I often feel nostalgia for the past. But what if this is a sign of degeneration? Or perhaps when I long for my nostalgic past, I’m bored of myself, or I don’t have much going on? Because if you’re on the “up and upâ€, why would you long for the past?
What is nostalgia?
I haven’t discovered a good analysis of nostalgia (yet) so I’ll give my own attempt.
Thoughts:
- We are afraid of change: The past is immutable. Thus we seek refuge in the past.
- Do you think your past self is better than your present self? Then perhaps the goal should be to surpass your past self — your self today is superior to your past self.
- Do you got too much free time on your hands? Perhaps boredom (with our present life) is the spur to have us romanticize the past?
- Perhaps the philosophy of Romanticism is a degenerate one — much of our “retro†longing for the past might be a sign of weakness and sickness.
You’re better today than yesterday.
The goal: surpass yourself. Perhaps on a daily or weekly basis.
You track your own personal progress. Crush your goals, and keep climbing higher!
ERIC
