Ultimate Human Concerns, Finding Your Calling, Cheap Ideas
Existential Espresso Monday Shot Vol. 109
What I’ve been reading:
Existential Psychotherapy by Irvin D. Yalom
Death, Freedom, Isolation, and Meaninglessness.
These are the four ultimate concerns of human life that Yalom addresses in what is considered one of the most comprehensive and pragmatic works on the existential approach in psychotherapy.
But what if I told you that, contrary to what most people believe, discussing topics such as death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness can be invigorating and empowering?
It’s important to say that Yalom intended this book for practicing and aspiring psychotherapists. However, as he states in the introduction, he did make a conscious effort to write it in a way that can be understood by the general public.
If you’re interested in existential thought and have read some of the thinkers from its tradition, this book is definitely for you. If you want to dive into the exciting waters of existential thinking and approach to life, this book might be a comprehensive guide but also an overwhelming one. I would instead suggest you start with one of the works by Rollo May.
What I’ve been listening to:
Finding a Calling in Life by Michael Meade
If you’re looking for 5 steps to find your calling, don’t watch this.
Michael Meade has now appeared multiple times in my listening/watching recommendations.
The simplest way I could introduce him to those unfamiliar with his work is to call him the Joseph Campbell of our time. It’s important to note that Meade is his own thinker - not a disciple of Campbell. What I mean by this comparison is that Meade, just like Campbell, acts as a bridge between ancient, mythological wisdom and our overly rational modern world.
What I’ve been thinking about:
Ideas are cheap.
A difficult pill to swallow, especially for people who pride themselves on their creativity (but don’t do much with it).
But ideas are cheap. The world is full of ideas. Countless unwritten novels and songs are walking down the street around you every day. And they remain in the realm of ideas.
Action, effort, commitment, discipline, and consistency are expensive. These are the things that bring an idea into reality.
Let it sting you one more time so you can hopefully be pushed into action:
Ideas are cheap.
Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.
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