What I’ve been reading:
Restoring Pride by Richard Taylor
I’m not sure if this is my third or fourth reread of Restoring Pride.
It’s one of the most underrated and least known books on my reading recommendation list.
You can download the list here for free. I provide context for every book so you know the reason behind every recommendation and how relevant it is for you at this stage of your life journey. (I can hardly imagine a person who is interested in the topics that I write about who wouldn’t find Restoring Pride relevant for them.)
What I’ve been listening to:
Nietzsche’s Guide for Getting Over a Heartbreak
Yes, I’m using the listening/watching section to promote my work. I don’t do it often, so bear with me.
Heartbreak – one of the most painful and relatable human experiences. We would all like to deal with it a bit better, but you never expected Nietzsche to be a love expert. Well, I’m confident this video can change your life.
I have recently made a transition to lecture-style videos where the information and ideas I want to share with you are presented in a more structured and organized manner. This requires way more time and effort than the free-flowing unscripted videos I’ve been making up to this point, but I’m enjoying it. As much as the unscripted conversational style seems more authentic and relatable, it also gives the creator (me) an excuse to be lazy.
For those of you who enjoy my unscripted rants, don’t worry. I will still make them occasionally. But when it comes to more challenging topics, you deserve me to put in the effort and provide value in a way that will make it easier to understand and apply in real life.
What I’ve been thinking about:
Your life would stagnate and deteriorate in the complete absence of inner tension (read anxiety, fear, self-doubt, insecurity, etc.).
Internal tension is one of the key components of the human drive to do better and be better.
However, the desire for imaginary inner perfection stops us from realizing the importance of these uncomfortable and challenging feelings.
The wish that there was no inner tension and distress doesn’t match reality.
And when you have a wish that doesn’t match reality, you conclude that there is something wrong with you, or with life itself.
If this is the case with you, maybe the first step you need to take is a step backwards.
Reevaluate your idea of what you’re “supposed to” feel like all the time. Stop shaming yourself and beating yourself up for the internal struggles that you’re experiencing. Recognize them for what they are—passing states.
I hope this helps. Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.
Free Resources:
My free ebook: The Lost Art of Reading
Paid Resources:
The Art of Showing Up: A Clear and Practical Method for Mastering Consistency
The Gold Pill: Timeless Ideas for a Life Worth Living
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If you’ll forgive me forwarding a counter argument from elsewhere in my inbox today, is it “stagnancy” or “harmony” that a life without fear-based inner tension promotes? Isn’t a stagnant pond teeming with life living in an immeasurably abundant, deeply homeostatic ecosystem? Isn’t growth sometimes a cause for chemo, rather than celebration?
Just some thoughts. Genuinely interested to get your take.
Like I said, two people left thoughts about fear in my inbox today and I found the paradox created by my friendliness to both perspectives really fascinating.