As I got older, I reduced your example to “space and time” decision: “sit here longer or sit there sooner”. I think that business events influenced this thinking, i..e,, leaving early to a meeting.
I've been thinking recently about the types of hardships we face in life, and this essay brought it up. Like you, I almost WELCOME a grueling physical challenge. I like to think I'd do pretty well in the zombie apocalypse! But, that's not the type of challenge fate ever puts in front of me. Instead, I get to deal with COVID mask mandates, hourly wages, and taxes. This calls up the question - is it really a hardship, if it is the thing I'd prefer?
I have this one thought: We all must make choices on a continual basis. Often, we must make a choice concerning our own inertia, accept things the way they are even if imperfect, or take the initiative and the risk to make it better. I accept that it is on me to make those choices and be responsible for them. My real problem is when 'authorities' take it upon themselves to make those choices for me.
I agree that an authority that assumes that power is a real problem, maybe the biggest problem in last several thousand years. What single individual has caused as much damage as a single government? The open door is true Epictetus, which means open armed acceptance. I do not believe that is the right response for everything. His perspective was that of a slave - he was making an extreme example as a pedagogical technique (that might be controversial to say, but it is my belief). For my part, there are few things better in life that fighting the authorities you mention. This is, in a way, using the open door for what it is - the choice of freedom over the choice of slavery.
As I got older, I reduced your example to “space and time” decision: “sit here longer or sit there sooner”. I think that business events influenced this thinking, i..e,, leaving early to a meeting.
That is true peace with oneself, this is a great example.
I've been thinking recently about the types of hardships we face in life, and this essay brought it up. Like you, I almost WELCOME a grueling physical challenge. I like to think I'd do pretty well in the zombie apocalypse! But, that's not the type of challenge fate ever puts in front of me. Instead, I get to deal with COVID mask mandates, hourly wages, and taxes. This calls up the question - is it really a hardship, if it is the thing I'd prefer?
Haha I have the same thoughts on a daily basis, and I do not believe it is a bad thing to want a good fight in life.
Fate has made this song come on right after I finished reading your post, which I found quite appropriate. Nice story, by the way.
https://open.spotify.com/track/5IqICnOlv4molM6b7bE2Oj?si=V82xLFUpSMOd_a5ArdLrWg&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZEVXcLomjB6OUQZo
I like this, I never would have found it otherwise. Thank you for the share.
I have this one thought: We all must make choices on a continual basis. Often, we must make a choice concerning our own inertia, accept things the way they are even if imperfect, or take the initiative and the risk to make it better. I accept that it is on me to make those choices and be responsible for them. My real problem is when 'authorities' take it upon themselves to make those choices for me.
I agree that an authority that assumes that power is a real problem, maybe the biggest problem in last several thousand years. What single individual has caused as much damage as a single government? The open door is true Epictetus, which means open armed acceptance. I do not believe that is the right response for everything. His perspective was that of a slave - he was making an extreme example as a pedagogical technique (that might be controversial to say, but it is my belief). For my part, there are few things better in life that fighting the authorities you mention. This is, in a way, using the open door for what it is - the choice of freedom over the choice of slavery.
I might add, slavery is the natural state. It is what all cultures will settle into, unless there is constant churn by people who will not accept it.