Dear hate mongers, Here is how you could get yourself a life!

The ancient and medieval philosophy has been centered around knowing the universe, God, and the Self. In addition, the purpose of life has also been explored by some of the eminent philosophers. Socrates wanted to know himself, every day, and even at the cost of his own death. Plato, in Crito, explains how Socrates wanted to know from Crito whether escaping from the prison would be justified and that imminent death would never deter him from finding solutions to his questions about himself. Socrates, as well as Plato believed that willful wrongdoings were always bad and the scope stretched to committing wrong for wrong.

I believe that one must have his own perception of life as every individual has a unique way of approaching things. The moment we base our lives on the thought process of others, it turns out to be more sour than sweet as the philosophy of someone may be the best for them, but not necessarily for everyone.

I am strongly convinced by the fact that we must live each day of our lives to the fullest as we have got a limited lifespan and we cannot carry anything after death. Though the philosophy is not completely congruent with the ancient and medieval thought process on the subject, it aligns with getting to know the meaning of life. I have always believed that we must help people at the first opportunity and also get helped in times of need. In addition, nothing should be drawn from the future as we live in the present. At least, one must never overdraw from the future. Being good is one thing, however, being good for the sake of others is different. The latter must be avoided at all costs. When we are good, there are more inherent benefits of the same for us than for anyone else. Love is the best thing one can practice and hatred is sin. Love attracts happiness and health.

Another thing that must be incorporated in our lives is to speak less and listen more and that is why we have two ears and only one mouth. Plato has rightly brought out that “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something”. Talking is the process of repeating the already known thoughts, whereas, listening brings in newer ideas every time. It has been rightly hinted- “Dear Hilde, if the human brain was simple enough for us to understand, we would still be so stupid that we couldn't understand it.” (Gaarder 318). The human brain is not, in fact, easily decipherable. However, we need to have a receptive attitude so as to be a constant learner.

Gaarder says, “The stupidest thing she knew was for people to act like they knew all about the things they knew absolutely nothing about.” (Gaarder 54). People around us, the media, the blogs do try to make our opinions on the basis of their thought process and philosophies. What we can do is to receive only the facts and build our own opinions. We need not sway away with emotional streaks. Rather, it is important to understand the rationale. There are people who claim to know everything about everything. On the contrary, one should still be wondering about his existence and who he actually is as a person. This thought is something that molds one’s behavior and attitude towards life and it is the attitude that distinguishes winners from losers, leaders from followers and lions from sheep. Being inquisitive enough would help in seeking answers from within oneself. Knowledge is one thing, wisdom is another.

PS: Peacefully dedicated to The Print, The Wire, and the hate mongering media.

Peace. Period.