AN EXERCISE IN WISDOM .....

The world in which a man lives shapes itself mainly by the way he looks at it . No matter what our surroundings are , everyone lives in a world of his own . Metodorus a disciple of Epicurus wrote ; " The happiness we receive from ourselves is far greater than that we obtain from our surroundings and others." It is essential in our life's happiness to be what we are , cultivate our true personalities and qualities , and choose the life which is most suitable for ourselves .


An intellectual person in complete solitude has excellent entertainment in his own thoughts and fancies . Associated with a quiet and cheerful temperament , a fair health , clear , lively and penetrating intellect , looking and seeing life as it is , a good conscience backed by a moderate will , all these constitute certain privileges that no rank or wealth can give . 


Most people , traditionally and more so nowadays , are by far more intent on amassing wealth and becoming rich , rather than acquiring culture and real maturity . Though it is surely indisputable that what a person is , makes that person much more happy than what he has in material possessions , clearly one can assert that ; What a man has in himself is the main element in his or her happiness and tranquility .


Aristotle said " It is not wealth , but character that lasts" , as fortunes might dissipate and vanish , but not character and a well constituted mind or a noble nature . Some will find and achieve their serenity in a tranquil modest life , with few encounters , and elect to live their retirements in great intellect as well as solitude . Whereby the time one has for enjoying one's consciousness and individuality is the highest enjoyment of one's existence .


The dullness , boredom and intellectual limitedness of some , are the reason most people look for constant action , by incessantly going to places , only to hide the moments of self moral enjoyments with physical acts . Quoting Aristotle again"To be happy means to be self-sufficient".  The more a person is the source of his inner pleasures , the happier that person will be , it is foolish to give up the inner of our personalities to the outer , to give our serenity , independence  and intellect for the bright spots of life , rank , pomp , and wealthy titles .


A true man of inner wealth strives constantly to further develop and mature his intellect , it could be a life long endeavor , every day , every hour .And only at his later stages of life when his white hair always command reverence , while his wrinkles do not , only at older age a person could really afford and realize these higher stages .


The great French Voltaire once said " Every age of life has its own special and peculiar mental character , man will feel totally unhappy if and when his mind is not attuned with his years ."    


Not  all of us turn philosophers , but all of us are at some point affected by philosophical matters . As philosophy differs from the three monotheistic religions by promising us a way to save ourselves , to conquer fears directly , especially the fear of death and its aftermath , not through an other , a god and his stories and kingdoms , but through our own strength , our own minds and the use of our reason . To be , to live and die like a god , without gods .


My usual gratitude for your time and help spreading the word .