Why we must control ourselves, and self govern our own actions, behavior, and attitude in life:

People like to complain about external things like government. But the problem is this: we often don’t have control of what happens in the government. We have power to control who we vote for, but ultimately who gets elected isn’t 100% in our control. However the good news: we are 100% in control of our own actions! Thus to me, it makes sense for us to strive to seek to perfect our own self-governance, instead of seeking to control others or to complain about the government or external sources.

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What’s self government?

Self government (or governance) means:

The power of controlling your own actions, your own behavior, your own emotions, and your own attitude in life.

Now this is great because it makes us fully independent. It means that we can construct our own happiness in life, because we’re not the slave of the opinions of others, nor are we the slave of the rules of a certain government, political system, or social-economic society.

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For example, I cannot control that my political leaders are assholes. But I can choose it in my own power not to be an asshole.

I cannot control the fact that my government doesn’t give me the opportunities I desire in life. Thus, I must make my own opportunities for my own life, craft my own lifestyle and personal philosophy of living, as well as take entrepreneurial risks to make my own dreams a reality.

I cannot control that my government, country, or city is racist, sexist, or intolerant. But I have it in my power to not be intolerant myself.

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In simple words:

Never blame in another man what you might be guilty of yourself.

And also,

Be the change which you wish to see in the world (Gandhi)

ERIC

PHILOSOPHY >