Tag: philosophy

Whenever we tend to complain about bad luck, about the obstacles imposed by fate, it is worth remembering a handful of biographies, both ancient and modern, that demonstrate how much can be achieved with willpower alone. The effect is humbling. Because, in truth, when this is strong enough, one does what one wants. And the endless examples lead to the conclusion that lack of conditions and resources are less real impediments than subterfuges employed by those who perhaps do not want it enough, or simply do not deserve what they regret not being able to achieve.

In any long-term plan, it is essential to establish stages to be completed, each one ending with a smaller goal. During the process, these milestones, rather than the overall goal, will be used as references, and it is on them that the mind should focus. This avoids aiming for a target that is too distant, which may cause hesitation about the possibility of achieving it. By focusing on small goals and stages with a clearly visible end, motivation gains the consistency necessary to avoid being affected by what is unlikely to happen.

The exercise of discipline, even in seemingly unimportant tasks, strengthens the sense of continuity between days, producing, in the long term, an awareness of one’s own rhythm that is satisfying as it evolves. From this springs the pleasure of simply continuing what was started in the past, with greater skill than yesterday and less than tomorrow. Over time, evolution becomes a source of pride, and one experiences in the routine, which brings to fruition a long-term project, a strong emotional involvement.

The benefits that solitude brings to the intellectual are well known. It could even be said that an unusual dose of solitude is indispensable to him. However, sometimes not enough importance is given to the true blessing that good company is. There are those who have never been able to enjoy it and, in response to this impediment, have had to break down. Because one thing is clear: personality is strengthened when it enjoys the regular presence of peers; and it tends to weaken if it can only assert itself in solitude. The difference is whether or not there is an environment capable of welcoming it, and such an environment can only be created with a great deal of luck. He who allows himself to live a double life in order not to abandon social interaction entirely is therefore at a tremendous disadvantage: his inferior side, however long he lives, strives to destroy the last remnant of that noble part whose greatest possible glory in existence is to succeed in manifesting itself.