self-control part 2

we are not happy because all that we care about is ourselves. how often do we use the word?(it happened to be that phrase is a cliche) we want to achieve happiness, our happiness alone.

Confucius said that man's perfection and happiness is realized and achieved in social life. meaning we must involved others in our plan, our plan to be happy. i mean Confucius is right, how can you be happy if you can see that other people is suffering or they are sad? and the sad reality is we are brought up to be indifferent with others. how often do we say, "i don't care if other people are sad, the important thing is i'm happy!"

He also advocated the reconciliation of conflicts, differences among individuals in the society. and that's what the "golden rule" is for. "treat others as you wish them to treat you." if we can only observe this golden rule whole-heartedly, then this world would be a better place for us to roam around. there will be no conflict, peace and harmony will prevail in our society.

we are not also happy because our passion rules our reason. we don't want to obey the golden rule because that person did something bad to us. so in return to his/her bad deeds, we will do the same. that's what the golden say. treat others the way they treated you. but, you are more govern by you passion, emotion and not by your reason. the peace and harmony must start from within us. there is now the necessity for self-control. "he who conquers others is strong. He who conquers himself is the greatest victor"

self-control, meaning controlling your emotions,passions. don't let it be the basis for your action.

so why are we not happy? because we are letting our passion rule our lives. our passion is telling us to do things for ourselves alone.