Adam Smith, the author of The Wealth of Nations, believed that “empathy is an intellectual activity that takes into account circumstances, motives, luck, social status, and human character of the person.” The moment we blame another person’s actions, we examine the appropriateness of those actions. Adequacy is a state of neither excess nor understatement. If everyone else thinks a person is bad but I advocate for that person by saying, “I can understand,” then I approve of their actions. This situation is called “mutual sympathy.” In our lives, we can be egocentric in some cases and relation-centric in others. The more mutual sympathy exists, the more relationship-oriented our thinking becomes. Both too much and too little can lead to tiredness or dissatisfaction. Pursuing happiness means finding this adequacy. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Anything consigned to the open market is likely to be distorted. Stocks, commodities, real estate, ideas, and even intentions lose their original intent, purpose, and value when released into the market. Since every market participant has different intentions and perspectives, it is natural that everything in the open market is distorted. Therefore, the idea that if you do your best, you will succeed is a superstition. If your efforts are gnawing at your soul, don't try your best anymore. Instead, it's far better to love yourself, to cherish yourself, and to comfort yourself. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”