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 wisely is an art, an art of learning how you will wish to have lived. This concept stems from the common definition of philosophy as the love of wisdom. Philosopher Montaigne emphasized that philosophy is the art of learning to die. While this may seem morbid, it highlights the importance of embracing life without fear. We must love without fear, for fearing the certainty of death only drains our energy and robs life of its aliveness.

Fear is a natural response to the unknown, particularly the fear of death. However, this fear can consume us and hinder our ability to truly live. Fearlessness is what love seeks, as love craves freedom from fear. This fearlessness can only be achieved through a state of complete calmness, where events expected in the future no longer have the power to shake us. Therefore, the present moment becomes the only valid tense — the Now.

Viktor Frankl, known for his profound insights on human existence, suggests that incorporating more music and nature into our lives can enhance our overall well-being. While it may be known that Nietzsche proclaimed that "without music life would be a mistake," it is fascinating to discover that Frankl also recognized the importance of music. Similarly, Walt Whitman observed that music is the profoundest expression of nature. By immersing ourselves in the beauty of music and nature, we can find meaning and fulfillment in our lives.

In our present culture, there is a concerning tendency to harshly judge people of the past based on the standards of the present. Similarly, people of the present are judged by impossible standards of uniform perfection across all aspects of their lives. This intolerance for the basic humanity of being human is disheartening. The kinder and more thoughtful we are, the more kindness we can find in others. Kindness enriches our lives, making difficult things easier and dull things cheerful. It is important to recognize that kindness is for the soul what health is for the body — it often goes unnoticed until we are without it.

James Baldwin reminds us that it has always been easier to give a name to the evil outside of us than to confront the terror within ourselves. However, he also recognizes the power of human connection in saving one another. While it may not happen frequently, there are moments when we save each other — when we love and are loved by another human being. This tremendous danger and responsibility of loving and being loved should not be underestimated. As human beings, we are each other's only hope, and we must approach one another with clarity and understanding.

Rachel Carson, renowned for her groundbreaking work in environmental conservation, sheds light on the loneliness that often accompanies creative work. Writing, in particular, is a lonely occupation that requires solitude and isolation. However, there are rewards that come with this loneliness — rewards that are rich and uniquely satisfying. Only those who know and are unafraid of loneliness should aspire to be writers. Embracing solitude allows for the deep exploration of one's subject matter, leading to the creation of something truly meaningful.

Communication between individuals is more than just the exchange of information. It involves a relationship between the speaker and the listener, embedded within a complex medium of language, society, and culture. Utterance is a powerful act, amplifying the power of both the speaker and the listener. Words and names have the power to change things, and the act of mutual communication can be magical. It is essential to recognize the power of our words and to use them wisely.

Bertrand Russell offers wisdom on growing old and broadening one's life as time grows shorter. He suggests gradually expanding our interests and making them more impersonal. By doing so, we dissolve the walls of our ego and merge our lives with the universal life. Russell compares an individual human existence to a river, starting small and contained within its banks, but eventually rushing passionately past obstacles. To lead a fulfilling life, we must love the earth, despise riches, give to others, stand up against tyranny, and continually seek knowledge.

Our perception of reality is shaped by our interpretation, filtered through the lens of our experiences and conditioned worldview. It is crucial to approach others with charity and love, as our judgments often reflect our own limitations and biases. Thich Nhat Hanh beautifully states that understanding is love's other name, emphasizing the importance of seeking understanding over the desire to be right. By approaching others with love and compassion, we can give each other the greatest gift.

In the realm of writing, technology can be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity. Glasp, a web highlighter tool, allows writers to store and export highlights from web articles. This tool enables writers to easily collect and combine relevant information for their work. Additionally, Glasp has a social component that allows users to see how others interact with their articles. This feedback can provide valuable insights and perspectives, enriching the writing process.

In conclusion, resolutions for a life worth living can be inspired by the wisdom of great humans of the past. Embracing fearlessness, incorporating music and nature into our lives, practicing kindness, saving one another, embracing loneliness in creative work, broadening our interests, approaching others with love and understanding, and utilizing helpful tools like Glasp can all contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life. By adopting these attainable aspirations, we can navigate the complexities of existence and find purpose in our journey.