Saturday in 13th Sunday of OT
ALELUYA
Juan 10, 27
Aleluya! Aleluya!
Ang tinig ko’y pakikinggan
ng kabilang sa ‘king kawan,
ako’y kanilang susundan.
Aleluya! Aleluya!
Let me share an Fb post:
Kieran Setiya's book, "Life Is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way," offers a comforting and insightful approach to navigating life's inevitable challenges. Here's a breakdown of the book's core message:
1. Facing the Universality of Suffering: The book acknowledges that suffering isn't a personal failing, but a shared human experience. From illness and loss to existential anxieties, hardship is woven into the fabric of life. Setiya doesn't sugarcoat reality but equips you with philosophical frameworks to understand and process suffering.
2. Philosophy: A Guide, Not a Cure: Setiya doesn't position philosophy as a quick fix. Instead, he presents it as a toolbox filled with concepts, historical examples, and different schools of thought. By learning from these frameworks, you can develop your own strategies for coping with challenges and finding meaning.
3. Stoicism: The Art of Inner Control:
The book delves into Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes accepting what is outside your control (external events) and focusing on what you can control (your thoughts, emotions, and actions). Practicing Stoicism can help you cultivate inner peace and resilience even when faced with adversity.
4. Finding Meaning in the Face of Absurdity:
Life may seem inherently meaningless, but philosophy encourages you to create your own meaning. The book explores existentialist ideas and other philosophical perspectives that help you find purpose and value in a seemingly random universe. You can define your own values, contribute to something larger than yourself, or find beauty and wonder in the world around you.
5. Mortality as a Wake-Up Call: The awareness of our finite existence can be a source of anxiety. However, "Life Is Hard" suggests that confronting mortality can also be a powerful motivator to live more intentionally. When we acknowledge the limited time we have, we are encouraged to prioritize what truly matters and savor life's experiences.
6. Learning from the Wisdom of the Past: The book draws on the works of philosophers throughout history who grappled with similar challenges. By examining their ideas and how they dealt with existential questions and personal struggles, you gain valuable insights and perspectives for navigating your own journey.
7. Living a Fulfilling Life, Not Just a Happy One: Setiya challenges the societal obsession with constant happiness. "Life Is Hard" suggests that a more realistic and potentially more fulfilling goal is to live a meaningful life, even amidst difficulties. This involves pursuing your passions, contributing to your community, and finding purpose beyond fleeting moments of happiness.
8. Failing Forward with Grace: Failure is inevitable, but philosophy can help you approach it with a growth mindset. The book explores ideas on reframing mistakes as learning opportunities. The author advises us to view failure as a stepping stone rather than a dead end and offers guides to develop resilience and bounce back stronger.
9. Finding Hope Despite Injustice: The world can be a complex and unfair place. Philosophy equips you to confront injustice and navigate the ethical dilemmas you might encounter. It might also explore ideas on how to find hope for positive change and a better future, even when faced with present challenges.