Quote of the day:
I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches.
-Alice Roosevelt Longworth
Socrates the classical Greek philosopher whose way of life had a profound impact on both ancient and modern philosophy once claimed that the 'un-examined life is not worth living'. Now this thought can be interpreted in several ways by different individuals. After all philosophy is simply attitude that acts as a guiding principle for behavior. In other words, it is the faith, belief, ideology, doctrine, or values that has shaped you all along. But it can be said that for life to be worth living, one must examine the layers therein. We birth personal philosophies that keeps us going. And as we age and experience more of life, our philosophy may either stay the same or change.
One of my personal favourites is 'just be yourself'. A simple yet sound ideal when you think about it. But what does being yourself entail asides the obvious. As humans we are never satisfied with the way we are, heck with almost everything around us. We are constantly changing things but the hardest thing to do is to change ourselves. I believe it does carry a lot of weight -the way we view ourselves is completely different from how others see us. We are all actors performing scene after scene. But there are no cuts or breaks, there is no script to rehearse, no scenes to re-enact, and certainly no playbacks. We write, direct, and film our life how we want.
Living an examined life would mean getting in touch with your true self, using your potential to enrich your soul and others too. For Socrates the examined life was one of wisdom and humility. For Mahatma Ghandi the examined life meant being the change you wish to see in the world. For Mark Twain the examined life was one of always telling the truth, and not having to remember anything. For Maya Angelou the examined life meant that how we treat others is how they will remember us. And for me it can be simplified into several thoughts:
1. Know yourself
2. Embrace your shortcomings
3. Challenge your perspective on things
4. Discover like minded individuals and appreciate them
5. Take risks. Win. Fail. Repeat
6. Be kind. Even to those deemed undeserving
Make up your philosophy as you live through life. Amend it, add to it, own it. But whatever you do, never live without one. It is the balance that shapes everything.
Peace. Love. Light*
Current Listen: Charlie Parker - All the things you are
38 Comments
It's like when people say--"act your age"--just what does that mean??? I can be myself and be who I want to be. We must live our life--be happy--be creative (in our own way)--Be Nice
ReplyDeleteMB
Life is precious. Live each day to the fullest. Wonderful post. Thank you for your visit.
ReplyDeleteWonderful analysis. I agree with your thinking.
ReplyDeleteYes, having balance helps and live each day as if we are not promised tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteFASHION TALES
Each of us has our paths through life. Being true to that path and truthful while on it are the measure of who we are. Thank you for your visit and comment.
ReplyDeleteI might add to listen. Others may give you a new perspective. You are free to add it to your life or reject it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think it is one of the hardest things in life to do... knowing the true self. We tend to fool ourselves sometimes. I am still learning. I know it can help to see myself through someone elses' eyes.
Now you have me listening to Charlie Parker...
you can't get any simpler than that quote, and I think we all should take a moment to look at ourselves so we can always be the best we can be. Wonderful words of wisdom! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteSuch a great philosophy in the first quote!
ReplyDeleteKisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
I lOvE the opening quote, simple and doable. Mine is, you get what you give. As for being yourself, I think that may be the hardest thing to be. Which self. The one my parents created, society shaped, experiences influenced, which one *grin* but I hear you, it is much easier doing what comes instinctively than what you think is expected of you. More honest too. Happy week to you *smiles*
ReplyDeletei tend 2 be kinder to others than myself ... i have to often remind myself to stop and do what i enjoy as well. it is a constant struggle ... have a nice week. ( ;
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think I examine too much. I am constantly questioning everything I do and think, trying to find the motive or reason behind it. Maybe I should've been a psychologist, lol.
ReplyDeleteMy philosophy has evolved to, be kind. It works in so much of life. I'm sure it too will evolve, but that's it these days.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post ♥
ReplyDeleteHello, I would agree with your 6 thoughts. I always try to be myself and also be kind to others. I love the quote and a great post. The photo is beautiful. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week ahead!
ReplyDeleteMy mantra - Life is short
ReplyDeletePeace, love and kindness.. it's the best way to live ✨
ReplyDeleteGreat quote at the beginning!
ReplyDeletewww.sophiaston.de
We all should have a "rule of life". Yours is a good list.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, It made be smile as I am always saying "it's difficult at times to be me"
ReplyDeletePeace, love and light!
I try to be kind to all and enjoy what each day brings.
ReplyDeleteFor me knowing that Jesus loves me and directs my way brings me joy.
Thank you for calling us to wisdom
ReplyDeleteTo find a balance we should (as well) get rid of thoughts than weaken us and instead think thoughts that strengthen us. Some of us have the propensity to waste precious energy that could be redirected to positive thinking and positive actions.
ReplyDelete:)
I think that the concept of an examined or un-examined life is just that, a concept. I personally live my life by trying to improve, self-therapy and healing are a part of daily life for me because that's who I am, I always want to discover new things about myself and my emotions...and those things that harm me and hamper my happiness. Lots of "h"'s in that sentence lol...but do we judge the person who lives a simple life, not necessarily feeling the need to self-examine? They are happy, doing their thing, being themselves...to me THAT is living. I sometimes wish I didn't think so much! :)
ReplyDeleteI paid for a huge amount of education. I went through the process, and I love what I learned from that education. But something was missing, and that was art. I agree that we need to examine who we are and what we are must happy with. Knowing who you are and loving what you do are high priorities in my book. I remember reading that if you love what you do, if you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life.
ReplyDeleteChallenges ones perspectives and keep on a trying are sure two good ones to improve indeed.
ReplyDeleteGreat Inspiration! Thank you :)
ReplyDeletelovely Greetings
My philosophy? Love your neighbor as yourself. But to do that correctly, you must truly love yourself first, and that takes introspection and showing kindness/forgiveness to all that you are.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts (yours, not mine - LOL)!
This was an interesting post, Mr. B. It seems to me that many people may not be living their best life because of trying to live up to expectations from family, friends and themselves. We should strive to do the best we can, but should remember that failure is not an end.
ReplyDeletelife isn´t easy and canges constantly.
ReplyDeleteI like that last objective--being kind--so many people aren't.
ReplyDeleteI found this inspiring. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteVery well written. Balance does shape everything.
ReplyDeleteWonderful and inspiring thoughts. Insight is the most important ingredient for growth.
ReplyDeleteWell written insights. Have a beautiful day!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part "Make up your philosophy as you live through life." Enjoyed reading this, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI would add talk to people who are different than you - see your commanlities as well as your differences.
ReplyDeleteI like Mark Twain's philosophy. To speak the truth is important. There's really nothing more we have to do. : ) I like your number 6, be kind. And Maya Angelou is such a wonderful person.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful week.
~Sheri
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