In both ancient Rome and modern America, people have been tempted to talk rather than take action. The allure of philosophizing instead of living by those philosophies is a common trap. In today's society obsessed with content, outrage, and drama, it's even easier to become lost in the echo chamber of hypothetical debates about what's "better." We can spend endless hours discussing right and wrong and how to encourage others to improve. We can even argue about the meaning of certain statements. However, this is all a distraction. If you want to make the world a better place, there's a lot you can do. But only one thing will truly make an impact: step away from the argument, dig yourself...
While it may not be your duty to resolve every issue, sometimes circumstances beyond your control can make it your problem to solve. For instance, if a car breaks down in front of you and blocks the road, it's not your obligation to fill up the driver's gas tank, but it is your problem to deal with the obstruction. Similarly, if war breaks out and you're drafted, you didn't create the conflict, but it is now your problem to fight. These situations can happen unexpectedly and be frustrating and unfair, but they are still yours to confront. You can choose to complain or seek blame, but ultimately, how you respond defines you. Cheryl Strayed wisely noted that life may present...
Ralph Waldo Emerson's wisdom One can observe that everyone has a unique set of strengths and abilities that surpass one's own. This is an undeniable fact. For instance, someone may excel at maintaining eye contact, while another person may have quantum physics or geopolitics expertise. Some people may be more knowledgeable in gift-giving, name-recalling, weightlifting, anger management, self-confidence, or building friendships. No individual can claim to be the best at all these things, and no one cannot improve. Therefore, acknowledging this reality requires humility. Furthermore, one should approach every encounter with an open mind and enthusiasm, viewing each experience as an opportunity to learn from others. This perspective can facilitate growth and skill development at a rapid pace. Best of...
What should people do when they realize their company is engaging in unethical practices? Can they collect their paycheck and distance themselves from the wrongdoing? According to Budd Schulberg, this is impossible. As an example of doing the right thing, we can look to a young man who worked at Theranos. After uncovering serious issues at the healthcare startup, he reported them to the authorities despite facing threats and harassment from his former employer. He and his family even considered selling their home to cover legal costs. Marcus Aurelius once said, "Just that you do the right thing. The rest doesn't matter." It's important to remember that doing the right thing can be difficult and costly, but it's still the...
Heraclitus Wisdom Many employers evaluate an applicant’s education and work experience during the hiring process since past accomplishments may predict future achievements. However, is past success always an accurate indicator? Luck has been known to play a significant role in some people's success, such as those who gained admission to prestigious schools due to their parents' influence. Additionally, young individuals who have not yet established a track record may not be deemed valuable. Nevertheless, the character is a more reliable measure of a person in job interviews, friendships, relationships, and all other aspects of life. Character is the best tool to achieve personal growth and advancement in life, possibly not immediately but certainly over the long term. The same principle applies...
