When people say "The point is…" it isn’t.
To declare primacy, to center one idea, is to elevate and exalt one perspective, usually the speakers.
Now the conversation is social politics: the point is to support the person by supporting the idea.
Category: Growth
- Theme: Growth
The point is never the point
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1–2 minutes - Theme: Growth
For Progress Revert
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1–2 minutesTo progress we can revert. This seems contradictory: to move into the future by embodying our past self rather than attempting to become something new.
Yet, often there is a conceit in novelty that side-tracks us for decades, while a reversion to core alignment is more beneficial than continual wandering. - Theme: Growth
Winging it
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1–2 minutesYou can wing it and claim success, because you forgave yourself in advance.
This is how we start most things, but it is not your best: you prioritize "good enough" in the moment over considered preparation. - Theme: Growth
Designed Nudges
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1–2 minutesDecisions are made for you through design. We tend to be unaware (or unreactive), and so we are pliable to the "nudges" and manipulations of others. Since nothing is neutral, what are the implications of each decision? If we make something easier, more convenient, what does that teach?
- Theme: Growth
Exhaustion leads to productivity
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1–2 minutesExhaustion can lead to a dumb form of productivity simply because you are too tired to transition.
You won’t learn anything and you will make mistakes, but you do get to check all the little boxes on your to-do list. - Theme: Growth
Forgiving the shape of wisdom
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1–2 minutesWe can use the words to parrot the phrases shaped like wisdom.
To entwine the wisdom with your soul, how many repetitions and reflections are needed? We can all be forgiven for a bit of mimicry when finding our footing on the path. - Theme: Growth
You beyond limit is “not you”
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1–2 minutesYou have a limited amount of attention, patience, willpower… caring. Once it is gone you run on negative, becoming "not you."
Beyond empty this "not you" is easily distracted, swayed, overwhelmed… primed for temptation and eventual regret. - Theme: Growth
Caring is turbulence
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1–2 minutesFluctuating moods come from caring about others: to connect is to risk stability.
Simplistically, you can sit on the shore, drown, or learn to surf. The problem is that surfing requires an inhuman mastery of persistent balance.
There must be an effortless way to do all three simultaneously: collapse the wave.
- Theme: Growth
Wanting is free
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1–2 minutesThe things we want have a cost. Wanting is free.
Once your desire, craving, or compulsion is fulfilled, another one will arise. This is a permanent dynamic. But right now, you are breathing and just fine.
Do we really want the “wanting”? Do we crave pursuit itself?
- Theme: Growth
You create your state
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1–2 minutesThings affect you because you decide to care: you made it about you. Most of your cares are small and serve no one, not even yourself.
Equally, you can let nothing affect you and become a stone. How boring.
Be aware, be particular.