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Context: The absolute chad on the right is Diogenes of Sinope, ancient Greek philosopher who took Cynicism (asceticism and rejection of social norms) to its logical extremes.
He was once visited by Alexander the Great, yes, that one, where Alexander asked if he could do anything for the famous philosopher, who lived in a clay wine jug in the marketplace by choice.
"Stand a little out of my sun" was Diogenes' reply to the most powerful man in the world.
To that Alexander replied "If I weren't Alexander, I would like to be Diogenes". Supposedly Diogenes agreed, stating that "If I were not Diogenes, I too would like to be Diogenes ".
Another person who we consider to be some kind of genius, but who we'd throw in the psych ward if they appeared in downtown LA right now. People love people who subvert social norms, just as long as they stay in stories, movies, and history and don't actually come near them.
You are completely correct about society abhorring those that reject social norms, but Diogenes was a little different than the average homeless public masturbator. He rejected social norms due to philosophical belief, rather than untreated mental illness.
I mean, it could be both.
It definitely could be both.
He was apparently admired in his own time at least.
Other than the being enslaved bit.
I’m poor as fuck right now and living a great life because I keep my reach scoped to my grasp. I’ve spent all my excess money on meditation retreats and therapy and I’m legit happier than I’ve ever been despite toiling and a long commute on the bus and a dingy little apartment. I’m on a gentle upward slope, my footing is sure because I stopped trying to scramble up sheer rockfaces, and I’m on the best path I’ve ever been on.
Sounds awesome. What do you do on your down time?
I reddit, I read, I take hot baths. I just recently got my shit together enough to get my own apartment (I’m 40 and have always lived with others except about 3 years of my life a few months at a time). So I feel like a 20 year old kid out on his own for the first time learning to adult. So lately I’ve spent more free time cleaning and beautifying the apartment. Just little things. Getting together basics like a broom and the right extension cords, that kind of thing.
For the first time in my life I have alone time every day, and that is just incredible. I feel my mind moving and adapting in a way it never has before. I’m getting more interested in longer-term projects.
One of the best things I ever did was stop trying to make up for lost time. I’ve just accepted that the overall arc of my life is delayed, and there will probably be less wealth and success in it than there would be if I’d had the health and financial stability earlier in life.
Just accepting where I’m at, allowing myself to be excited about my first adult apartment that’s mine, taking satisfaction in improving my routines and habits a little each day, has led to this feeling of joy that just comes oozing up around me more and more often.
I used to have big dreams, and accomplished nothing. Now I have little dreams, and accomplish a little. Really it feels like having no-slip traction. It doesn’t really matter how fast the wheels are spinning if there’s no traction. And you’ll never get traction by going faster.
Hell yeah friend, sounds like you're living well :)
Additional context: the soyjack on the left is what happens when you order pizza in Bavaria while running from authorities.