Let's not confuse getting better at stuff with being a better person. One is a much bigger priority than the other.
- Ryan Holiday
October 22nd, 2021
So someone's good at taking down an opponent, but that doesn't make them more community-minded, or modest, or well-prepared for any circumstance, or more tolerant of the faults of others.
Reading the words of Marcus Aurelius, I was struck by how much this statement seemed to mirror our current political atmosphere. I recognize that supporters of both major parties appear to have a constant need to "take down" the opponent. What makes this particular cycle deplorable is that everyone is following the lead of the President.
We don't look to help our neighbors, or if we do, it is only the neighbors who reflect us. Our hubris causes us to feel better than everyone else whom do not reflect us. We are becoming short-sighted when looking at the effect of our current actions. We have become biased and believe the faults of others are egregious while not contemplating our own faults.
While we may try to better ourselves with noble intentions, we can easily be steered towards more self-absorbed intentions. About a year ago I started a journey to improve my health. The intention was to be more fit in order to enjoy a better lifestyle as I grew older. After nearly a year progressed, I slowly started to notice some physical changes. One negative item I noticed was my love handles. My intention was never to look better but to feel healthier. It was scary how my narcissism looked to take over my goal so easily.
The author of "The Daily Stoic" had the simplest summary of this that is very fitting.
Let's not confuse getting better at stuff with being a better person. One is a much bigger priority than the other.
- Ryan Holiday