Tag: philosophy

It is traditional of Indian wisdom to insistently reinforce the importance of the present, given that the mind reaps regret from the past and apprehension from the future. Therefore, it seems objectively impossible to have a peace that is not summed up in a serene and consenting immersion in the now, an immersion that is self-satisfied. But oh, how difficult it is! That minimum that is missing, that wanting that is not much but is placed in a hypothetical future, that real, full, recognized happiness that requires little but is distanced from the moment, all of this is certainly the burial of peace. And the affliction that arises from this realization, or rather from this attitude, is one of those that cannot be overcome, because one cannot speed up time, nor live the future in the present. So, no matter how difficult it may seem, and no matter how repetitive the sages of old India may seem at times, the truth is just that: what there is is simply now.

Life seems to have a mechanics which, at least for he who does not lie to himself in the depths of his conscience, repeatedly shuts down his pride and reveals his smallness. And if this seems to be a constant, the reactions vary drastically: some grow stronger, more aware and humbler, sprinkling their will with a salutary modesty; others, unfortunately, fall into an invincible, destructive and paralyzing disgust. This is perhaps why St. Augustine says that pride is the root of all weaknesses, because pride, if it does not give in to the reality imposed by life, in itself only produces destruction.

A true vocation solidifies more easily when it does not have a favorable environment. When there are no incentives or, otherwise, when one loses out in exercising it, everything becomes much clearer, and a kind of strength springs from the realization that it is necessary to assume oneself and shameful to deny what one is. Those who carry on without a teacher, a friend, a social or professional environment to encourage them, without a push or even a favorable opinion, wake up one day and realize that they have developed a rock-solid will. And then they have to be very thankful for the circumstances that ultimately favored them.

In the midst of endless human misery, there is always an uplifting example; we just have to look for it. And we should always do so, when study leads to the necessary immersion in the former, to prevent it from completely clouding our vision. Reliving old admirations, remembering the noble and sincere things we have seen, all this comforts and motivates, all this shows how much richer it is to strive for the good. And if the circumstance dismays us, if existence suddenly seems to darken, we must at least cling to the awareness of this conviction.