Almost two months have already passed since I completed my
undergraduate philosophical studies. As I took the morning walk, the eternal
philosophical question popped up. A question about ethics - “what is the good
life? I need not appeal to Aristotellian or Kantian treatises to answer
such a personal matter. In the simplest possible terms, this question is about “right
living.”
Stephen R. Covey, in the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
has pointed out that most of the inspirational or motivational literature has
been rather superficial. It was phony, shallow and superficial in the sense
that it focused mostly on the creation of a ‘correct’ social image or
reputation, quick fixes or techniques for a successful life. The literature
appeared to solve human crises with pain-killers without addressing the core
problems.
This became clear with catchy book titles such as ‘10 ways
to win friends with a smile,’ ‘techniques for keeping a marriage,’ ‘techniques
for acing an exam in a day.’ ‘7 perfect ways to influence people.’ All these
approaches simply motivated people to use ‘techniques’ to get people to like
them. Rather than focusing on helping people to develop lasting moral
principles and a worthwhile way of life.
The first step in becoming a successful human being and a
master at right living is by taking care of the four basic dimensions of human nature.
Spirit
Contemporary culture does not value or take time to address
what the Greek Philosophers termed ‘care for the soul’ as the primal and
fundamental duty to the self. This is mainly due to the widespread popularity
of atheism, materialism and secularism.
Yet, care for the soul is greatly tried to the concept of transcendence.
This is the belief that normal or physical human experience can be surpassed and
that beings which are not subject to the limitations of the material universe
exist. I personally believe that all things have their source and ultimate end
in God. Thus, God guarantees that we shall inevitably find meaning in our
lives.
Body
Present-day culture always tries to find quick solutions to
the ills of the body. We have progressed in our health care provisions and
medical technology. We can treat almost any ailment with pills and surgery. For
example, obesity and depression.
However, the basic approach should be on prevention of
disease by living a lifestyle which is friendly to the body. For example,
eating healthy foods, doing exercises and conducting one’s daily preoccupations
in harmony with principles of a healthy lifestyle.
Mind
The ‘google-mindset’ is a virus which is destroying the
minds of young and old people alike. It is the mindset of quick and already-made
solutions to the questions and problems of life. It has brutally killed
critical and reflective thinking simply because Google has all the answers.
However, with regard to the mind, the best approach is ‘read
broadly and deeply and pursue continuous education. One ought to invest into
one’s intellect by means of serious study, edification and education. The lazy
lifestyle of an uncritical and unreflective human being is an insult to one’s
very nature as a ‘zoon logikon’ that
is, rational animal.
4. Heart
Modern culture perceives relationships as a mere means to
the attainment of one’s personal, selfish and individualistic happiness. This
has led to abuse in relationships.
However, deep and meaningful care of the heart is simply
about love and care for the other in their entirety. Meaningful living and
loving is based on respectful listening and selfless self-giving. A loving heart brings
the greatest fulfillment and joy to the heart of man.
Conclusion
Right Living is a
constant struggle. It is a fight to care
for the soul, the body, the mind and the heart. However, it is always a
worthwhile battle and always brings beautiful fruits of a good, happy and
fulfilled human existence. One ought to avoid the quick techniques and roads to
success and instead place one’s effort on becoming a better person daily by
means of right choices.
