Resolutions for a Life Worth Living: Attainable Aspirations Inspired by Great Humans of the Past

Resolutions for a Life Worth Living: Attainable Aspirations Inspired by Great Humans of the Past

Living a meaningful life is a pursuit that has preoccupied the minds of philosophers and thinkers throughout history. From Viktor Frankl's emphasis on fearlessness and living in the present moment to Rachel Carson's embrace of the solitude and creative work, and Bertrand Russell's call to broaden our perspectives as we grow older, each of these great individuals offers unique insights and advice for living a life worth living.

Viktor Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, reminds us of the importance of incorporating music and nature into our lives. Frankl believed that music and nature have the power to bring us joy and a sense of freedom from fear. In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, embracing the beauty of music and nature can provide solace and inspiration.

Rachel Carson, a pioneering environmentalist and writer, sheds light on the loneliness that often accompanies creative work. Writing, she argues, is a solitary occupation that requires periods of introspection and isolation. However, this solitude can lead to rich and rewarding experiences. Carson encourages aspiring writers to embrace the loneliness and find solace in the rewards that come from expressing oneself through their craft.

The importance of kindness is emphasized by both Viktor Frankl and James Baldwin. Frankl believes that kindness enriches our lives and allows us to see the goodness in others. Similarly, Baldwin asserts that human beings can only be saved by one another. Kindness and compassion are powerful forces that have the ability to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

Bertrand Russell encourages us to broaden our perspectives as we grow older. He suggests that by expanding our interests and embracing a more impersonal outlook, we can merge our individual lives with the universal life. Russell's call to despise riches, stand up for the marginalized, and have patience and indulgence towards others reminds us of the importance of empathy and social responsibility.

In a surprising turn, the benefits of forgetting are explored by Scott, a cognitive psychologist. He argues that forgetting is not a flaw but rather an advantage. Forgetting allows us to generalize, move on from traumatic events, and be more magnanimous in our relationships. In a world where memory often dominates our lives, the ability to forget can provide us with a sense of freedom and peace.

Scott's insights into memory and forgetting shed light on the workings of our brains. He explains that our ability to save and retrieve information is localized in different regions of the brain. The hippocampus is responsible for saving information, while the prefrontal cortex handles retrieval. The hard drive, located at the back of the brain, stores most of our memories.

Forgetting plays a crucial role in our emotional well-being. Scott explores how forgetting traumatic events is essential for individuals suffering from PTSD. He highlights the importance of social networks in facilitating the process of emotional forgetting. By engaging in socializing and exposing ourselves to new experiences, we can accelerate the process of forgetting and find healing.

The link between forgetting and creativity is also explored by Scott. He argues that forgetting allows our imaginations to roam freely. Memory can sometimes restrict our creativity by anchoring us to the past. Intellectual humility, or the recognition of our limited memory capabilities, can lead to better decision-making and ultimately, a more fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the wisdom and insights provided by these great individuals offer valuable lessons for living a life worth living. Incorporating more music and nature into our lives, embracing the solitude of creative work, practicing kindness and compassion, broadening our perspectives, and recognizing the benefits of forgetting are actionable steps we can take to enhance our well-being and find meaning in our lives.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Incorporate more music and nature into your daily life. Take time to listen to your favorite songs or go for a walk in nature to find solace and freedom from fear.

• 2. Embrace solitude and creative work. Find moments of introspection and isolation to nurture your creativity and express yourself through your chosen craft.

• 3. Practice kindness and compassion towards others. Recognize the value of empathy and extend acts of kindness to enrich your own life and the lives of those around you.