Behold this epic commenter:
This comment is funny as hell.
And it made me think of Marcus Aurelius.
(Some people’s obscure knowledge includes factoids about little blind transparent fish in subterranean pools. Mine includes random ancient history stuff.)
Quothe our man:
“Ignoring what goes on in other people’s souls—no one ever came to grief that way. But if you won’t keep track of what your own soul’s doing, how can you not be unhappy?”
Keeping up with the Kardashians is a lazy way to live.
Now, I’m not saying you can never veg out on the couch and binge mindless reality shows. I’m saying that getting caught up in other people’s lives is stupid.
That goes for celebrities, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Even family members.
Gossip might give you a little oxytocin rush, and it might make you feel superior—either because you’re in on a secret or because it’s fun to see bad things happen to people, especially when you know you’re superior to them. (Schadenfreude, baby!)
But it doesn’t offer any insight into creating happiness in your own life.
That requires some actual work, Nancy. Like introspection and self-awareness. And stuff.
And if you won’t do that work, then you’re kinda doomed. You won’t understand what your soul needs for happiness, so how will you ever create it?
Answer? You won’t.
You’ll be stuck binging reality TV and pressing your nose to the neighbor’s window, hoping to see something that gives you a rush of gossip-oxytocin.
*
“But Leslie, what if the Kardashians inspire me?”
What if you spend time on Instagram or stalking people on Facebook because it shows you what’s possible, so you can become a better version of yourself?
**coughs into elbow** Ahem, bullshit.
That’s almost always the comparison game masquerading as motivation. Stop comparing yourself to other people. It’s lazy. And it’s only going to make you feel insecure.
Concerning yourself with the matters of other people’s souls is only gonna bring you grief.
Worry about yourself, Nancy.
*
Love,
L