life

To see what is in front of one’s nose requires constant struggle.

Russian saying:

“Life is hard but, fortunately, short.”

Kafka in his Diaries writes that there are two cardinal sins from which all others sins derive: impatience and laziness.

I understand there's a guy inside me who wants to lay in bed, smoke weed all day, and watch cartoons and old movies. My whole life is a series of stratagems to avoid, and outwit, that guy.

Tools can be a subtle trap.

-- The Sandman

In the wise words of Carson, the butler of Downton Abbey, “The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end that’s all there is.”

Most big, deeply satisfying accomplishments in life take at least five years to achieve. This can include building a business, cultivating a loving relationship, writing a book, getting in the best shape of your life, raising a family, and more.

Five years is a long time. It is much slower than most of us would like. If you accept the reality of slow progress, you have every reason to take action today. If you resist the reality of slow progress, five years from now you'll simply be five years older and still looking for a shortcut.

If you listen to seemingly dull people very closely, you'll see that they're all mad in different and interesting ways.

It is a great privilege to be conscious in this universe. Those who understand, shine like stars.

Of course, I'm not complaining – part of the humor of living on this backward planet is listening to the hominids rationalize their predations.