According to Plato “In truth, this Cosmos in its origin was generated as a compound,
from the combination of Necessity and Reason.” Our lives are filled with things that happen
naturally, and many times, these things are beyond our control or even understanding. Sometimes,
these uncontrollable events can cause physical suffering, like illnesses, or emotional suffering
when something hurts our inner peace. Now, even if we can organize our thoughts and find
a logical meaning in our lives, what do we do with these irrational, uncontrollable things that can
unexpectedly disrupt our plans? How do we handle having a strong desire for something meaningful,
when an unexpected disaster comes along? Plato wrote something interesting in a
complex dialogue called "Timaeus," which talks about how the universe was created.
While some of the ideas about gods in this text might seem a bit old-fashioned, there's an
interesting part where it says that the universe was created by a combination of "Necessity"
and "Reason." Reason persuaded Necessity to create the universe in the best way possible.
We can apply this idea to our own lives. Just like in the cosmos, our lives are also a mix
of Necessity, the things we can't control and Reason, which is our ability to think
and make decisions. But how does this apply to our personal lives? How can we use this concept?
Imagine you're in a job that you don't enjoy, but you feel trapped because it pays the bills,
and you have family responsibilities. This situation represents the "Necessity" part of
your life – the things you can't control, like financial obligations and family needs. Applying
reason in this context, means considering your career choices and personal happiness against
your obligations and responsibilities. To begin this journey, start by identifying
the aspects of your career and life that you can control. These might include your skills,
education, networking, and the effort you put into exploring new opportunities. Then define
clear and achievable career goals that align with your interests and values. For example,
if you've always been passionate about a different field, set a goal
to acquire the necessary skills or education. But critically, understand that change takes time.
Transitioning to a more fulfilling career requires patience and strategic planning. Acknowledge that
meaningful change cannot be instantaneous. If possible, plan a gradual transition to minimize
the impact on your financial stability. Perhaps you can dedicate evenings or weekends to acquiring
new skills. And Be prepared for setbacks along the way. Rejections and challenges are part of life's
"Necessity" aspect, but your "Reason" will be your guiding force, motivating you to persevere.
Importantly: Do not go through this transformation alone. Seek support from people who’ve trodden a
similar path or turned to mentors for guidance. Their experiences can offer both practical advice
and emotional encouragement. Throughout this process, keep your long-term purpose and meaning
in life at the forefront. This could be your passion for a specific career or your desire
for a more fulfilling job. Allow this ultimate purpose to steer your decisions and actions. By
applying these steps, you are using your Reason to navigate the mix of Necessity and Reason in
your career choices. Over time, you can transition towards a more meaningful and satisfying career,
balancing the uncontrollable elements with your rational decision-making.
This approach helps you make the best of what life presents, even when faced with challenges.
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