🖼️ Monday Muse
The “Monday Muse” is a weekly collection of reminders, insights, and maxims on the art of living. The term “muse” has two meanings: (1) a state of deep thought; and (2) a source of inspiration. May the following (in a small way) be a source of contemplation and wisdom to live your highest good.
📌 Perennial Reminder(s)
The Greek philosopher Epicurus (341—270 BCE) on studying philosophy:
No one should postpone the study of philosophy when he is young, nor should he weary of it when he becomes mature, because the search for mental health is never untimely or out of season. To say that the time to study philosophy has not yet arrived or is past is like saying that the time for happiness is not yet at hand or is no longer present. Thus, both the young and the mature should pursue philosophy, the latter to be rejuvenated as they age by the blessings that accrue from pleasurable experience, and the youthful to become mature immediately through having no fear of the future. Hence, we should practice the things that make for happiness. For sure, when we have this, we have everything, and we do everything we can to get it when we don’t have it. […]
Source: The Art of Happiness
📜 Perennial Maxim(s)
The Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (1728—1810) on kindness:
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💡 Perennial Insight(s)
The historian and poet Jennifer Michael Hecht on the wonder paradox:
The wonder paradox is the miracle that we are blown away by the experiences of consciousness. Religion and art invite us to a world bigger than normal life, into contact with the weirdness of our human situation. We live within paradoxes. …
My favorite paradox is the one about wonder, the sublimely curious fact that we evolved, materially, as beings equipped with the ability to feel awe. … Part of the paradox of wonder—for me and by wide anecdotal report—is that thinking about it feels true, feels worth one’s time. Considering our contradictions and embracing the weirdness of existence feels, when you are doing it, as if it is a valuable thing to do. […]
Source: The Wonder Paradox
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Thank you for reading; I hope you found something useful.
Until next time, be wise and be well,
J.W. Bertolotti
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Remarkable essay! Three different topics: happiness kindness and wonder! Each one was meaningful and most interesting. And I would add, there was really a fourth and that is the topic of paradox, which is one of my favorite things to ponder.Thank you!