January 26, 2023
A little background on the banner image (above) for this post.
Either Sunday or Monday morning (week of January 23 2023), I woke up from a strange dream, strange in the sense that there was a joke with several layers involved, including an image very similar to this one above. When I woke up I was laughing delicately, first for having a funny/punny type dream (and I love puns), understanding that many men/people simply do not read user’s manual for technology and so on (we’ve all hear the jokes on that). This was brought to my attention with the writing on the tombstone that said, as in the image: “MAN: Too Bad They Didn’t Read The User’s Manual”.
The scene in my dream implied some dystopian-like picture, yet it didn’t feel dystopian. Instead it implied that we had been left “users’ manuals” for our human experiences, in the form of the teachings of Ancient Philosophers, but we hardly took the time to read these manuals, if we even considered it at all. These “user’s manuals” are meant to help enrich our lives and cope with life’s vicissitudes in a more enriching manner.
Their ancient teachings have the potential to open our eyes and minds in profound ways. Surprisingly, or not, their ancient teachings, some over two thousands years or older, are still used in many circles. They are not just old fuddy-duddy ideas shoved in dusty books on shelves in libraries, or the stuff philosophers study today. They are observations about life that are timeless, as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
We haven’t changed that much. Oh sure, we have high technology which they didn’t, but the ways our minds, with our feelings, emotions and imaginations still function the same. These ancient words and ideas can still inspire us to live a fulfilling life, and it stands the test of time.
In studying them myself, I recognize their very words and influences all over the place, even in Metaphysical, Conscious Creation and Law of Attraction ideas.
There are also many other Ancient philosophers that I could have included, but I didn’t want to get into an anthology.
The whole idea then behind this dream really is an inspiration to observe ourselves from a different point of view. Enjoy the following post.
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In today’s fast-paced and increasingly complex world, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of distractions and lose sight of what truly matters. One of the reasons for this is that we often neglect to consult the “user’s manuals” that the great philosophers of the past have left us. These philosophers have provided us with a wealth of wisdom and insights into human nature and behaviour, yet we often fail to take advantage of it.
The teachings of the great philosophers have stood the test of time and continue to provide valuable insights into human nature and behaviour. I like to think of their great works as a “user’s manual”, from which we’d gain greater insights into the our nature, our motivations and behaviour, if we read more and applied their collected wisdom. Well… if we’d read ‘user’s manuals’ that is.
One of the most profound ways in which these teachings can be integrated into our daily lives is through the practice of meditation and mindfulness. The ancient Greek philosopher, Epictetus, believed that the key to living a happy and fulfilled life is to focus on the present moment and detach oneself from external events, a concept similar to stoicism. Additionally, mindfulness practices can be integrated into daily activities, such as taking a mindful walk or practicing mindful eating. This allows individuals to focus their minds, detach from external distractions, and be more present in the moment.
Another way to integrate the teachings of the philosophers is through journaling, which can help individuals to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and actions, and gain insight into themselves. This can also be a powerful tool for self-awareness and introspection, as it allows individuals to gain a better understanding of their own behaviour and motivations.
Furthermore, the teachings of the philosophers can also be integrated through technology, such as using apps and online resources based on their teachings to set goals, track progress, and stay motivated. These resources can help individuals to stay on track with their personal and professional goals, and to stay focused on what truly matters.
In today’s fast-paced and complex world, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos and lose sight of what truly matters, but by using the “user’s manual” provided by the philosophers, we can be more grounded in life, stay present, and live more fulfilling and happy lives. By incorporating the teachings of the philosophers into our daily lives, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, improve our relationships with others, and create a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.