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...
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...
Laura Ingalls Wilder, the renowned author of the Little House series, demonstrated a fearless attitude towards some of the harshest and inhospitable conditions on earth, such as the unforgiving soil, Indian territories, Kansas prairies, and the humid backwoods of Florida. She did not let these challenges dampen her spirit or make her cynical because she viewed them as adventures. She saw every place as an opportunity to experience something new and approach each obstacle with a positive and persevering pioneer spirit. This does not imply that she was delusional or viewed the world through rose-colored glasses. Instead, she chose to perceive situations for what they could be with hard work and a positive outlook. Conversely, some people may choose to...
A popular saying about revenge advises one to dig two graves before embarking on a journey of revenge due to its high cost and the toll it can take on the avenger. However, Marcus Aurelius had a more straightforward and accurate approach. He believed letting go and leaving the wrongdoer to their deeds is better. He practiced what he preached, as evidenced by his response to Avoids Cassius's rebellion, one of his most trusted generals who declared himself emperor. Marcus used this event to teach the Roman people and the Roman Senate how to handle civil strife with compassion and forgiveness instead of seeking vengeance. When Cassius was assassinated, Marcus supposedly wept instead of rejoicing, showing that his approach differed...
