Blood & Ink: Wednesday

“I slept and dreamt that life was a joy. I woke up and saw that life was duty. I acted and behold duty was joy.” 

– Miyamoto Musashi

Jordan Peterson says something remarkably similar to this…

“The meaning of life is to find the largest burden you can bear, and bear it.”

While there’s room for healthy disagreement, there is a gem of significance here:

At any given moment you have the option—and the opportunity—to do what is in front of you.

Aligned, purpose-driven action is meaningful. 

It is a foundation for a life of fulfillment, meaning, and orientation. Our culture is plagued—perhaps even defined—by a lack of individual responsibility. An unwillingness to rise up, to make commitments, and to honour them.

In a real way, men need purpose more than they need happiness.

These two quotes provide a North Star that can carry you: act in service of your duty. Let your purpose be honouring your responsibilities.

Lead your organization. Be a good father. Get your kingdom in order. Help those in need. Develop your skills. 

Things like this can be ‘oppressive requirements’ of the modern age, or they can be ‘sacred responsibilities’ that fuel you.

The choice is yours.

Act—and behold—duty becomes joy,
Eric Brown.