The Epidemic of Seriousness

Our yearning for certainty often drives us to adopt a serious mindset. We crave dependable narratives that can quell our anxieties about the unknown. This desire for certainty leads us to take things seriously, as if doing so can impose order on the chaos around us.

Historically, our ancestors were adept at discerning what was truly serious. They recognized the differences between clouds that promised rain and those that merely offered shade, as well as which plants were safe to eat. Their understanding stemmed from generations of passed-down wisdom.

In contrast, our current globalized world offers a multitude of conflicting stories and ideologies. We must navigate through various perspectives that often challenge our own beliefs. Unlike our ancestors, who typically encountered a singular worldview, we are bombarded by a plethora of cultures and philosophies, compelling us to choose sides and embrace certain beliefs with fervor. This rigid adherence to beliefs can foster a state of chronic seriousness.

When we take things too seriously, we may believe that particular matters should hold meaning, but the reality is that our beliefs are frequently contested. This leads to frustration and a rigid sense of how things ought to be, resulting in a chronic state of seriousness.

Seriousness dictates our priorities and motivations, shaping what captures our attention. But what happens when everything feels overwhelmingly serious? How do we navigate a world where we struggle to discern what truly matters?

Chronic seriousness can propel individuals to fervently champion causes, as if they were the most significant pursuits in life. Yet, this sense of urgency is fleeting, often replaced by the next pressing issue, leaving one disoriented about their true convictions.

Existentialism: Embracing Absurdity and Ambiguity

While we may often approach life with seriousness, existential philosophers like Albert Camus and Simone De Beauvoir remind us that reality is inherently uncertain. We can attempt to predict outcomes, yet many changes occur so subtly that they remain unnoticed.

Camus, in his exploration of absurdity, posits that while we seek permanent meaning, nothing holds intrinsic significance. Instead, meaning emerges from our creative endeavors. Just as children play games, imposing rules that feel real during playtime, we too engage with life in a similar fashion. However, once the game ends, those rules lose their relevance.

For Camus, the world is a playground where we are encouraged to engage with life playfully, even amidst its absurdity.

Simone De Beauvoir and the Complexity of Choice

In our pursuit of certainty, we often seek moral guidelines to navigate life. Yet, De Beauvoir acknowledges the complexity of human existence and the myriad choices we face. When we cling to rigid notions of how life should unfold, we limit ourselves with self-imposed restrictions.

De Beauvoir advocates for the freedom to choose, emphasizing that life is not a scripted performance but an improvisational experience. Each decision we make reflects our individuality and creativity. Rather than obsessing over right or wrong, we can find fulfillment in the spontaneity of life.

In Summary

Modern life often leads us to adopt a serious demeanor, which can cloud our judgment about what truly matters. By heeding the wisdom of existential thinkers like Camus and De Beauvoir, we can learn to lighten our burdens.

Camus encourages us to engage in life as a game, where we can create and modify the rules as we see fit. De Beauvoir reminds us that life is an improvisation, where each moment is an expression of our creative spirit.

Equipped with these insights, we can break free from the confines of chronic seriousness, reclaiming the ability to discern between what is genuinely significant and what can be treated lightly.

The first video titled "23 Harsh Truths Nobody Wants To Admit" by Alex Hormozi delves into the uncomfortable realities we often shy away from, reminding us of the importance of confronting these truths to navigate life more effectively.

The second video, "You Are Taking Life Too Seriously and Here's Why You Shouldn't," emphasizes the need to embrace a lighter approach to life, encouraging viewers to let go of unnecessary burdens and enjoy the journey.