We're more similar than you think

Also from the same podcast, David Brooks mentions that there is one statement that his Yale students are always wrong about. “I’m the only one who…” His point was that we’re all more similar than you think. People think that their suffering is unique to them, but everyone suffers. The key thing is not to think you’re alone in feeling a certain way.

It reminds me of something I’ve noticed with my friends and family that have kids. They have varying levels of paid assistance in helping take care of the kids, but it’s always stressful. And there’s never enough time. Raising kids always fills the room. My parents didn’t have any help, and when my oldest brother was born, my mom brought him to her sewing job. I’m sure our generation has it easier, but I don’t know if it’s a lot easier. There’s always something to worry about.

I’m drawn to Existentialism because it tries brings to light the fundamental problem of all humans. We’re all thrown into this world. The absurdity. Life is hard for all of us.

That’s not a bad thing. Buddhism takes suffering as a given. It’s all in how you frame it. It can be seen as a time for growth. Or as something that bonds us all together. This beckons back to a lesson from “Four Thousand Weeks.” Be compassionate with one another.