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How must one act in the face of misfortune? - Coggle Diagram
How must one act in the face of misfortune?
Detachment
External forces do not affect the mind, only the mind affects the mind - Marcus Aurelius
True fortitude resides in being calm and gentle, resolute against all suffering
Business school grads who go into consulting/finance often finds themselves unhappy, they chased after their dream for so long all for it to be empty and devoid of meaning
John Stuart Mill was faced with the crisis that comes with attachment. All his hard work was inevitably going to lead nowhere, and he was attached to the fruits of his action. Knowing this, he fell into despair. Material pursuits can cause happiness to crumble like a house of cards
A junzi remains steadfast and resolute in tumultuous times
Suffering is not inherently evil for it afflicts both the happy and despairing man - one must learn to transcend it
Becoming attached to happiness itself causing happiness to vanish, attachment and happiness in the end are mutually exclusive
Virtue
Happiness is ultimately a pursuit of the soul in virtue
Virtuous activity are far more permanent and grounding in times of suffering compared to fleeting chasing of sense gratification
A person of ren is the first to shoulder difficulties and the last to reap reward
In acting virtuously, one can eliminate the sense of victimhood in the mind, and be free from all suffering - Aurelius
The wise man should remain virtuous even in the presence of wrongdoers, and promote societal peace
Action
When a obstacle presents itself, one must fully accept it and do what is feasible regardless
Focus on the present action with full attention, judgment, and moral consideration
Always work to help and act even in the presence of all kinds of people
The student of politics (or in general the seeker of knowledge) should aim to learn more about the soul and its relation to happiness to govern
The junzi is ashamed if words outweigh action. The righteous man remains fully committed to action even in the most perilous situation
Impermanence and the nature of happiness
Happiness is the only thing desired for its own sake, it is the end
Material possession and pursuit ultimately may aid in finding happiness, but making these the goal only lead to attachment and suffering
Bliss found in the true self, in simplicity, modesty, and honest action
knowing the Dao is inferior to loving it, and loving it is inferior to taking joy in it