Carl Atteniese: 8 Fold ~The Serious & Silly–in Voice, Verse, Art & Conversation from Japan
What to do–or Not Do
Sculpture of Marcus Aurelius; credit to be added
The currently hugely popular and historically famous Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius said “the obstacle is the path.” This implies ‘meeting one’s challenges head-on’, rather than going around, or avoiding them.
If you haven’t heard of this emperor who embraced Greek Stoicism, he is the one portrayed as the old Caesar played by Richard Harris–in The Gladiator, staring Russell Crow.
AI Image (Lao Tsu lived over 5,000 years ago, in China)
Lao Tsu is credited with having said to practice non-doing–which, of course, doesn’t mean ‘don’t do anything’, but rather to not micromanage—to use a popular phrase from the 80s and 90s–and rather ‘let things unfold, naturally, allowing them to progress or devolve as part of the natural order. This is hard for many of us to do, especially with the histories that precede us, the examples set before us, the accomplishment-focused heroes we elect to worship–in politics, business, education, sports and even in relationships. Capitalism (often conflated with democracy), is an inspiration in over-doing, itself–feeding selfishness, blind greed and war….
Sometimes, in issues and situations big and small, a combination of the two ideas–if we take the Roman’s statement to mean, “go after it”, as Chris Cuomo would say–is in order; or–maybe always.
Let us say you apply for a job (and let us assume that not having one, or the trying to obtain one, isthe “obstacle”)–or, in my case, for tens or hundreds of jobs; after you have applied for one, you have to move on to applying for another—or not–but in waiting to find out whether you will be hired–you find have to let go, and… wait.
The above examples do not, perhaps, make the best lessons for the statements we read from the great philosophers in question, but they work and relate to my situation, which satisfies an autobiographical tone for this blog.
A better example would be in talking about having to do something and not wanting to do it, or in the opposite vein, overdoing it. Do the things you are afraid to do–if they must be done, but once on the path, don’t overdo it.
Professor, Philosopher and Writer Joseph Campbell; photo credit to be added
Joseph Campbell famously told us “the cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” This statement matches that of Aurelius, I think. If we add the wisdom of Lao Tsu, we might say, enter the cave, conquer the fear of that obstacle in the dark, but once you have gone in and approached your goal, let go of it.
Thank you for reading. I hope this finds you exceedingly well.
I was born in Brooklyn, in the middle of the NASA Gemini space Program era--which was on course for the Apollo program, aiming to land men on the moon. I watched Neil Armstrong make humanity's first step on the lunar surface. The space program left a lasting effect on me and inspired life-long interest and passion in me.
I was born a little more than 2 years after President John Kennedy was assassinated and a few years before Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. It was a time of tumult, but better manners, a gentler approach to one another (despite the prejudice being worked on by progressives-) little political correctness, no cancel culture and thicker skin & more opportunity for laughs, a time of fantastic television, austere and fact-based news delivered with brevity and sobriety and much superlatively stylish design. It was the beginning of Star Trek, Star Wars, and a few years on, personal computers, digital watches, hand-held electronic games and movies were still in theaters--not on our TVs--unless they were a little old. People paid more attention to books, from where trust is built with credibility we intrinsically see, competency earned and reflected and facts & expertise. One reason I am not apt to dabble in irrational conspiracy theories is I made many a trek to the local library, to read about stars, planets and astronauts, and to the local bookstore--no longer there--to find my favorite science fiction novels--to either read, or simply marvel at their covers, by Boris Valejo and Frank Frazetta--inspirations that would fuel my later entry into the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
I grew up in Long Island, worked and was educated there until I discovered New York City, then it was on to Boulder Colorado, The Mojave Desert, South Korea and now Japan. I have visited Mongolia, the Philippines, and England and hope to see the rest of the world--and maybe even beyond it.
I teach English as a Second Language, practice secular Buddhism and pay attention to philosophy, astronomy, spaceflight, aviation and human & species rights. I make art, poems and photography--and real friends, wherever I go--when I can.
Maybe our paths will cross; until then, enjoy my writing and pictures, and send me a note. Maybe we can have a cup of coffee someday, somewhere.
Thank you for reading.
I wish you love, peace, joy and enlightenment--sincerely--because you are sentient, and you suffer, too.
Carl Atteniese
Tokyo
View all posts by Carl Atteniese / 亜天二恵世万慈道
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