This was a very nice column, thank you. I had not encountered the word ‘ataraxia’ before this, but the more I read the more I understood the word in today’s vernacular as ‘grounded.’ Merriam-Webster defines that as mentally and emotionally stable. Indeed, it is a difficult state to achieve.
With due respect, ma’am, I disagree with your assessment of limits. Rather than serve as a frame, I believe limits serve as a goal for self-achievement. As humans, we cannot get better unless we break the boundaries, both as individuals and as a civilization. Indeed, in an infinite world there can be no limit to knowledge and understanding.
Too often, the limits which you describe are manifested as fear. Fear of commitment, fear of death, fear of love, for example. I know some people who are afraid of learning, of discovering new knowledge that might upset their current view of the world. If we allow limits to frame our world, we essentially constrain our growth.
I believe that ataraxia, or being grounded, is achieved by pressing limits. Striving for better. If we understand more, we will fear less.
My two cents, adjusted for inflation. Please keep up your good work.
Many thanks for this very meaningful post. So grateful for all of the inspiration at this moment in time. I especially love the ideas of disciplined serenity and simplifying our lives so that we desire less. We look forward to sharing the post with family and friends. Keep up the great work that is blessing one and all. I'm also enjoying your book!
Thank you for sharing this interesting read with us. Being "grounded" is completely underestimated in today's superficial society. Simplicity in work and consumption is almost an art form nowadays. Can only recommend. Obviously, it helps to have a garden... :-)
one could wonder how ataraxia integrates creativity, innately "wanting" [ to create ] a different realm, and how does it blend in with progress, again embedded with "wanting" better or different. Culling desires could limit perspective and sever foreseeing. More ? No. Wanting? Yes.
This was a very nice column, thank you. I had not encountered the word ‘ataraxia’ before this, but the more I read the more I understood the word in today’s vernacular as ‘grounded.’ Merriam-Webster defines that as mentally and emotionally stable. Indeed, it is a difficult state to achieve.
With due respect, ma’am, I disagree with your assessment of limits. Rather than serve as a frame, I believe limits serve as a goal for self-achievement. As humans, we cannot get better unless we break the boundaries, both as individuals and as a civilization. Indeed, in an infinite world there can be no limit to knowledge and understanding.
Too often, the limits which you describe are manifested as fear. Fear of commitment, fear of death, fear of love, for example. I know some people who are afraid of learning, of discovering new knowledge that might upset their current view of the world. If we allow limits to frame our world, we essentially constrain our growth.
I believe that ataraxia, or being grounded, is achieved by pressing limits. Striving for better. If we understand more, we will fear less.
My two cents, adjusted for inflation. Please keep up your good work.
Many thanks for this very meaningful post. So grateful for all of the inspiration at this moment in time. I especially love the ideas of disciplined serenity and simplifying our lives so that we desire less. We look forward to sharing the post with family and friends. Keep up the great work that is blessing one and all. I'm also enjoying your book!
Thank you for sharing this interesting read with us. Being "grounded" is completely underestimated in today's superficial society. Simplicity in work and consumption is almost an art form nowadays. Can only recommend. Obviously, it helps to have a garden... :-)
one could wonder how ataraxia integrates creativity, innately "wanting" [ to create ] a different realm, and how does it blend in with progress, again embedded with "wanting" better or different. Culling desires could limit perspective and sever foreseeing. More ? No. Wanting? Yes.