Comments on: Ancient Philosophy and Modern Personal Development

By: Joe and Wanda on Management » An Outstanding Offer

Joe and Wanda on Management » An Outstanding Offer — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:03:57 +0000

[...] Pick the Brain [...]

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:18:55 +0000

It’s so refreshing for me to read this post, and all of the great comments. It feels like some (not all) of the pressure has been relieved. It’s a post that I will most likely print out and have hanging around someplace(I know, it’s on the computer..blah blah )just so that I can re-read it at will and remind myself, during some possibly difficult and challenging times ahead, that it’s ok.

I have very recently set a goal for myself to attempt a career change, at 35 even. And you know, I’m a little happier with the thought today, than I was yesterday.

http://tecthought.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/personal-goal-road-to-becoming-a-counselor/

-Scott

By: Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah)

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:59:37 +0000

“To go wrong in one’s own way is better than to go right in someone else’s. In the first case you are a man, in the second you’re no better than a bird.” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:26:16 +0000

Stephen,
I found this inspiring at a time when I am considering a change that seems absolutly crazy even if we were not experiencing these economic times. I love all quotes that I have read and wrote them down for a little reminder.

By: buddhalite

buddhalite — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:57:22 +0000

very inspiring article. i have been plagued by self-doubt for a long time and it has been the number one thing that has kept me from acting on my true heart’s beliefs…when it doesn’t fit with what everyone else is doing, it can truly be a journey in itself to overcome those insecurities and have the courage to follow your heart and to agree to be “foolish and stupid”.

By: AHP

AHP — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:33:26 +0000

Wow..This article is so inspiring. I have been going thru a large amount of growth and change recently. I am only 21 and many people my age are so focused on just day-to-day existence and fun. My mind is far deeper than that though, and I seem to find myself having to abandon some relationships that do not seem to have any direction and can even drag me down. Thank you for such a great article.

By: Stephen - Balanced Existence

Stephen - Balanced Existence — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:46:10 +0000

Hi Juliet,

As I mention towards the end of the article I do think that as one changes through growth there will come times when moving on from a friendship or a relationship is necessary.

You shouldn’t be saddened by this phenomenon though. Behind every action is usually a positive intention. Your friends may simply be concerned for you and show this by trying to guide you in a direction they think is right. Unfortunately what they think may be largely a product of social and media conditioning.

All the best,

Stephen

By: Kent @ The Financial Philosopher

Kent @ The Financial Philosopher — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:40:41 +0000

The foundation of ancient philosophical systems, both western and eastern, is self-knowledge.

Arguably, one of Socrates’ most famous quotes is, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” His greatest pupil, Plato, made self-knowledge the center of his philosophical system.

Once we are well-acquainted with our SELF, the path to a meaningful existence is revealed and we are then able to see beyond social conventions, or “majority rule,” as you say in the post, and begin to truly understand that our energy comes from within and not from external sources.

“Moderation, which consists in indifference about little things, and in a prudent and well-proportioned zeal about things of importance, can proceed from nothing but true knowledge, which has its foundation in self-acquaintance.” ~ Plato

By: Seamus Anthony

Seamus Anthony — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:09:50 +0000

Hey Stephen

I just have to go the road less travelled now rather than the so-called safe option. I spent too many years just feeling like my soul was in a vice being slowly crushed. Give me creative satisfaction and insecurity any day over the illusion of security.

By: Juliet

Juliet — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:08:04 +0000

True

And it’s sad how unsupportive one’s friends can be. I’ve been making alot of changes in my life (specifically work-wise) and have started a blog etc. Some of them are really unhappy about the fact that I might be on a path of joy!

I’ve heard that as you grow and change you may need to find new more like-mindend friends.

I believe one needs to be surrounded by inspirational people.

Juliet