In my explorations of how to live, I've discovered three fundamental truths, each of which reveals a route to happiness:
1. The self is an illusion. The child in that old photo, taken almost forever ago, isn't "me" in any meaningful sense... different atoms, different beliefs, different everything. Happiness can be achieved through the complete dissolution of the ego.
2. Materialism is destructive. We are designed to want things, and that puts us on a hedonistic treadmill that serves evolution's ends but not ours. Happiness can be achieved through detachment from the physical world and freedom from material desires.
3. Defining or measuring yourself in relation to others is counterproductive, as is seeking their approval. Fame is a food that dead men eat. Happiness can be achieved by focusing on what you think of yourself, not on what others think of you.
By always remembering and living by these truths, a lifetime of happiness is virtually assured.
By the way, one quick programming note. I won't be able to post again until the new year. I need to go to Dubai to supervise the me-shaped island I'm having built... I told the developers I wanted a solid platinum belly-button helipad, but apparently the one they're constructing is merely platinum plated.
1. The self is an illusion. The child in that old photo, taken almost forever ago, isn't "me" in any meaningful sense... different atoms, different beliefs, different everything. Happiness can be achieved through the complete dissolution of the ego.
2. Materialism is destructive. We are designed to want things, and that puts us on a hedonistic treadmill that serves evolution's ends but not ours. Happiness can be achieved through detachment from the physical world and freedom from material desires.
3. Defining or measuring yourself in relation to others is counterproductive, as is seeking their approval. Fame is a food that dead men eat. Happiness can be achieved by focusing on what you think of yourself, not on what others think of you.
By always remembering and living by these truths, a lifetime of happiness is virtually assured.
By the way, one quick programming note. I won't be able to post again until the new year. I need to go to Dubai to supervise the me-shaped island I'm having built... I told the developers I wanted a solid platinum belly-button helipad, but apparently the one they're constructing is merely platinum plated.
posted by howtolive.org at
1:08 PM
7 Comments:
Thanks for this post. I enjoy checking back to see what you've written. I never come away without feeling thoughtful.
By
Happily Coupled, at 2:40 PM
Interesting thoughts. But now I feel the need to go and build a me-shaped island in Dubai. And I'll make sure it's twice as big and twice as great as yours. Then everyone will like me, right? =)
By
Jason Williams, at 5:43 PM
I am compelled to express my gratitude for your site. You inspire me to.........................................................................................................Who am I kidding? I'm still in existential paralysis.
By
Chuck, at 2:29 PM
This vaguely reminds me of this old religious proverb:
"Attachment is the root of all suffering. Freedom from attachment is freedom from suffering."
I know that "freedom from suffering" doesn't exactly equal "happiness", but it's close enough to draw the parallel, right?
Oh, and Happy New Year.
By
Derrick ByAnyOtherName, at 1:11 PM
That's quite... elegantly put! Thank you!
So now... reducing the materialism footprint is pretty easy for me, but how to dissolve the ego and get rid of social inhibition??
I think a lot of people are just born with this talent of "happiness", but everyone else who starts to realize these simple truths must sometimes climb exceedingly hard cliffs to reach them. The biggest problem is that I don't think there's a simple answer for everyone as how to cast off these social and existential weights. Everyone has their own personal journey, (individual minds are damn complicated) and man - there are countless distractions along the way.
I think that constant reminders such as these definitely help, though. It's easy to forget, for some reason.
Maybe that's why we have so many tattoo shops.
By
mike, at 2:14 AM
Nice concepts, but without materialism and attachment we would still be living in caves. Contemplating our navels perhaps, but in caves.
If one is seeking the type of happiness and detachment of a devout Buddhist, being materialistic is counter-productive. But if you want to be a modern person living in a modern society, you will need "stuff."
This line of thought makes me want to ask you one question: Do you leave your keys in your car when you park? Do you leave your bike unlocked downtown? If a pickpocket puts his hand on your wallet do you resist? If so, you are not very detached from material things. Do you feel shame for being materialistic?
By
Anonymous, at 8:59 AM
Great comments in all your blogs. I like your site a lot. This post was good stuff.
By
Anonymous, at 4:40 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home