How to Always Get What You Want
Adaptation is to the mind as liquid nitrogen is to rockets.
Upon recognizing the transparent structure of reality, one enters a realm of inescapable truths. This revelation brings to light the causal chains of action and consequence, highlighting the dire outcomes of inaction in the face of necessary but daunting tasks. To turn away from this understanding is to invite suffering. It becomes evident that man is bound not by the illusion of choice but by necessity—the stern obligation dictated by an indifferent universe. In this stark vista, man acknowledges his solitary role at the helm of his fate. The ocean of existence he navigates is impartial and it’s within his hands to sink or swim, to capitulate to the depths or master the waves.
Childhood was a time when unconditional love was an attainable ideal, a time of unearned protection and grace. But as one matures, reality dawns that such love is seldom found in adulthood, where affection is often entangled with expectation and self-interest. How one copes with this reality is a key determiner of one’s mental health in difficult times.
Distressed people lack one crucial insight: each person brings a distinct presence to the world. However, nowadays the belief in one's exceptionalism dilutes the idea of one's integrated role within a larger context. Not to dismiss the confidence in oneself and our intrinsic purpose, but we’re all working on the same project whether one knows and adheres to this truth or not; even evil people serve as lessons of what not to do. Humans may thus be viewed as channels through which the world reaches higher states of development or "universal perfection." From this standpoint, inherent destructive emotions like fear, excessive pride, and jealousy aren’t the primary drivers; they’re ancillary to the deeper, more fulfilling forces of existence.
This sense of purpose and utilization of the gifts one is born with can be thought of as imprints of a predetermined destiny, which when veered away from, may result in feelings of discontent, anxiety, and depression. The relief sought through substances like alcohol and other entertainment provides only a fleeting escape from this struggle, helping one forget the emptiness temporarily. But pleasure ends, requires a refill, and solidifies into a full-blown addiction. In this view, true peace and fulfillment then arises not from indulgence in temporary diversions but from embracing one's predetermined path and diligently working towards the fulfillment of one's innate duty.
It’s through the cultivation of everyone’s uniqueness that divinity in its various conceptualizations bestows gifts without counting favors and this perception is the sanctuary of the seeker, the solace of the philosopher, and the stronghold of the faithful — a place where, amidst life's relentless trials, divine love remains constant, urging one onward, toward both temporal trials and transcendent triumphs.
Surrendering to the larger flow of life, adhering to the path that one views as their destiny or purpose, can indeed be a source of liberation and immense joy — it lends value to existence. It’s a paradox where freedom is found within the confines of discipline, and peace is attained through deliberate obedience to a force greater than ourselves or an internal compass. This worldview holds no space for negotiating the terms of life’s challenges or conditions; it demands steadfastness and resilience, only wanting life to be as it is in its unfolding.
Acknowledging life’s dictates without resistance can be burdensome, perhaps even crushing to some, but for others, it can be the very source of strength—a forging process that renders a person unyielding and powerful. Adaptation is to the mind as liquid nitrogen is to rockets. The act of smiling through adversity becomes a form of defiance—an assertion that the spirit remains free and undaunted. In Stoic philosophy, the trials of life are not curses but tests and opportunities for growth. Despite having no control over the circumstances of birth or the intrinsic tools provided by fate, Stoicism posits that every individual harbors a divine spark, an inner rationality akin to a fragment of the divine essence, capable of overcoming life’s vicissitudes by paying attention to what’s positive and valuable.
Throughout history, many individuals have illustrated this principle, demonstrating remarkable resilience and achievements that transcend the limits of their born conditions. It’s in the recognition and cultivation of this inner power that one aligns with the Stoic ideal—exercising virtue and reason as the guiding forces through life's unpredictable journey.
Individuals who endure profound suffering for the benefit of their community are often venerated for their selflessness and courage, qualities that elevate them to a near-divine status in the annals of history. The Spartans at Thermopylae, Cato's defense of the Roman Republic, and countless others exemplify this power of choice to its uttermost—sacrificing life for a greater cause.
Upon pushing personal limits and surviving, a complex tapestry of emotions unfurls. Fear arises from knowing the sacrifices one has made, the probability of dying for living on the edge, and the need to go back to hell and surpass oneself again for a new standard of operation has been set. And in another light, pride swells from triumph over adversities and the self-respect thereafter speaks to an acknowledgment of the intangible forces: strength, endurance, and self-belief that guide and bolster us to push through resistance and win.
The human spirit is nourished not by ease but by endeavor and the pursuit of virtue. It is often through pain that one gains profound insight—a truth echoed across disciplines from warrior codes to religious asceticism, for it’s only through hardship one reaches an elevated state, a "pure spiritual domain," which is impervious to material or mundane tribulations. From this vantage point, fear is reframed: it is no longer about self-preservation but rather the dread of not fulfilling one's potential or duty after knowing how much pain one can take before death. The call to excellence trumps the pain involved in its attainment. Thus, for those on such a path, willpower becomes an expression of reason, and in this unity, they find an unrivaled strength. Emotional impulses are relegated to mere background noise, as conquering the self-serving aspects of one's nature is seen as the highest pleasure. The kingdom within then becomes a reflection of one's values and decisions, with each internal strife confronted and each external challenge met being integral to one's refinement.
Along this path, one acquires a romantic glorification and appetite for adversity, where the worst outcomes are secretly wished for, not out of masochism but as the ultimate test of one's resolve and principles. This ethos champions living courageously, with an unyielding conviction that challenges and life’s tasks are not merely to sustain life but to embolden the spirit. To seize freedom.
Amor Fati dear reader.