughts and ideas can serve as a source of strength and resilience in times of adversity. By developing a rich inner life, we can draw upon our inner resources to navigate challenges and maintain a sense of balance and well-being.
  4. Legacy: While material possessions may be temporary, the impact of our thoughts and ideas can endure through time. By sharing our wisdom, creativity, and insights, we can leave a lasting legacy that transcends the limitations of material ownership. Think about Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Kant, Arendt – it was their ideas and thoughts that survived.

Nurturing Our Inner World

To fully harness the power of our thoughts and ideas, it is essential to nurture and invest in our “inner world”. Here are some strategies to foster personal growth and self-awareness:

  1. Engage in self-reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This practice can help you better understand yourself and gain insights into your values, strengths, and areas for growth.
  2. Pursue personal development: Actively seek opportunities to learn and grow, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-directed learning. By expanding your knowledge and skills, you can enrich your inner world and increase your capacity for creative thinking.
  3. Embrace creativity: Engage in activities that spark your imagination and encourage creative expression, such as writing, painting, or playing a musical instrument. These pursuits can help you tap into your unique ideas and perspectives.
  4. Cultivate mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to develop greater self-awareness and enhance your ability to manage your thoughts and emotions.

In a world where material ownership is subject to change and uncertainty, recognizing the power and importance of our thoughts and ideas becomes crucial. Our inner world offers a sanctuary of personal identity, creativity, emotional resilience, and enduring legacy that transcends the limitations of external circumstances. By nurturing and valuing our unique perspectives, we can embrace the true essence of ownership and chart a path towards personal growth, fulfillment, and lasting impact. Find comfort in the fact that no Wallstreet dickhead, self-righteous bureaucrat, or pompous lawyer can seize the most important “property” of all – your thoughts.

More Good Stuff Below…

What Existentialism Can Teach Us About Life (Sartre on Success)

GoalDude

Existentialism is a philosophical movement rooted in the importance of individual responsibility. This means we have the power to create meaning and purpose through our choices and actions. We can develop a framework for making meaningful choices in life by taking responsibility for our existence.

One of the central tenets of existentialism is the freedom to shape our lives; meaning is created through our choices and actions. Sartre’s believed that we are not determined by our past experiences, our environment, or our cultural circumstances; fortunately, we have the power to make conscious and deliberate choices allowing us to create our own destiny.

Another key aspect of existentialism is the importance of authenticity. Sartre believed that it is essential to be true to oneself and live in accordance with one’s own values, beliefs, and desires. Living inauthentically, by conforming to societal norms or expectations, is to surrender our freedom and to become a “useless passion”. By embracing authenticity and living a life that is true to our own values, we can ensure we are living a good life that is meaningful (and hopefully fulfilling).

“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.”

Jean-Paul Sartre

Existentialism also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility. Sartre believed that we must take responsibility for our choices and actions and, perhaps more importantly, accept the consequences of those choices. This means we cannot blame our circumstances, our environment, or other people for the state of our lives.

For example, in Sartre’s play “No Exit,” the characters are faced with the realization that they are responsible for their own existence and that they cannot escape the consequences of their choices. The play demonstrates that taking responsibility for our existence is a difficult and challenging process, but that it is also the only way to achieve a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Sartre believed that we must always strive to act in accordance with OUR values and beliefs, even if it means challenging societal norms and expectations that we may not truly agree with. Living a life of integrity and authenticity is more important than conforming to societal norms.

Existentialism can help us live a good life by empowering us to take responsibility for our existence, by emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-expression, and by providing a framework for making meaningful choices. By embracing the principles of existentialism, we can create a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and in line with our own desires and values.

Think Deeper, Live Better…