“How should one live?” is an extremely broad question. When I think about how to answer, so many things come to mind, but if I had to reply with a single word, I’d say, “optimistically.”
Bad things happen to us all, but if it weren’t for the rainy days, the sunny ones would not seem nearly as special. Living life with a positive outlook can only make whatever situation one is in, a better one. It pushes people to perform to their fullest potential despite possible failure. Telling anyone they can accomplish something gives them the confidence necessary to do so; simply believing that things will get better urges one to keep trying until they are.
I think that optimism even extends as far as encouraging people to open up to one another. Everyone wants to be noticed at some point, but who is going to share who they truly are if they expect negative feedback? People are more inclined to be themselves around someone with whom they do not expect a poor reaction.
Optimism is the cure, not only for the mind, but also the body. Recent studies show that it can help people miraculously overcome terminal illnesses, such as cancer. I often wonder if people have more control over their surroundings than they actually perceive, especially after learning that we only use ten percent of our brains. It would be nice to think that hoping for the best could possibly change one’s fate to a better one.
When I asked my sister how one should live, she answered, “to the fullest.” I asked my best friend, and she replied, “without regret.” Although these responses were rather short and cliché, they both hope to live a life that they can not only be content with, but proud of. This is something I am sure they will accomplish as they are amazing people.
The question as to how one should live remains open, as it differs for each person. In the end, we would all like to believe that we have made the best of the hand life dealt us, so what does that mean for you?
2 comments:
I agree with Corinne about optimism. Positive attitudes make HUGE differences in many situations. Just like Corinne pointed out, being optimist can change an individual's outcome from an illness--having positive thoughts creates a positive strength within that can pull you through in desprate situations. Now this isn't 100% effective because even with positivity, and optimism, sometimes the illness is much stronger, but anyone can witness the difference in a person who goes with strength then one who goes giving in. The only problem with this assement as the only way one should live is that it doesn't cover Martha Nussbaum's 6 element of Human Capabilities: Practical Reason. Always being opitmist doesn't means you will be engaging in critical reflection--even in a perfect world, one has to look at all sides of a given situation. But overall I think opitimism is a great place to start in "How one should live" and I agree with Corinne.
I also agree with Corinne about optimism. Having someone believe in you and push you to do your best is something everyone needs. When people live, they should be open to other ideas and events. It makes life more interesting and fulfilling.
Martha Nussbaum covers a few central human capabilities in her interview. I believe that when someone is optimistic, their affiliations will be broader. If you aren't afraid to put yourself out there to others, you never know what you have in common with them. One should not be afraid to step outside of their social comfort zone. Being optimistic and not passing judgement on others, will help one gain respect for themselves. Respect from others and self-respect are positive things in a persons life.
I too believe that optimism is a stepping stone into thinking about "how one should live".
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