The Barrow

I recently encountered an idea that misses the mark so profoundly it's difficult to know where to begin to pick it apart.

I saw someone online express the opinion that one's worldview simply must reflect the reality of the world, and it is irrelevant if it “makes you happy.” Firstly, “happy” is a loaded term here. Long-term happiness is not necessarily feeling great or ecstatic all the time. Happiness, in this sense, speaks to a deeper fulfillment with your life and your self, as well as a capacity to hold yourself together even in times of crisis. Secondly, I find it funny that the people who espouse these kinds of worldviews almost entirely focus on the evil in the world, especially their own misery. This type of sentiment is repeated ad nauseam by the most miserable people of the world, whose perception is completely tinted by the lens of depression.

Your worldview must steel you against the difficulties, horrors and injustices of the world, or it's useless. The world will never be utopian or free of evil – it is instead your job to be resilient and resistant to this. You need to make yourself as much of a solid rock, unmoved by the storm around you, as you can. Not only is this best for your own mental and physical wellbeing, as well as that of those around you, but it's best for actually achieving or embodying your own lofty goals. That's the secret and the key to virtually everything.

I know I haven't always been as committed to this as I should be. I've spent most of my life overly emotional, easily swept away by my own feelings, and frankly, miserable. It doesn't do anyone any good.

I hope people stuck in these loops can break free and finally be happy.