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Aristotle wrote quite a bit on this subject. Check out Nicomachean Ethics for a nice dry read. I think Aristotle would say that since a job is ultimately not i
by mylons 4y ago
Aristotle wrote quite a bit on this subject. Check out Nicomachean Ethics for a nice dry read.
I think Aristotle would say that since a job is ultimately not in your control and you can be fired for reasons out of your control, you must compartmentalize your attachment, or detach altogether, if you wish to avoid pain.
It’s also an insight from Buddhism that expectation and attachment are core causes for suffering.
- twh270 4y agoAnd you can lose a friendship, romantic partner, child, or anything else for reasons out of your control. Yes, expectation and attachment are core causes for pain/grief/suffering. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't have expectations or attachments. It's just that you have to decide if the (potential or actual) grief and suffering is worth it, and under what terms you're willing to continue to have that expectation or attachment. This is where acceptance and boundaries have a huge part to play. That's sometimes a difficult question. What kind of relationship to have with an emotionally abusive parent? Whether to leave a job that's financially very rewarding but is also extremely stressful and 60-80 hour weeks are common?
- roflc0ptic 4y agoHonestly I was tempted to quote the five remembrances from buddhism: “everything you love will come to change.” We put them up on gravestones for Halloween one year. Buddhism decidedly doesn’t say “ergo, don’t love things.” It’s more “love things (people) as they are, without attachment and in full knowledge that they are ephemeral.”
- mylons 4y agoagreed. that’s why i said if you want to avoid pain. i think for a job it’s fine most of the time.
- roflc0ptic 4y agoAh, didn’t understand that. Thanks for clarifying!