As I mentioned on Monday, I’m currently reading a book called Do Good Lives Have To Cost The Earth? which discusses what living well actually means (basically, not the consumerist pursuit of material things that we’re used to) and how we do not have to damage the planet in order to achieve it. It’s well worth a read, but it brings up the question of what a good life really is. All the contributing authors in the book have their own take, what’s yours?
To me, it’s not a simple answer, but it’s certainly worth thinking about (and I look forward to reading your own responses on this). Below I’ve included a quote from the book by Philip Pullman (author of the His Dark Materials trilogy) that I think nicely sums up my general thinking on the subject:
“If I ask myself, what is the thing that gives me a sense of wellbeing, my first answer would have to be a good day’s work. If I have done my thousand words, my three pages, and it’s gone well, then nothing else matters – I’m satisfied. If I’ve done it, and it’s gone badly, well, I can correct it tomorow, it’s there. If I combine that with a little bit of exercise, a little bit of play [...] and if my family is well and happy, and I have something nice to eat – that would be a good day for me.”
July 1, 2009 at 10:46PM
A good life for me is a life of creation. Creation of moments, of history, of meaning. A good life is creation using the structures of the past without getting stuck in them. In a way, it’s the appropriation of one’s own perspective on life, created in the interaction with others.
July 2, 2009 at 02:27PM
Olivier yes, creation is so important. If I don’t feel productive in a day, like I’ve contributed in some way to society, my family, and myself, I end up feeling very uncreative.
July 2, 2009 at 04:51PM
What’s a god life for me? I think it centers around two central things, independence and minimal worries. When I think of independence, I think it begins with financial independence. What would my life be like if I didn’t owe anyone money (car, house, etc.) and was not limited to work that just pays the bills. As for minimal worries, we are faced every day with real worries (health, job, etc.) and contrived worries (just read the paper – it’s their job to scare us). A truly good life is one of increased independence and minimal worries (especially the contrived kind).
July 2, 2009 at 06:50PM
Good thoughts. Bob, I agree with you about not having worries. Having a social media diet is one thing that really helps with this. It’s amazing how little news and information out there you really need. As Tim Ferriss implied, let others read and watch the news. If you need to then know something, just ask them instead.
July 6, 2009 at 12:34PM
A good life is one where we fulfill our mission, where we discover our purpose, find what we are here to do and DO IT! A good life is one where we make a difference!