Axioms
How does one live?
How must I live?
I am not certain of this.
There are no unshakeable axioms in my life but there are some suppositions which allow me to live a life I find enjoyable.
This is to say: what I describe may not be for everyone, but it is for me.
A new addition to these axioms will be those of interest to interpersonal relationships. Reflecting on this now, I feel I have well-addressed rules for my conduct with myself, but not with others. And, being someone who loves social interaction, I’ve thought about this a lot.
Intrapersonal
Axiom I.1
It will be okay.
I don’t know what okay will mean in say a year, or even a week from now, but I know that I will know on that day itself. I can’t predict a priori what my life will be like, but I may live it and decide in any moment of introspection. Regardless of what this definition may be, I know that I can endure. I know that I can persevere. I know I can. I can.
Axiom I.2
I am my world’s Atlas.
I must lift the weight of my world. My hands may falter, my knees may buckle, but I cannot yield—I must not yield. This is not to say that I must suffer, or succeed, alone. This is to point out that I am the crux of every action in my life. I aim the executer of thoughts. I am the executer of my actions. I am the principle bearer of the burden of my life—in all its successes and failures.
Axiom I.3
There is no freedom without restraint.
Given infinite choices, it is a priori impossible to decide what to do. If I am able to do anything, I will do nothing. Realizing this for myself, I saw that if I am act in any sense, I must constrain myself. I must limit choice my choices to make choices.
Axiom I.4
I must find my own life meaningful.
I say something is meaningful if it is something that requires determination, persistence, creativity, or anything I feel even a slight pride in.
Axiom I.5
I must act with purpose.
A life cannot be meaningful if never lived with intent and purpose. However, I further choose to live every moment with intent and purpose. Relaxing is fine – with purpose. Working is fine – with purpose. Living is fine – with purpose. There is no less that I may do.
Interpersonal
Axiom II.1
Treat others how you want to be treated.
I can read no minds but my own, yet I must act, so I must empathize.
Musings
- What am I to become?
- It is not a matter of if I can, I must.
- What am I to do if my word means nothing?