The first step for the one who does not want, at the end of his life, to feel it completely wasted is to find, as soon as possible, something that fills it with meaning, that motivates, that brings the desire to wake up the next day—this something is what is commonly called vocation. Having found it, he must then carry it out on a daily basis, regardless of the circumstances. If more urgent needs rob it of time, he must carry it out, however little it may be, but considering it as the unavoidable priority of the routine—to postpone it is to waste the scarce time. Thus, he should deliberate the current situation as temporary, and all the rest of his life should be aimed at creating the conditions that will allow him to exercise such a vocation full-time. No effort must be spared, and he must use everything at his disposal to achieve this goal and free himself from this routine that is inadequate. In this, he already achieves a previous satisfaction, he already experiences a feeling of time well used. Finally, there are two possible scenarios: for those who create for themselves the conditions to exercise their calling full time, all they have to do is exercise it; for the others, all they have to do is not give up, and then they will not close their eyes regretting wasting the opportunities they had.
Tag: philosophy
The Most Enchanting of Mermaids
This most enchanting of mermaids, misanthropy, even seems to be fond of artists and to be, besides an object of worship, a primary source of inspiration to them. Beautiful lady: more than a mermaid, a muse! And I never cease to marvel at how useful are the barriers erected around the mind inclined to art. Vigny, and not Victor Hugo, and not Lamartine, was the one who personified the fullness of the poetic vocation. And worse for those who seek motivation among stones!
Exercicios espirituales, by Ignatius of Loyola
I go through Ignatius of Loyola’s Exercicios espirituales and I cannot help but imagine him composing them in the incredibly miserable conditions described in his biography. The comparison with Frankl is inevitable. If we confront the tenor of these lines, or rather, if we consider these lines as originating in the circumstances surrounding the author, we find an unbreakable psychological strength capable of almost superhuman feats. Finally, we see a method in the conscious effort to give meaning to the miseries experienced, in the continuous affirmation of a vow, in the overcoming of limits, in the transformation of the mind into an indestructible fortress. These Exercicios attest to Ignatius’ absolute victory over his surroundings and himself. Admirable lines!
The Higher Spirit, the More It Develops…
The higher spirit, the more it develops, the more it increases the distance between itself and others, complicating relationships until they become impossible. Nietzsche confessed: “My humanity is a continuous victory over myself.” And the truth is that by developing, a spirit individualizes itself, and consequently distances itself from what is considered “common.” Ordinary men meet similar people with an ease that is almost a blessing, precisely because there is a psychological and behavioral similarity between them that allows immediate affinity. For those who deviate from the norm, everything is very different. Individualization, therefore, comes at the expense of bonds; it is therefore a drawback that must be considered. Whoever withdraws from men ends up becoming a stranger; reality is transfigured for him and if, on the one hand, he evolves spiritually, on the other he becomes incapable of sympathy for men, finally considering it a victory, as Nietzsche did with his usual sincerity, to simply tolerate their closeness.