2 posts tagged with "philosophy"

The Backwards Law: The Art of Letting Go​

The "Backwards Law," a term famously explored by philosopher Alan Watts, posits a counter-intuitive truth: The harder you try to get a result, the further away it moves.

The Paradox of Desire​

Alan Watts was a British writer who translated Eastern philosophy for the Western world. He famously wrote:

"Wanting a positive experience is a negative experience; accepting a negative experience is a positive experience."

This is the core of the Backwards Law. When you pursue happiness, you are reinforcing the fact that you lack it in the first place. This constant chase makes you less satisfied.

Real-Life Examples:​

1. Sleep: The more you worry about falling asleep, the more awake you stay.
2. Social Ease: The harder you try to "look cool" or "act natural," the more awkward you become.
3. Confidence: The truly confident person doesn't need to feel confident; they are simply okay with whatever happens.

Conclusion: Sometimes, stepping back and accepting the current situation—even if it's negative—is the fastest way to improve it. In many situations, struggling only makes the water murkier.

#learnings

Ego is the Enemy - The Three Stages of Life​

Ryan Holiday argues that at any given time, we are in one of three stages: Aspire, Success, or Failure. In each stage, ego is the enemy that prevents us from moving forward.

1. Aspire​

When you are starting (e.g., preparing for an exam or launching a project), ego wants you to talk more than you work.

• Silence is Rare: Speaking about your goals releases a premature sense of accomplishment. Waste your energy on the action, not the announcement.
• Document Your Work: Henry Ford once said, "You can't build a reputation based on what you are going to do."

2. Success​

Success is often where the real danger begins. It makes us believe we are "special" or "above" the rules.

• Keep Your Identity Small: The more you identify with your fame, title, or property, the more you have to lose.
• Stay a Student: The moment you think you "know it all," you stop growing. If you can't swallow your pride, you can't lead.

3. Failure​

Failure is inevitable, but how you react to it defines you.

• Alive Time vs. Dead Time: "Dead time" is when you are passive and waiting for things to change. "Alive time" is when you are utilizing every second of the failure to learn and prepare for the next round.
• Sweeping the Floor: Legend has it that the floor needs to be swept every single day. Similarly, your talent and mindset need daily practice, or they will gather dust.

#learnings