Time Doesn’t Make Everything Better...It Just Makes Them What They Are
The Daily Stoic25 Loka 2018

Time Doesn’t Make Everything Better...It Just Makes Them What They Are

When we get dumped or we fail or we lose someone, we often hear that “Time heals all wounds” or some such remark, all of it in consolation. Obviously this is meant well, but it’s also frustrating--if only because it’s trite...and way too simple.

As Rilke wrote, “Time does not ‘console’ as people say superficially; at best it puts things in their place and it creates order.” There is a Zen story about a man whose horse ran away. People said it was bad luck. Then the horse came back, which people thought was good luck, and then his son broke his leg while falling off it and people thought that was bad luck come round again. But because his leg was broken, the man’s son was saved from fighting and dying in a war, and the cycle went on and on.

Time doesn’t make things better or worse, it simply makes them what they are. That’s why the Stoics talk about not rushing to judgment about anything, about waiting and seeing. Because we don’t know. Just giving something time isn’t automatically going to make it better--but it does at least give things a chance to shake out, for us to see the full picture. If there is one aphorism about time that we CAN rely on, that the Stoics would agree with, it's that 'time will tell.'

That’s the moral of the Zen story too. Trying to label things as good luck or bad luck is shortsighted. It assumes that all the facts have been entered into evidence. It’s better to hold off on forming an opinion, because fate is constantly unfolding around us, and today’s bad luck may very well be setting up tomorrow’s good luck (and vice versa).

Time isn’t a panacea, but it is a form of truth. So watch for it. Time will, in fact, tell.


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jaksot(2886)

The Courage Crisis: How YOU Can Make A Difference Today | John Avlon (PT. 2)

The Courage Crisis: How YOU Can Make A Difference Today | John Avlon (PT. 2)

The hardest thing in life is finding the courage to do what’s right when it costs you. In this episode, Ryan continues his conversation with journalist and historian John Avlon, diving into the danger...

27 Syys 202548min

It’s Not Something You’re Born With. It’s Something You Earn. | 15 Stoic Strategies For Success

It’s Not Something You’re Born With. It’s Something You Earn. | 15 Stoic Strategies For Success

Just as one becomes strong through lifting weights, or skilled at woodworking through hours in the shop, we become wise through the same kind of effort. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's Th...

26 Syys 202525min

You Are Never Excused From This | Ask Daily Stoic

You Are Never Excused From This | Ask Daily Stoic

It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old. It doesn’t matter if you’re a private or a president, a CEO or a summer intern. THIS is your responsibility.📚 The Four Stoic Virtues: Justice, Temperance, Wi...

25 Syys 202514min

There’s No Such Thing As A Bad Thing

There’s No Such Thing As A Bad Thing

We get to decide what things mean to us. We get to decide how we respond to things. 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listen...

24 Syys 20252min

Fix Your News Diet NOW (Before It Breaks Your Brain) | John Avlon (PT. 1)

Fix Your News Diet NOW (Before It Breaks Your Brain) | John Avlon (PT. 1)

How do you stay informed without losing your mind? In this episode, Ryan sits down with journalist and historian John Avlon to discuss how to fix your “news diet,” why local journalism matters more th...

24 Syys 202539min

BONUS | 12 Stoic Lessons from The Odyssey

BONUS | 12 Stoic Lessons from The Odyssey

For nearly 3,000 years, one story has ruled them all. The Odyssey. In today’s episode, Ryan shares12 Stoic lessons hidden inside this timeless epic.👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism b...

23 Syys 202527min

We Need More of These People | Pain Is Self-Inflicted Harm

We Need More of These People | Pain Is Self-Inflicted Harm

We once had Stoics in high office. We had Stoics making important decisions. We’re a long way from that today, aren’t we?📚 The Four Stoic Virtues: Justice, Temperance, Wisdom, Courage, are timeless k...

23 Syys 20257min

It’s Not Extraordinary | No Pain, No Gain

It’s Not Extraordinary | No Pain, No Gain

How does it happen? How does someone become great? 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus cont...

22 Syys 20259min

Suosittua kategoriassa Liike-elämä ja talous

sijotuskasti
mimmit-sijoittaa
psykopodiaa-podcast
rss-rahapodi
rss-rahamania
ostan-asuntoja-podcast
juristipodi
pomojen-suusta
rss-seuraava-potilas
rss-lahtijat
rss-myyntikoulu
rss-draivi
taloudellinen-mielenrauha
leadcast
rahapuhetta
asuntoasiaa-paivakirjat
rss-startup-ministerio
rss-sisalto-kuntoon
oppimisen-psykologia
lakicast