“There is no art without contemplation.” — Robert Henri
We live a lifetime of constant comparisons; from the time of early sibling rivalries and competing with schoolmates for grades or popularity to who’s richer, more famous or more powerful as full-grown adults. We treat life (and people) like games and sport. It’s all quite silly. But for fun, let’s look at what’s overrated and what’s underrated when it comes to things that matter:
Overrated (vs the Underrated):
- ownership (vs stewardship and the sense of duty that accompanies it)
- acquisition and entertainment (vs creating and learning)
- big social life (vs isolation, which is a gift)
- busyness (vs being at rest doing nothing)
- people’s opinions (vs what your heart-mind tells you)
- digital technology (vs real analog materials & experience)
- money (vs real wealth which is defined by your actions and who you are)
- concern for time (vs being present)
- being fast (vs being good)
- possessing lots of information/knowledge (vs having understanding and taking action)
- recieving/getting (vs giving)
- over-importance of holidays/events (vs living fully each and every day)
- having lots of options (vs limitations which challenges your thinking)
- having lots of resources (vs building your resourcefulness)
- striving for the end (vs focusing on the first step)
- treating work as a chore/job (vs work as play, as duty and opportunity)
- thinking (vs listening, looking, & attending)
- photographs/videos (vs the real thing)
- being clever (vs being sincere — both actions reveal your intent)
- things you can just see & hear (vs things you can touch & smell too)
- power and position (vs kindness and communion)
- pleasure from leisures/comforts (vs the joy derived from effort)
- a mind full of ideas/opinions (vs a clear, empty and useful mind)
- envy & bitterness (vs humility and the ability to laugh at oneself)
- ambition (vs the peace of needing nothing)
- fear (vs the reality of a benevolent universe)
- Artificial Intelligence (vs using your own brain & doing it yourself)
“Those who don’t read have no advantage over those who can’t read.” — Mark Twain