MENTPSYCH Meet Your Self
Arthur Schopenhauer was a brilliant German philosopher, deeply witty and highly influential during the second half of the 19th century and the beginnings of the 20th century. He was characterized by his distinctly pessimistic stance toward the world and life, which he articulated in his major work, “The World as Will and Representation.”
His profound realism and depth of thought prevented him from seeing “the world through rose-colored glasses.” Nevertheless, Schopenhauer wrote an essay with 50 rules for achieving happiness.
“Happiness” is one of those imprecise concepts on which, throughout history, we’ve never quite agreed. We share the idea that it involves a certain sense of fulfillment and joy, but each person reaches that state for different reasons. In fact, many argue that it isn’t even a fixed state but rather a fleeting perception.
Schopenhauer developed a concept of happiness that was based on prudence and ethics. Within his philosophy, happiness was much more closely related to inner peace than to exaltation or bliss. Among his fifty rules for happiness, we have selected eight that could prove enriching for you.
1. Avoiding envy, a fundamental rule in Schopenhauer’s philosophy.
Envy is a highly negative force that can take hold of our hearts and block the joy of living. Those who are overly focused on what others do or feel tend to neglect the task of building their own happiness. This very notion is revealed to us, for instance, in a study conducted by Dr. George Foster from the University of Chicago.
According to this study, envy is the most dangerous emotion, creating the most distance between people and fostering genuine unhappines.
2. Letting go of outcomes.
We often do this: we exclusively focus on the outcome and the achievement of goals. If we fail to reach them, we experience the deepest failure and the bitterest disappointment.
However, nothing can be more satisfying than feeling good about the effort exerted. The result doesn’t matter as much as the process, the lessons learned, the feeling of pride in ourselves, and the capacity to try new things, other projects that in the long run will bring us the expected success.
3. Avoid unhappiness
While it might seem obvious, not everyone avoids unhappiness. In fact, there are those who actively seek it and, inevitably, find it. According to Schopenhauer, the wise approach is to steer clear of or eliminate all those situations that could bring us misery, as fundamentally they are not worthwhile and merely serve as sources of fresh challenges.
4. Appreciate What You Have
Every day, we should wake up and think about everything we have to be thankful for. Starting with another day of life, a roof over our heads, a bed to sleep in, and consciousness to appreciate what we have, which many others lack. Within positive psychology, authors like Martin Seligman often remind us of the importance of appreciating what we already possess as a solid starting point. It’s a place of security, a place to find encouragement and motivation to invest in our well-being.
5. Embarking and Learning.
Having plans and projects injects a significant dose of enthusiasm into life. It doesn’t matter if the project is as simple as nurturing a plant or preparing a delicious meal. These small ventures are treasures.
Likewise, continuous learning lets us experience growth and evolution, thus contributing to the happiness of living.
6. Taking Care of Health.
Illness completely alters our perspective on life. This is understood by those who have had to endure the rigors of pain, discomfort, or limitation. Health is a genuine treasure that we must nurture in order to enjoy everything else.
7. Practicing Self-Compassion.
The first form of kindness should be directed towards ourselves, Schopenhauer argues. It’s important to assess ourselves, acknowledge mistakes, and learn from them. What we shouldn’t do is berate ourselves, excessively criticize, or harshly judge ourselves. In the end, it serves no purpose.
In fact, studies such as the one published in the journal “Psychological Science” remind us that investing in self-esteem and self-care is not only a way to be happier but also a means of enhancing quality of life and health.
8. Getting Ready for the Passage of Time.
When we are young, it seems as if old age is something that happens to others, never to us. This illusion leads us to live without preparing for that future in which the weight of years introduces new limitations and vulnerabilities. Those who prepare for old age ensure a better quality of life in that delicate stage.
In conclusion, as we can see, these lessons of wisdom from Schopenhauer are genuine gifts to reflect on daily. Happiness isn’t a goal; it’s a journey that requires daily investment through simple changes in our personal outlook. Give it a try.
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Source: lamenteesmaravillosa
