Category: Art of Life
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Slow Down and Accomplish Non-Accomplishment
Successfully resisting the hyperkineticism of one's society, saying No to it by flânerie, studiousness, otium liberale, Thoreauvian stewardship of the moment, traipsing over mountain trails at sunrise and whatnot — this too is a sort of accomplishment. You have to work at it a bit. Part of the work is divesting oneself of the expectations of others…
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The Troubled
The troubled are often trouble. Do you need more? Avoid the troubled and avoid trouble. But if you can help them while retaining your equanimity, then do so.
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Superficial Acquaintances
We need them, but we need to keep them superficial. Two reasons. First, if you try to go deep with the superficial, you will only frustrate yourself. Second, superficial relations hide faults and allow for idealization. Ignorance aids admiration.
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The Optimist and the Art of Life
The optimist is no cosmologist seeking the final truth about the world but a cosmetologist who puts a pretty face on it. He applies cosmetics to the cosmos. He knows the art of life and how to make the most of life, and does not shy away from such life-enhancing illusions as are conducive to…