Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

[Victor Obonyo]

Wow! Our energy and resources and finite, indeed. We think we it all that can enable us to ask this and that questions instead of trying to live the lives we have right now. The same attitude people have about love. They treat it like it might come again if they gamble the one they have now. Let's play the cards we have now, in this moment!

[rudi dani]

I hear you, and accepting what can't be changed is powerful. But there's a difference between acceptance and resignation. Sometimes, accepting reality involves acknowledging it's unfair or difficult.

Maybe the cards I'm dealt suck, but that doesn't mean I can't fight for a better hand. Sure, I can't change the cards themselves, but I can choose how I play them. Maybe that means finding creative solutions, working hard to change what I can change, or even inspiring others to fight for a better deal for everyone. Just because I accept reality doesn't mean I have to give up on making it better.

[Henry Chude]

"What stands in the way becomes the way" is a powerful Stoic principle that encourages viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth. When faced with challenges, instead of being thwarted or discouraged, one should see them as chances to develop resilience, creativity, and perseverance. This mindset transforms adversity into a path for improvement.

For example, a difficult project at work can be perceived as an insurmountable barrier or as an opportunity to enhance skills and showcase problem-solving abilities. By embracing the challenge, you not only overcome it but also emerge stronger and more capable.

This principle emphasizes that struggles and setbacks are not just hindrances but integral parts of the journey toward success. By confronting and navigating through obstacles, you develop qualities and strengths that might otherwise remain dormant. Therefore, what initially appears as an impediment becomes the very means through which progress and achievement are realized.

[Rose Lineani]

Only through the acceptance of the circumstances and realities we cannot change or control can we properly guide our actions within those constraints. - This is a great lesson.

[Surabhi Rani]

The obstacles in our lives define us. Our accomplishments contain the essence of the struggle we endured to succeed - the secret lies in the method or the process of achievement. When we reach our destination, the truth is revealed, i.e., the difficulties arise to glorify our spiritual journey. We are 'what' we endured to discover ourselves.

[Risper Ouma Lisa Anyango]

This is a discussion forum topic for the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All.



"The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
- Marcus Aurelius

By quickly and unconditionally accepting unchangeable reality, we best make the best of it, turning seeming obstacles to our advantage.

Only by fully and unconditionally accepting the proverbial cards we are dealt (i.e. only by fully and unconditionally accepting that which cannot be changed) are we able to best play those cards.

By wasting even the smallest bit of time, energy, or resources resenting that which we know we cannot change, we thereby absolutely cannot play those proverbial cards the best we can, since our time, energy, and resources are all finite.

What's spent on one is taken from the other.



The book is available for purchase from all major book retailers in both ebook and hardcover format.

Accept everything or anything that life throws at you and embrace it as a lesson that makes you better. Don't start whinning about it but instead grow as a rose.

[Adaolisa Okoye]

I think this means sometimes we shouldn't work so hard in changing something, we can equally let it be and rest. Life shouldn't always be so difficult.

[Paul Great Grace]

I empower myself to make the most of any situation, transforming challenges into opportunities for learning and advancement. This mindset allows me to focus my finite time, energy, and resources on actions that lead to positive outcomes, rather than squandering them on futile resistance to circumstances beyond my control. It's a reminder to allocate my resources wisely and channel my efforts towards constructive paths forward.

[Chibyke Icarus]

This perspective is refreshing and deeply intriguing to me. I completely agree! Viewing challenges as opportunities for personal growth and focusing our efforts wisely by accepting the things beyond our control is truly valuable.

[Unique Mary Iloakasia]

Yes, we can choose to deal with the hand that life gives us or complain about it. We can only react. That's the way that life is.

[Boring Pigeon]

A powerful reflection on the Stoic philosophy. It's a reminder that our energy is a finite resource. By channeling it into acceptance and problem-solving rather than resistance, we unlock our true potential. It's in these challenges that opportunities often disguise themselves, waiting to be seized by those who can transform obstacles into stepping stones.

[clinton olamide]

"What stands in the way becomes the way" suggests that obstacles and challenges are not just hindrances but opportunities for growth and progress. Embracing difficulties as part of the path rather than as barriers allows us to adapt and find solutions, transforming obstacles into stepping stones toward our goals. This mindset encourages resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.

[Ashley Hodgins]

Beautiful quote! It reminds me of the quote by Marc and Angel Chernoff (authors) "If you worry too much about what might be, and wonder too long about what might have been, you will ignore and completely miss what is".

[Ejoh Ebube]

I've found that the best way to navigate life's challenges is to embrace them head-on. By accepting what I can't change, I'm free to focus on what I can. It's like being dealt a hand of cards – the more I resist the cards I'm given, the less likely I am to play them well. So, I choose to play the game with the cards I'm dealt, making the most of every opportunity.

[Adrian Bouknight]

I really appreciate this post. It reminds me of the phrase, 'there's no use crying over spilled milk.' You can lose valuable time if you exhaust all your resources trying to fix something that can't be fixed. However, when we accept our boundaries and limitations, we can invest more time into discovery and adaptation. By doing so, we may uncover new or better ways to tackle our challenges—ways we might never have discovered if we were still crying over spilled milk.