Plenty of us set goals or dream of a better future or hope for a different life. Stop right there, says Socrates, the guru in Way of the Peaceful Warrior. He'd say you should actually abandon your cravings to accomplish whatever it is you want to accomplish, and be chiller about whatever happens.
You might still accomplish things, by the by, but dreams, hopes, and plans are not what you should focus on. According to Socrates, you need to dispense with your mind, and, as the saying goes, be here now. So check out this book for a completely different approach to goal-setting than you might have heard before.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- What are Socrates and Dan's perspective on goals? Do they give any advice that might be taken as supporting goal-setting (such as eating well)?
- What is the relationship between the mind and chasing after achievements, according to Dan and Socrates? What role do they see accomplishments playing in life? Do any characters in the book disagree with them?
- After his cafe burns down, Joseph says it doesn't matter if he moves north or south. How would he make a decision which way to go, then? How does Dan, once he's achieved enlightenment, make decisions?
Chew on This
Socrates, Joseph, and Dan are correct to say what job you take is irrelevant as long as you do it well, that where you decide to live is unimportant, and ultimately, nothing can possibly matter.
Your choices in life—such as what job you pick—are important and make a difference in the world.