Dr. Jordan Peterson On Dealing With Loss

Unleashing the Power of Character

In our relentless pursuit of happiness, we often overlook a profound truth. Happiness is not a fleeting emotion akin to fizzy bubbles in a carbonated beverage, as delightful as they may be. Instead, true happiness emerges when we embark on a journey to strengthen our character and dispense with unworthy elements of ourselves.

As you traverse this exhilarating path of character development, you may discover that happiness descends upon you from time to time. This happiness, however, is not the ultimate goal. It's merely a pleasant side effect of your transformation. So, what's the true essence of this journey, you ask? It's about fortifying your character to endure the darkest of times without succumbing to corruption.

The Strength at Your Father's Funeral

A poignant moment comes to mind, a moment when you should be the strongest person at your father's funeral. Yes, you heard me right. This isn't a matter of seeking joy amid sorrow; it's about discovering a deeper sense of joy. When you find yourself in a situation where everyone around you is grieving, and you stand as the pillar of unwavering strength, there's a unique joy that transcends happiness.

I recently buried my father, and this concept resonates with me on a profound level. You see, it's not about reveling in happiness but about recognizing that you've transformed what could be a hellish ordeal into something far more bearable. Moreover, as you navigate the storm of loss and death, your strengthened character serves as a beacon of hope for those around you.

You become the rallying point for your family, pulling them together during moments of crisis. While it doesn't entirely compensate for the loss, it's far from insignificant. This unity beats the alternative, where everyone crumbles because they lack the strength to cope with life's catastrophes.

The Steps to Becoming the Strongest

So, how do you actually become the strongest person at your father's funeral, or in any crisis, for that matter? It starts with a mission, a mission dedicated to improving your character continually. Your conscience plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Socrates, an ancient philosopher, once shared an essential insight - he was distinguished from the ordinary by his ability to heed his conscience.

To embark on this journey, you must cease engaging in activities you know to be wrong. This is not just about refraining from evil; it's the foundation upon which you build positive virtues. By eliminating these obstacles from your vision, the world unfolds in a clearer, more pristine form. It allows you to move from "not wrong" to the pursuit of "positively good."

The biblical corpus provides a framework for this approach, emphasizing the importance of following rules and maintaining moral integrity. The ultimate goal is not merely rule-bound adherence but the integration of these rules into your personality. It's about becoming a responsible individual who can contribute to the generation of new rules when necessary.

The Quest for Perfection

Consider this from a psychological standpoint: Christ, as a representation of the ideal individual, serves as a beacon. It symbolizes the pursuit of self-perfection, the unceasing journey towards personal and moral growth. This quest is not only deeply meaningful on a psychological level but also immensely practical.

When you become a better person, you are not just good for your own sake but for the world around you. You become equipped to solve problems, handle difficult situations, and bring solace during funerals or moments of crisis.

In essence, this journey to perfect your character is not only an odyssey of self-discovery and moral improvement; it's also an indispensable contribution to the betterment of society and the material world.

Aligning Personal Goals with the Needs of Humanity

But you may wonder, do personal goals always align with the needs of society and humanity? It's a delicate balancing act. Your quest for character development inherently makes you a better member of society, as your actions and decisions are guided by a higher moral compass.

In this intricate dance between individual aspirations and societal needs, you find not only lasting happiness but also a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It's a journey that, when undertaken with dedication, can ripple through generations, leaving a profound impact on the world.

In conclusion, true happiness doesn't reside in fleeting moments of delight but in the continuous improvement of your character. As you embark on this quest, you become a beacon of strength and hope for others, making the world a better place. So, remember, the path to lasting happiness begins with the unceasing journey to strengthen your character.