Fluid Fountain

Writing with life and water

Tag: happiness (page 1 of 1)

February 20, 2024 / 1 Comment

Is Stoicism still useful today?

With the many different paradigms of human life, the struggle to define a good life has forever been debated. What really is a good life? For all we know of poverty, deprivation and destruction, the qualities of individual peace and harmony are far more than material – our psyches, physical well-being, social belongingness, friends, and family. The list goes on to prove the core pillar lies spiritual. Our current times remind us more than ever that no number of indulgences in food and entertainment, nor developments in Artificial intelligence and technology, can silence worry and sadness. In the real world, of prevailing good and evil, the answer is not utopian happiness but a much bigger mix of individual fulfilment. The ancient Stoics realised this millenniums ago and it is through their philosophical discussions and debates we arrive at the same position, wanting the good life. Stoicism today, however, goes overlooked as being impractical and sterile from the present-day luxuries and social divisions. This article seeks to explain Stoicism, and its core tenets and argue it remains a strong force against today’s overwhelming consumer and information age. As a mental framework for daily living, it offers inspiration to remain principled, yet pragmatic in life’s precarious journey. To uphold essential virtues of good character and conduct through an ever-changing world.

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December 17, 2022 / 2 Comments

The Pursuit of Success: small-steps and self-improvement

There are many times in our lives when we can feel left behind. Today’s glamorous world tells us whatever we are doing is not enough. The mark of excellence, achievement and the weight of the rich and powerful stand tall and wide. The globalised world, where our work, lifestyles and knowledge get put into a polyarchy of competition. They show us that progress is not only far but also material. It would appear for anyone to be of relevance they must be capable of reporting back a competing list of extraordinary achievements, wealth and status. There is nothing inherently wrong with striving to be the world’s best. However, chasing success for its own sake can be destructive. For a start, there is no finish line as commonly perceived. The chase will always continue, so you best be sure what you are doing is worth your time. Many soon discover their popular image of success still leaves them unfulfilled. Success in its popular perception derives from a perception of others, failing to consider the more important, personal element- self-improvement.  Today’s pressure to succeed now reaches overwhelming levels. The constant pressure to keep up with our peers raises the question- have we all become lazier or are we just chasing too much in a world that never stops demanding? Dr K from his YouTube channel HealthyGamers deconstructs the left-behind mindset, revealing the ways the popular perception of success gives way to deep-seated fears and obstacles. We can learn achievement/success through only social comparisons can become our worst enemies. Success must come from a deeper hunger to improve oneself. By shedding light on the importance of delayed gratification, acceptance and gradualism, success can be a proactive process for everyone. In this way, more of us can stop dwelling on failure and work to bring change in ourselves and others.

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April 18, 2021 / 3 Comments

How ‘Positive Thinking’ Causes Destruction

Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine by Derren Brown throws the towel on today’s age of positive thinking. Like with his enigmatic charisma, he guides readers on a different path to ‘happiness’. One that halts the pelting, positive treadmill and focuses on finding acceptance in the reality of disappointment and joy. His graceful writing stretches 446 pages and makes clear readers do not need yet another ‘quick rich scheme’ or a book jammed with positive quotes. After finding myself binging on plentiful ‘inspiring’ messages, I appreciate his view that positivity guides have paradoxically caused discontent in needing continued positivity. Brown introduces Stoicism as the old age thinking to rediscover an approach to finding resilience, acceptance, and happiness in precarious human life. He carves open the stoic perspective by taking the reader through a phenomenal breadth of knowledge, history, philosophy, and psychology. The book offers lots to contemplate, from angles of life to acceptance of death. Ultimately, this book provides a framework to discover and take greater happiness from ordinary life. This article will not be a book review and instead focus on Brown’s interesting contempt of today’s ‘positive thinking’ mantra. Why has the positive thinking movement become such a toxic barrier to happiness? How can positive thinking become suddenly negative and destructive? 

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