There is a large part of the world that will demand you commit to nothing and that you take things easy. That you choose shallow waters over the deep sea. That you abandon your humanity for some sense of freedom. It’s important that you turn away from these cowards and take your life seriously. That you commit to family, friends, and lovers. That you devote time to your work and passions. That you wake up each day and choose to live despite your fears. And that after each day ends, you lay your head on your pillow with the satisfaction of being deeply human.
This is the greatest act of rebellion.
Despite how bad they are for you, cigarettes always clear the mind. Paired with a walk and I feel like I can take a step back and breathe.
Just now it came to me that I’m much too demanding of myself and others. Nothing quite satisfies me, it can always be better. And this mentality, these feelings, brew a deep, dark discontent that manifests in anger and frustration, coupled with intense action. It’s makes me a very productive force but at the cost of grace for myself and others.
I’m sitting here now, eating some spicy noodles and feeling more accepting of things than I have been in a long time.
“The proximity of truly great minds, and also the proximity of truly great, independent, courageous hearts, casts me down one minute and raises me up the next.”
— Hölderlin (letter to Neuffer, 1794)
(trans. Charlie Louth)
There is a large part of the world that will demand you commit to nothing and that you take things easy. That you choose shallow waters over the deep sea. That you abandon your humanity for some sense of freedom. It’s important that you turn away from these cowards and take your life seriously. That you commit to family, friends, and lovers. That you devote time to your work and passions. That you wake up each day and choose to live despite your fears. And that after each day ends, you lay your head on your pillow with the satisfaction of being deeply human.
This is the greatest act of rebellion.
People have become so hyper focused on self preservation that I believe a lot of the reason relationships (especially marriages) fail in the modern age is because of this. Love requires sacrifice and commitment to another, and people see those things as inherently bad; whereas prioritizing one’s self, even at the detriment of others, is seen as good. That’s not to say boundaries are not necessary, but they should not be so firm as to be harmful. Compromises are necessary. Sacrifice is necessary. Being able to step outside of yourself is necessary. And an unwillingness to do these things is why modern society is deprived of love, and why it’s more common to be single.
Quit being cowards and go love someone.
@caitlin_mmm Definitely some truth to this, and I think that’s why the best woman for a man is one that continues to challenge him to always bring his best.
My journal, full of harsh truths about myself, has become a time-capsule and valued companion. I’ve been in my apartment alone, grappling and letting go. It’s not a glamorous or linear process. There’s no fixed aim or expectation. The examined life is painful and uncertain