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”
Humans are bound by their experiences. The extent and depth of these experiences shape how time is perceived by individuals. Recognition occurs within a person’s unique time framework, which is distinct from physical time. Even sharing the same age, individuals experience time differently. In the absence of challenges, the scope of one’s experiences remains constrained, leading to a limited perception of time. Imagination draws from experience, broadening only through facing challenges and making attempts. Observing and immersing oneself in various experiences, such as travel, becomes valuable forms of learning that don’t require a teacher. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”