One chapter that really stood out to me was chapter three, when the author discusses how the struggle for life is the one area that interferes with happiness in our lives. In this chapter I liked how he broke down the struggle for life is really about our struggles for success and how the never ending need to be successful career-wise can distract a man from the things that are really important in life like his family.
While I also think Russell's view were a bit sexist at this point, I do agree that the climb for success could have the ability to take away from any man or woman's level of happiness or enjoyment in life. Especially when we combine the high cost of living and the need to gain more substantial salaries. While we would think that having a more abundant amount of resources would bring happiness, I often think having less brings more contentment and less worries.
The authors discussion about boredom in chapter four was another interesting topic. Russell discussed in chapter four how boredom is a common human emotion that creates the desire for excitement. He also stated that this need is deeply rooted in human beings, especially males who need the thrill of the hunt or chase to feel gratification. He goes on to say we are less bored than our ancestors but we feel the need to avoid boredom at all costs by vigorously searching for excitement. Russell didn't believe that boredom was completely evil but he did believe that their were two essential types off boredom in life. The first one fructifying which occurs from the absence of drugs and stultifying because of the absence of vital activities. Who goes on to talk about the constant need for excitement in your life can lead to an exhausting life that dulls are ability to perceive true pleasure. He believed that to endure life we should be taught at a young age that there is a power in being able to enjoy boredom.
I personally agree with his thoughts on the subject of boredom. I think it's important at young age to be taught to entertain ourselves and not always need to constantly be doing something or need excitement. I think that if an individual constantly needs to be on the go or doing something they may miss out on rest and reflection which is an essential part of life.
I completely agree with you, we all need rest and reflection. Especially in our society nowadays; that has become accustomed to always being on the go. And, I agree with Russell also, that children should be taught how to deal with boredom at a young age; because like he says, it provokes them to use their imagination, which I think is vital for a healthy childhood. And I think, it's also vital, in order for children to grow up to be open-minded individuals, who aren't afraid to look outside the box; and can perhaps even cultivate in them characteristics, which can lead to them being innovative within their professions later in life. I also agree with you, that the struggle for success, has become a bigger burden within today's society on our families and the things that matter most. I personally feel that it's always good to slow down every once in awhile and take a walk with your children, or play a board game, or even jump on those video games with them (even if you're like me and not very good at them LOL;) just basically take in that time with them, because they're not little for very long. I know many people (even in my own family,) like he described that are so busy in their daily jobs and striving for more and more success within their position; and because that takes away quality time with their significant other and children, they tried to fill in the gaps with additional business (like he described;) more trips, and more entertainment; not teaching their children to enjoy the simpler pleasures in life, or that a little bit of boredom is okay. I know that I personally taught my son that you have to be able to be okay with that boredom, and that there are plenty of things to do if you look for them. I promoted him to help me around the house because even doing stuff like that together is still valuable time of communicating and working together that we will always be able to cherish. And for any additional gaps of inactivity, to where he felt bored if you will, I encourage him to be creative (rather than being a promoter of video games and electronics,) and instead bought him some art supplies; and come to find out, he is quite a good painter. Seeing him enjoy it so much, I began to wonder if I might be any good at it; so one day I took one of his canvases and his paint brushes, and we were pleasantly surprised with my one masterpiece as well. Lol. He has quite a few that he has painted for me. He says that I'm his Muse. :) But he paints a lot of sceneries, and occasionally he enjoys watching Bob Ross paint also on YouTube. Lol.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that that taking time to slow down and relax is important. I feel that we as a whole, society, tends to glorify being "busy" for the sake of being busy. Constantly striving to achieve the next best thing. However, for me, as I get older, the next best things come from resting and reflecting on the current situations around me. My kids are very similar in that they always seem to need something to do. I remember when I was a kid, "boredom" was the best time to be adventurous and explore, or create new things. I have to challenge my kids to think outside the box as well when they find themselves bored.
ReplyDeleteI also found this chapter be a little bit sexist. The constant cycle of success can weigh heavy on man and woman alike, each carrying that weight differently. That mindset fuels into the competition aspect of happiness.