"The Hooked Model: Resolutions for a Life Worth Living"

"The Hooked Model: Resolutions for a Life Worth Living"

If we abide by the common definition of philosophy as the love of wisdom, and if Montaigne was right — he was — that philosophy is the art of learning to die, then living wisely is the art of learning how you will wish to have lived. We will lose everything we love, including our lives — so we might as well love without fear, for to fear a certainty is wasted energy that syphons life of aliveness.

In their fear of death, those living fear life itself, a life that is doomed to die… The mode in which life knows and perceives itself is worry. Thus the object of fear comes to be fear itself. Even if we should assume that there is nothing to fear, that death is no evil, the fact of fear (that all living things shun death) remains. Fearlessness is what love seeks. Love as craving is determined by its goal, and this goal is freedom from fear… Such fearlessness exists only in the complete calm that can no longer be shaken by events expected of the future… Hence the only valid tense is the present, the Now.

Viktor Frankl, in his profound insights, suggests that having more music and nature in our lives can help us find meaning. A century after Nietzsche proclaimed that "without music life would be a mistake" and after Walt Whitman observed that music is the profoundest expression of nature, we can understand that it is not only through our actions that we can give life meaning. We can answer life’s specific questions responsibly and fulfill the demands of existence not only as active agents but also as loving human beings.

Unfortunately, in our present culture, we often judge people harshly by the standards of the present, without considering the difficult lives they endured to establish those standards. We also hold ourselves to impossible standards of uniform perfection across all areas of life, which can lead to an indignant intolerance for the basic humanity of being human. However, the kinder and more thoughtful we are, the more kindness we can find in others. Kindness enriches our lives and helps us see the world in a clearer and more cheerful light.

James Baldwin reminds us that it is easier to give a name to evil outside of ourselves rather than locating the terror within. However, he also recognizes the importance of human connection in saving one another. While we may not save each other frequently, there are moments when we do save one another. Loving and being loved by others is a tremendous responsibility and a tremendous danger. We must be clear-headed about human beings because we are still each other's only hope.

Rachel Carson, in her reflections on creative work, acknowledges the loneliness that comes with writing. However, she believes that only those who know and are not afraid of loneliness should aspire to be writers. The rewards of creative work are rich and satisfying, but it requires solitude and isolation at times to truly tap into one's creativity. Communication between individuals is not solely about exchanging information but involves a deep relationship between the speaker and the listener. The power of words and speech can create magic, and the act of communication is amplified when both parties are engaged.

Seneca advises us not to be unhappy before the crisis comes, as the dangers we anticipate may never materialize. Misplaced worry drains us of energy and prevents us from fully living in the present moment. Bertrand Russell, in his exploration of growing old, encourages us to broaden our interests and merge our lives with the universal life. By embracing the earth, animals, and humanity as a whole, we can find fulfillment and become a part of something greater than ourselves.

Lastly, we must recognize that our perception of reality is shaped by our own experiences and worldview. The way we look at things influences what we see, and often our judgment of others is a reflection of ourselves. To truly understand and love one another, we must prioritize understanding over being right. Seeing others with the eyes of love and resisting judgment is the greatest gift we can give each other.

In conclusion, to live a life worth living, we must embrace fearlessness, incorporate music and nature, practice kindness, save one another, confront the loneliness of creative work, communicate with power, avoid misplaced worry, broaden our interests, and approach others with love and understanding. By incorporating these resolutions into our lives, we can find meaning, connection, and fulfillment in our journey.