“Comparison Is the Thief of Joy.”
Theodore Roosevelt hit it on the head for me. As I approach the conclusion of my thesis, and look to the incredible work being done all around me, I feel fear, anxiety, stress. I feel not good enough, inadequate.
And then I remember. I too am making something beautiful. I too have ideas that are unique, stimulating.
I spend so much of my life constantly comparing and competing–it’s what we are conditioned to do in architecture school. But I reject this way of being. I have higher standards than almost anyone else I know when it comes to living well and working hard. I don’t need to compare to others, I need to critique my self.
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
2012.04.11 On Discipline
There are no obstacles you can’t overcome once you’ve mastered yourself.
Most often, the thing that gets in the way of our success is our selves.
“If you understand others you are smart. If you understand yourself you are illuminated. If you overcome others you are powerful. If you overcome yourself you have strength. If you know how to be satisfied you are rich. If you can act with vigor, you have a will. If you don’t lose your objectives you can be long-lasting. . . If you die without loss, you are eternal.”
Lao Tzu
2012.04.03 On Honesty & Respect
Without honesty and respect, there can be no friendship, no love, no life worthwhile.
2012.04.01 On Taking Action
The biggest waste of time is waiting; make a decision, trust in it, and move.
“I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue…
But much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking.
The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there’s little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides.”
— Carl Sagan
“Wise men don’t need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren’t wise. The Master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happier he is. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is. The Tao nourishes by not forcing. By not dominating, the Master leads.”
Laozi