37 Perspective, ubuntu, and scarcity

No. 37 – 18 August 2023

Welcome to the 37th edition of 4-TP, a weekly newsletter on building resilience, courage, and happiness.

Article

3 philosophical strength training exercises to sprinkle more joy in your life.

— Read more​

Quote

Seneca, on adversity:

"You are unfortunate in my judgment, for you have never been unfortunate. You have passed through life with no antagonist to face you; no one will know what you were capable of, not even you yourself. For a man needs to be put to the test if he is to gain self-knowledge; only by trying does he learn what his capacities are."

— Source: Seneca: Dialogues and Essays​

Insight

The African secret to living a happy and fulfilled life rests on these 4 basic rules:

It's a philosophy called Ubuntu meaning, "I am because you are." It's about social awareness, a consciousness of others, and understanding that we have a responsibility to one another.

1/ Embrace your community

You're not living in isolation, you belong to a family, a broader community, to the world. Our survival is dependent on others.

2/ Protect the environment

We're co-creators. 30% of food crops in the world rely on cross-pollination from bees, these tiny insects. If you're going to destroy the bees or the earth, you're ultimately destroying yourself.

When the indigenous people in the Amazon go fishing and catch too much fish, they throw some back in the river. Because they understand that the river feeds them, it's a source of life.

3/ Empathize with action

As Mother Theresa said, "Compassion is useless, without action or application." Ubuntu is about action. If you empathize, then go out and share with the vulnerable among you. Make sure that people and your environment are protected.

4/ Share

Fortune comes to those who share their wealth with others, not pile it up for themselves.

Question

Scarcity in possessions teaches the mind to be prepared and adapt to tough times. What are some things you can give up starting today?

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Till next week,
— Carlos & Stef