When someone is nervous (for example a teenage boy worried about telling a girl about his interest) a common piece of advice is to “just be yourself.” This is a curious statement really, because it depends on one’s particular attitude toward “self” as to what this could really mean. We live in a society that is obsessed with self to the point that to esteem oneself is one of the highest virtues.
The story of Cain and Abel is one of the very first tragedies to befall humankind – the kind of story that playwrights and novelists can only emulate. The murder of one’s own brother is such an onerous idea that the story is well remembered as a showcase of where unrestrained jealousy leads. But the original cause of jealousy is, according to the Bible text, wrapped up in God’s regard for Abel’s offering and God’s disregard for Cain’s. What exactly was wrong with Cain’s offering to God?
There are many different philosophies which have been explored by man, although most overlap or have common roots. Among the more formal schools of thought, entire systems of outlook upon the world have been constructed. Outside of the formal systems, there still exists a common way of looking at things which will differ from person to person.
There are some people who are “morning people.” These people have the uncanny ability to rise and shine, embracing the new day with gusto. Many times these people are more productive early in the morning rather than at night. However, these people are in the minority. Most of us do not enjoy the breaking of the dawn and meet the proverbial rooster’s crow with less than enthusiasm.
In describing how one approaches the outlook of one’s life, the contrast between optimism and pessimism is the most powerful. These two philosophies embody two distinct ends of perspective toward how to approach problems, either as obstacles or challenges. While there is a degree of over-simplification in this process, as no person tends to be specifically one or the other, optimism vs. pessimism can tell a lot about an individual’s attitude toward life.