Articles
This Is Water
There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes “What the hell is water?”
David Foster Wallace's "This is Water" speech is a powerful reflection on the human condition and the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives. In the speech, Wallace discusses the idea that we are constantly trapped in our own subjective experiences and perspectives, and that true freedom and happiness come from being able to step back and see the world objectively. He encourages the audience to practice mindfulness and to actively choose to see the world differently, rather than being trapped in their own thoughts and emotions. The speech is a call to action for individuals to take control of their own minds and to live more fully in the present moment. It is a thought-provoking and inspiring message that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Please give it a listen.
RIP David Foster Wallace.
Finding Fulfillment In the Face of Life's Challenges
"Do not wish all things will go well with you but that you will go well with all things." - Epictetus
As we all know, life can be unpredictable and full of challenges. Sometimes, it can feel like we're constantly fighting against the tide, trying to control every aspect of our surroundings and circumstances in order to make things go our way. But what if there was a better way to approach life's difficulties?
The quote, "Do not wish all things will go well with you but that you will go well with all things," reminds us that true success and fulfillment come not from trying to bend the world to our will, but from learning to adapt and thrive amidst its challenges. It's about having the resilience and flexibility to go with the flow, rather than fighting against it.
So, how can we put this into practice in our own lives? Here are a few tips:
Practice mindfulness: Take a step back and observe your thoughts and reactions to difficult situations. Are you getting caught up in trying to control the outcome? Try to let go of that desire and focus on being present in the moment.
Embrace change: Change can be scary, but it's also an opportunity for growth and learning. Instead of resisting change, try to see it as a chance to learn and adapt.
Cultivate resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It can be cultivated through practices such as exercise, meditation, and therapy.
By incorporating these tips into our daily lives, we can learn to go well with all things, instead of wishing for everything to go well. So, let's strive to approach life with a sense of adaptability and resilience, and find fulfillment in the face of life's challenges.
Leadership Through Adversity
"I have never In my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well." - Teddy Roosevelt
This quote perfectly encapsulates the mindset of a true leader, one who embraces adversity and rises to the challenge. Teddy Roosevelt's own life was a testament to this mentality. Throughout his career, he faced numerous challenges, both personal and political. Despite losing his mother and wife on the same day, he didn't let it defeat him, he instead channeled his grief into his work and became one of the most influential and progressive presidents in American history, who pushed for policies such as the conservation of public lands and the regulation of monopolies. He also served as a soldier in the Spanish-American War and later, he went on an expedition to explore the Amazon Rainforest.
Roosevelt's achievements, as a leader and a warrior, demonstrate the truth in his statement that it is those who lead difficult lives and lead them well that should be envied. It's a reminder that the easy path is not always the path to growth and fulfillment, and that it's through facing challenges and rising to meet them that we truly become our best selves.
So, how can we apply this wisdom to our own lives? We can embrace challenges and seek them out, as they are opportunities for growth and development. We can lead by example by taking responsibility for your actions and being a role model for others. Additionally, we can develop a growth mindset by believing in your ability to learn and improve, even in the face of adversity. By following these tips, we can emulate Teddy Roosevelt's leadership and find fulfillment in the face of life's difficulties, just as he did.