The central struggle of modern life and root cause of our biggest issues is the same as it was 2,500 years ago.
We still wrestle with one central choice: Do what is good or what is pleasurable, what is disciplined or what is comfortable?
We have advanced in so many other ways.
Science is expanding our understanding of the world and people. Medicine continues to improve and extend quality of life. Society pushes progress forward steadily though imperfectly. Technology accelerates us into innovations that reshape how we live and engage with each other.
A downside consequence of all these advancements is unrestricted access to pleasure and the constant offer of comfort and convenience.
This frictionless access makes our central struggle even more challenging now than 2,500 years ago because: Good does not flow from pursuing pleasure. Pleasure flows from pursuing good.
It's through disciplined action (good) that we create meaning and joy (pleasure) in our lives, not by chasing pleasure that we create good.
The time is now. Do the work.
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