PROEM & POEM No. 134 - Pursuit of Happiness
Any possible happiness this side of heaven comes not solely from mystically joyous thoughts, metaphysically positive meditations, nor the creating of conditions perceived as lacking negativity, nor the excluding of adverse dynamics whether objects, conditions even persons, rather within the context of persistent work and arduous labor. If to observe one avoiding persistent work, shunning arduous labor, bearing not the burden of individual responsibility and risk (see Nos. 117-120, 123), then observe as well the pathetic narcissism thus desperate unhappiness upon reason predominately unexercised, unprincipled therefore ethic completely unrealized, unpredictable allowing for emotion mostly unconstrained, instinct largely uncontained.
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster (Pr 18), while another translation describes the same character as brother to one who destroys. Either way, quite strong the proverbial condemnation upon those coveting and pursuing the fruits of others' labor against their dissent via club, knife, gun or the more socially acceptable method; government legislation (a political way to say "legalized violence"). Most seeking to commit violence of course are relying the on the latter method, for no longer would they be criminal for the theft legislated as taxation, rather those dissented would be criminal if they refuse and resist.
In addition to the aforementioned verse in Proverbs, the next ecclesiastical statement further suggests enjoyment, goodness therefore possible happiness found amid labor. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God (Ec 3:12-13). It could be inferred, less likely even impossible the enjoyment, goodness therefore happiness otherwise, that is to say, without the expenditure of labor not of others but of one’s own.
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Idle the time preceding covetousness then the mischief
Bridling not the mind by owed labor, giving ascent to miff
Others’ stash as newfound idols entitled upon social altars
Ah longer the prayers to human-gods o’er pottages pottered
Stronger the stares upon wiled the snares as well the affairs
Whiskey kings and barstool queens, wiser still if to compare
To pundits reluctant not to publicly academic masturbation
Such the reprobation towards illumination per true erudition
Bridling not the mind by owed labor, giving ascent to miff
Others’ stash as newfound idols entitled upon social altars
Ah longer the prayers to human-gods o’er pottages pottered
Stronger the stares upon wiled the snares as well the affairs
Whiskey kings and barstool queens, wiser still if to compare
To pundits reluctant not to publicly academic masturbation
Such the reprobation towards illumination per true erudition
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Come let us Reason. Peace is always a Choice.
Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath.
Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath.
Copyright © 2019 by D.C. Quillan Stone
