A lot many friends of mine think my view of seeing life is very pessimistic. I tend to disagree; I have read Arthur Schopenhauer and his philosophy of Pessimism. But at the same time, I do like the teachings of believe in Diogenes, the cynic philosopher, and Epictetus, the slave stoic philosopher. I like friends and indulging in pleasure too, getting lost and daydreaming that comes to the Epicurean way of living.
In short, our life is a memory we create, people we indulge with, and above all, it is about our thoughts and the way we see everything from within.
In reality, it is painful and full of uncertainties. Your loved one will die any minute; you will be out of a job any day. Your kid or relatives will throw you out of house and wealth.
I keep this quote of Epictetus very close to myself:
“Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our actions. The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others. Remember, then, that if you suppose that things which are slavish by nature are also free and that what belongs to others is your own, then you will be hindered. You will lament, you will be disturbed, and you will find fault both with gods and men. But if you suppose that only to be your own which is your own, and what belongs to others such as it really is, then no one will ever compel you or restrain you. Further, you will find fault with no one or accuse no one. You will do nothing against your will. No one will hurt you, you will have no enemies, and you not be harmed.”
Life is a utopia in movies, fiction, Instagram, or other social media platforms.