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"هر چه لذات بدن بیشتر کم رنگ می‌شوند، برای من بالاتر می‌شوند"

Plato
Plato Philosopher
Translations
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Quote meaning
As we dive into this quote, let's break it down. It essentially suggests that as physical pleasures diminish, something greater takes their place. This isn't about shunning the joys of the body—think delicious food, warm sunlight, or a cozy blanket—but it's about recognizing that there's something deeper, something more profound that emerges when these pleasures are no longer the primary focus.

Now, historically, this idea isn't new. Philosophers and thinkers from various cultures have echoed similar sentiments for centuries. Take the Stoics, for example. They believed in focusing on inner tranquility and virtue rather than external pleasures, arguing that true contentment comes from within. Or consider many spiritual traditions that emphasize the transient nature of physical pleasures and the enduring value of spiritual or intellectual fulfillment.

But let's bring it closer to home. Imagine you're super into gourmet food—always chasing that next incredible meal. There's nothing wrong with that, of course! But then, life throws you a curveball. Say you develop a food allergy or a health condition that means you can no longer indulge in your favorite dishes. At first, it seems like a huge loss. But as you adjust, you might start finding joy in other things—perhaps in cooking for others, deepening your connections with loved ones, or exploring new hobbies that don’t revolve around food.

Here's a real-life example. Let's talk about a friend of mine, Jake. Jake was an avid runner—marathons, trail runs, you name it. Running was his life. But then, he injured his knee and running was off the table. At first, he was devastated. But over time, he found solace in yoga and meditation. Without the endorphin rush of running, he discovered a deeper sense of peace and contentment in stillness and mindfulness. The pleasure he got from running was replaced by something more profound—a sense of inner calm and presence that he hadn't experienced before.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by recognizing that it's okay to enjoy physical pleasures—they’re part of being human. But also be open to the idea that there’s more out there. When you find yourself overly focused on these pleasures, try shifting your attention inward. Maybe it's through meditation, journaling, pursuing a creative passion, or simply spending time with loved ones without distractions. The key is to balance the external with the internal.

Now, picture this scenario. You’ve been working hard, looking forward to a beach vacation. But just as you’re about to leave, a significant project lands on your desk. You’re stuck. Instead of seeing it as a disaster, you start finding moments of calm and joy in your everyday life. You take a five-minute break to breathe deeply, you savor your morning coffee, you engage more deeply in conversations with your family. The more you let go of that external pleasure (the vacation), the more you find that there are simple, profound joys in your daily life that you hadn't appreciated before.

In essence, this quote invites us to look beyond the immediate gratification of physical pleasures and to seek out deeper, more lasting sources of joy and fulfillment. It’s not about rejecting the body’s pleasures, but about recognizing that when they fade, there’s something even greater waiting for us.
Related tags
Aging Body Contentment Ephemeral Fleeting Inner joy Inner peace Philosophy Pleasure Pleasures Self-discovery Simplicity Spirituality Transience Wisdom
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