What is the philosophy that contributes to your outlook on life and why?

2015-07-12T09:23:41-04:00

Example: "What does not kill you makes you stronger." Friedrich Nietzsche

Response by SPC Chris Early made Jul 12 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-07-12T09:28:03-04:00

" be like water". bruce lee mainly because life is ruff and it means to me how to go with the flow yo be calm or strong depending on the circumstances we encounter.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 9:30 AM

2015-07-12T09:30:41-04:00

"I swear by my life and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." -John Galt (Ayn Rand)

I find Objectivism agreeable because it is based on the premise that since life is all we know that we have, we all inherently have the right to sustain our lives free from (violent) aggression.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 12 at 2015 9:33 AM

2015-07-12T09:33:05-04:00

I had pretty much prescribed to "Live fast, die young, leave a good looking corpse!" Lynyrd Skynyrd. But as I approach 50, am not sure what philosophy I prescribe to as of now....will get back with you on that!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-07-12T09:55:36-04:00

There are only two ways to climb a tree: you can CHOOSE to climb it limb by limb, or you can CHOOSE to sit on an acorn..........................................................................................and wait.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-07-12T10:00:48-04:00

"Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character." - Albert Einstein

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-07-12T10:21:21-04:00

I would really caution about using one quote of a person as a philosophy. I am a fan of Nietzsche but it is much more complex. I adhere to his philosophy of his "Übermensch" translated to be either be Superman or Overman. But the reason he says "What does not kill you makes you stronger" is often taken out of context. To be great or to be the "Übermensch" you can only attain this by suffering. The only way to be raise and grow stronger is to suffer. If you don't suffer or go through any hardships you will never became great by any means. So it is not about what happens to you by circumstance but how you suffer in the pursuit of greatness. An example of this in today's standards would be if you were put in a horrible situation. You will sufferer and you will learn to cope with the situation it will not necessiarly make you a stronger person. By stronger it is not measuring your ability to endure suffering. But Ranger school is the best example of this. You suffer like no where else in the military while at a training school. When you are suffering there you are learning to be a leader and are able to show you ability to perform while in such a situation. That stronger will come out a stronger leader.

Response by SSG Eric Eck made Jul 12 at 2015 5:02 PM

2015-07-12T17:02:51-04:00

I live my life as it comes and do what I need to, to keep it going.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 12 at 2015 7:14 PM

2015-07-12T19:14:35-04:00

I use a combination of philosophies, beliefs and my thoughts to keep my mind present and focused on my life and it's journey

I enjoy reading zen quotes and other quotes trying to absorb their numerous meanings. These are one of many ways of discovering oneself.

The obstacle is the path.
Zen Saying...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-07-12T20:50:06-04:00

I have two quotes which summarize the philosophy that I most admire and strive to emulate in my everyday life.

"In life our first job is to divide and distinguish things into two categories: externals I can not control and the choices I make with regard to them that I do control. Where will I find the good and bad? In me, in my choices."
-Epictetus

"Objective judgement, now at this very moment. Unselfish action, now at this very moment. Willing acceptance-now at this very moment-of all external events. That's all you need."
-Marcus Aurelius

Those quotes encapsulate what I view as the honorable life, because honest reflection reveals that I have no direct control over external results. What I do have direct control over are my perceptions, my actions, and my will. If I take responsibility for what I have complete control of, I will have a honorable life. Mastery of self is the true purpose of my life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-07-12T22:18:41-04:00

"I sought with pride, what only humility could make me find." St. Augustine

"Out of every 100 men, ten shouldn't even be there, Eighty are just targets, Nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back." Heraclitus, circa 500BC

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Jul 13 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-07-13T15:03:05-04:00

I don't know if I live my life strictly by one philosophy but after living in Europe for 7 years, I'd say "live life to its fullest" pretty much describes my family's attitude towards living

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 13 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-07-13T15:06:31-04:00

Having gratitude for being able to feel love, see beauty, and believing we can make a difference.

Response by PO2 Brandon Boucher made Aug 3 at 2015 12:40 AM

2015-08-03T00:40:41-04:00

1. The law of humility.
The law of humility states that if you won’t ever change anything if you refuse to accept it. If we see our opposition as an enemy then we are simply not focused on our higher level of existence and will make no meaningful progress.

2. The law of creation.
The law of creation states that life doesn’t simply happen, but that it requires your participation. That which surrounds us gives us clues to our inner state. Truly, we are the universe. The takeaway is to be yourself and surround yourself with what you want in life.

3. The law of growth.
The law of growth states that if you want your spirit to grow, we must change, not the people and things around us. The fertilizer for our spirits to grow is within us, not outside of us. When we change our hearts, we change our worlds.

4. The law of responsibility.
The law of responsibility states that if there’s something wrong in your life, there’s something actually wrong with you. What surrounds us mirrors us, and we mirror what’s around us. So in the end, to change yourself, you have to change yourself. Makes sense, right? You have to take responsibility for yourself.

5. The law of connection.
The law of connection states that even if two things seem like they aren’t connect, it’s not the case. Everything in the universe is connected. The left foot taking a step is connected to the right foot taking the next step. Equally, past, present, and future are all connected.

6. The law of giving.
The law of giving states that in life, when you give, you get. If you hoard and miser your way through this world, if you keep your arms crossed and your doors locked, doors you’d like to unlock never will. If you want an open, free, and beautiful world, you have to make it so.

7. The law of focus.
The law of focus states that you can’t think of two things at once. Indeed, science backs it up, noting that you can only think about one and a half things at once. This is what allows us to converse. You are listening to the person thinking, and then your half thought is what you think as they’re speaking. Makes sense to spend a little time thinking before you speak, doesn’t it?

8. The law of presence.
The law of presence states that while it’s important to look to the past to understand where we’re going, it’s equally important to exist in the present and not be too concerned about the future.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 3 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-08-03T15:47:58-04:00

This a good question: My word is gold, make the world a better place, if you act with pure intentions, there will be less regrets in the future.