Sometimes, I wonder about the wisdom of living a tumultuous life as opposed to one of calm, routine and tranquility. My character and personality made me pick the former and I’m quite pleased I did, so I wonder if our natural dispositions and DNA being as diverse as they are, aren’t defining the many paths that our lives can take, and if believing that we can control our destiny is more a myth than a reality?
That philosophical and personal question touches on our fundamental human experience of agency against determinism and the meaning of a "good" life. My experience of choosing a "tumultuous" life and being satisfied with it provides a valid answer to the question.
This is not just pleasure or hedonism, but the active and successful exercise of one's rational and virtuous potential. For a person with a restless or adventurous disposition, a calm, routine life might feel like a failure by renouncing a life up to their nature.
The tumultuous life becomes the path to authentic flourishing and its highs and lows, create sharp contrasts that deepen one's appreciation for life, resilience, and wisdom. As the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche suggested, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." A life that embraces change and challenge is a life that maximizes learning and growth. Travel, creative pursuits, or professional risk often creates a potent sense of meaning and purpose.
The struggle and the personal achievement feel more earned and, therefore, more valuable than the contentment found in placid routines. Tomorrow, we’ll try to tackle the question of destiny, DNA, and free will, so please don’t miss that segment!
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