As some of you may know, I am following the Stoic approach and reading some useful stories that can resonate with the Stoic approach. I am trying to understand how those beliefs can be implemented into life and business.
There is an old story about the King of Persia or, in some versions, the Sultan of Baghdad. In all cases it runs thusly; that this great lord, who was an enlightened ruler, wanted to know if there was anything he could say which would always be true, whenever and wherever it was spoken. So he gathered the wisest men in the land, calling poets and sages and philosophers from far and wide, to help him find an answer. They formed a great congregation and conferred for weeks on end until, eventually, they had agreed upon the solution to the king’s problem — they had a found a sentence which would always be true:
This too shall pass.
“This too shall pass.” A simple phrase encapsulating a profound truth, transcending cultures, epochs, and boundaries. Originating from a tale of a king’s quest for eternal wisdom, it serves as a universal reminder of the transience of all things.
This blog post will explore the profound resonance of this ancient proverb in our modern life, through the prism of reflection, defiance, and empowerment. Fasten your intellectual seat belts, as we embark on a philosophical journey that is as timeless as existence itself.
A Proverb’s Genesis: More Than a Mere Tale
The tale of the enlightened ruler seeking a universal truth is not just an ancient fable. It’s a metaphorical mirror reflecting our own eternal struggle with change, suffering, triumph, and the ephemeral nature of existence.
This Too Shall Pass: A Multifaceted Gem
1. In Times of Suffering: Life’s crucible is often filled with pain, loss, and despair. When darkness descends, “this too shall pass” serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that agony and despair are not terminal destinations but transient phases.
2. In Moments of Triumph: Paradoxically, the phrase is equally relevant in times of joy and victory. It acts as a sobering reminder that success and pleasure are fleeting, urging us to cherish them without attachment.
3. In the Dance of Relationships: Our connections with others ebb and flow. The mantra guides us to navigate the intricacies of love, friendship, and enmity, always mindful that relationships evolve.
4. In the Face of the Global Challenges: Be it pandemics, wars, or climate crises, this proverb provides a philosophical anchor, encouraging resilience and adaptability.
How to adopt in real-life. An Art of Mindfulness
How do we integrate this wisdom into the fabric of our daily existence?
1. Cultivate Detachment: Recognize that both pleasure and pain are impermanent. Embrace them without clinging.
2. Foster Resilience: Use the proverb as a tool to weather life’s storms, knowing that change is inevitable.
3. Embrace Humility: Success does not immortalize us. Acknowledging that “this too shall pass” can keep arrogance at bay.
A Call to Philosophical Arms
The power of “this too shall pass” lies not in its simplicity but in its universality. It’s not just a proverb; it’s a way of life, a lens through which we can view our existence with wisdom and grace.
It’s an urgent plea to awaken, to recognize the transient nature of all things, and to live with a courageous heart and a wise mind.
Whether you are a king or a commoner, whether you dwell in palaces or on the streets, whether you revel in joy or drown in sorrow, remember: This too shall pass.
In a world spinning with uncertainty, let these words be your anchor, your battle cry, your serenade to existence. Embrace the proverb, for in its wisdom lies a path to a life rich in awareness, empathy, and unshakable strength.
Remember it. Live it. For indeed, this too shall pass, but how you navigate the passage defines who you are.
