STORY

8 Teachings of the Sages

Values that will help you succeed in a changing world. Don’t be sus.

Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash

The world has indeed gone mad, but you don’t have to go mad too.

A little self-awareness, a few deep breaths, and the discipline to pursue these 8 timeless practices. That’s all you need.

Over time, with consistency, these practices can help you feel more grounded and powerful, even when the world around you is in chaos and disarray. It’s a good time for this.

Selflessness

There’s an optimal balance between selfishness and selflessness. Be too selfish and your partner will resent you. Act too selfless and you may find yourself resentful. It’s not about keeping score or taking turns. It’s about ensuring you both work to meet the needs of the other. — Barry Davret

As a child, you come into your understanding of self within the context of your family. You may be taught the value of selflessness by your parents or your siblings.

But then you go out into the world, and they tell you that it’s a “dog eat dog world out there,” and you have to “compete to win!” It’s no wonder that the single young adult starts to reorient towards selfishness as they try to find…