Many years ago, there was a wise old sage who lived in a small village. One day, a traveler came to the village and asked the sage, “What kind of people live in this village?”
The sage asked the traveler, “What kind of people did you meet in the last village you visited?”
The traveler replied, “They were terrible! They were dishonest, unfriendly, and selfish.”
The sage nodded and said, “I’m afraid you’ll find the same kind of people here.”
Disappointed, the traveler left the village and continued on his journey. A few days later, another traveler came to the village and asked the sage the same question.
The sage asked the traveler, “What kind of people did you meet in the last village you visited?”
The traveler replied, “They were wonderful! They were honest, friendly, and kind.”
The sage smiled and said, “I’m happy to say you’ll find the same kind of people here.”
Confused, the traveler asked the sage how it was possible for two people to have such different experiences in the same village. The sage explained, “What you see in others is a reflection of your own inner state. If you see the good in others, it’s because you have goodness within you. If you see the bad in others, it’s because you have negativity within you. What others do, say, or how they react says everything about them and nothing about the environment around them.”
The traveler realized the truth of the sage’s words and left the village with a new understanding of himself and his perceptions of the world around him.
Principle: What you do, say & how you react says everything about you and nothing about your environment (people, places and things).
This principle is a powerful reminder that our reactions and responses to external stimuli are a reflection of our inner state, rather than a response to external circumstances. It’s easy to get caught up in the illusion that our environment or the people around us are responsible for our emotions, but in reality, our reactions are a reflection of our own inner state.
For example, let’s say you’re at a party and someone makes a comment that you find offensive. Your initial reaction might be to get defensive or angry, but in reality, your reaction is a reflection of your own inner beliefs and insecurities, rather than a response to the other person’s behavior.
Similarly, if you’re in a stressful work environment, it’s easy to blame the job or the people around you for your stress or unhappiness. But in reality, another person could be in the same situation as you and not feel stressed and unhappy. Your reactions to the situation are a reflection of your own inner state, and you have the power to change your reactions and responses.
By taking ownership of our own actions and reactions, we can start to create a more positive and empowered inner state. We can choose to respond to difficult situations with empathy and understanding, rather than anger or blame. And we can start to see our environment as a neutral backdrop for our inner growth, rather than something that controls or determines our behavior.
In essence, the principle “what you do, say or how you react says everything about you and nothing about your environment (people, places and things)” is a reminder that we have the power to shape our own reality through our thoughts, actions and reactions. By taking responsibility for our own inner state, we can break free from the illusions of the external world and create a life of true meaning and purpose.
It’s a common misconception that material success leads to happiness. In fact, there are numerous examples of people who had everything the world could offer but were still miserable, and in some cases, ended up taking their own lives due to their unhappiness. This is a clear indication that external circumstances, such as wealth and status, are not the keys to happiness.
One such example is the tragic story of Robin Williams, the beloved comedian and actor who brought laughter to millions. Williams had a successful career, won numerous awards, and was beloved by fans worldwide. However, despite his success, Williams struggled with depression and addiction throughout his life. In August 2014, he was found dead in his home, having taken his own life. It was a shocking and heartbreaking loss for his fans, friends, and family. Despite his fame and wealth, Williams’ internal struggles showed that external success is not enough to bring true happiness and fulfillment.
Another example is that of Kurt Cobain, the frontman of the iconic grunge band Nirvana. Cobain had achieved massive success in the music industry, but he also struggled with addiction, depression, and chronic pain. In 1994, he tragically died by suicide at the age of 27. Cobain’s story is a poignant reminder that even those who appear to have it all can still struggle with internal demons and suffer greatly.
It’s not just celebrities who experience this phenomenon. There are countless stories of people who have achieved great success in their careers, amassed wealth and possessions, and yet still feel unfulfilled and unhappy. This is because happiness and fulfillment come from within, not from external circumstances.
The principle that “what you do, say, or how you react says everything about you and nothing about your environment” is especially relevant in these cases. The unhappiness and struggles that these famous people experienced were not a reflection of their external circumstances, but rather a reflection of their internal state. Their success and wealth did not bring them the happiness and fulfillment they sought because they were struggling with deeper issues that could not be solved by external means.
In contrast, there are many examples of people who have very little in terms of material possessions but still lead happy and fulfilled lives. They understand that true happiness comes from within and cultivate a positive internal state through practices such as gratitude, compassion, and self-reflection. They recognize that their external circumstances are not a reflection of their worth or value as a person, and they do not base their self-worth on external validation.
In conclusion, the principle that “what you do, say, or how you react says everything about you and nothing about your environment” is a powerful reminder that external circumstances do not determine our happiness or worth as a person. We must look within ourselves to cultivate a positive internal state and not rely on external validation to feel fulfilled. The stories of famous people who struggled despite their external success serve as a cautionary tale, and a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment come from within.