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Post by dixonglory on Jan 5, 2011 13:06:51 GMT -5
time for some philosophy  I wonder how many of us are self satisfied at the moment? And is it essential that one should be happy and satisfied about his own life and achievements? Religions ask us to say thank God for what we are at present and pray to God to fulfill his plans about us, as He wish.A boy who scored second class in an exam or a person got 2nd place in a competition ----what should he keep in mind? Should he place his peace of mind under threat by dreaming about more? Or keep on doing like that, being self satisfied and enjoy good night sleeps? Can anybody reach heights with out dreams or without being unhappy about his own state? Is it good if one is not self satisfied? How can one distinguish between greed and ambition? Any body out there ,who is self satisfied come and start discussion..
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Post by John Wilson on Jan 5, 2011 14:03:08 GMT -5
If I am understanding your question correctly, I do not believe it goes against God to be dissatisfied with your current position, level of achievement, etc.
I believe that God tells us we should be thankful above all else. Humility is part of thankfulness. We are also told to persevere. Although we are forgiven, we are to constantly strive to improve. I believe it is God's plan that we should always do our best to become the best versions of ourselves that we can be. If your greatness is a testament to the abilities that God gave you, then you are exalting him when you have achieved something. The danger, in my opinion, lies in striving based upon greed. Likewise, I believe that false humility can be a crutch to accept less than the best from yourself.
I believe we are to do our best and accept where we end up. But we never know where that 'end' is until we have exhausted ourselves with our own effort.
It is a very good question, Dixon. I think the best expression of this can be seen in the movie "The Last Samurai."
The Japanese Samurai chieftan asks Tom Cruise's character if he believes that a man can change his fate. Tom Cruise's character replies, "I believe a man does what he can, until his fate is revealed."
Whatever that end, we should be satisfied either in our achievements or in the lessons we learned along the way. Mostly, we should be thankful for the opportunity to have tried.
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Post by Mike Moeller on Jan 5, 2011 14:13:10 GMT -5
John, very nicely stated and so true as well. Great topic Dixon!
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Post by dixonglory on Jan 6, 2011 13:27:26 GMT -5
good start John.. we are eager to hear what other scholars of the board share ..
Engin,Bob,Allen Fischer, Cleave Dean, Ryan are invited especially for the discussion.,
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Post by Bob Paradis on Jan 6, 2011 21:13:33 GMT -5
good start John.. we are eager to hear what other scholars of the board share .. Engin,Bob,Allen Fischer, Cleave Dean, Ryan are invited especially for the discussion., Hi Dixon, This is an interesting thread, but I don't think I have anything to add other than what you and John Wilson have already said. You guys are the scholars. On a personal note, the only thing that could cause me to not sleep well would be an action that I knew hurt someone, you know, a grievous sin. Not performing well in a competition would not affect my sleep in the least, as long as I was gracious to the winner. |
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Post by Michael Avery on Jan 7, 2011 8:39:30 GMT -5
i do my best to live in the present, not the past nor future. sorta old school samurai, but as a country american version.  |
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Post by Carlos Garcia on Jan 9, 2011 23:22:59 GMT -5
Im not self satisfied........ but I do satisfy myself as often as possible!!!!  |
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Post by James Worke on Jan 11, 2011 19:08:41 GMT -5
Its ok to strive to do better at what we enjoy doing or have a passion for as long as we dont sacrifice our morales & bring honor to God in doing so. Jmo
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Post by Felix Bürger on Jan 25, 2011 8:43:21 GMT -5
I do devide my life in three parts : Work, Private life and Sports... As long as i am improving in all three of them i am happy  For me this has nothing to do with Religion, i am a very non religious guy.. I have the opinon, YOU are the man who decides what life you go... and that is your destiny. again, just IMO |
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Post by John Wilson on Jan 25, 2011 11:06:14 GMT -5
Felix,
Dixon posed the question from a religious perspective. Why then do you choose to take a jab at those of us who do not share your viewpoint? Wouldn't stating your opinion be enough without being personally offensive to others?
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Post by Felix Bürger on Jan 25, 2011 13:18:50 GMT -5
sry, took the jab out.. it just comes over me in this theme...
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Post by John Wilson on Jan 25, 2011 14:04:18 GMT -5
I appreciate that. Thank you.
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