In the previous article (this article), I introduced the difference between empathic and logical ways of life. Today, I will explain why logical sense accepts all our desires.
How to accept all our desires
Sometimes, we want to accept all our various wishes.
We have multiple aspects of desire. For example, we sometimes want to be active but sometimes rest. We like excitement but also relaxation. We usually prefer savings but sometimes feel like experiencing expensive things. Such chaotic desires confuse us.
Ignoring them causes suffering, even if it is only one. Although pursuing one side is easy, it takes courage to acknowledge all desires.
That is why we want to accept all our various desires.
However, we sometimes hesitate because of fear. If we waste our precious resources recklessly, it can ruin us. The conflict between future security and current desire binds us.
One solution is to judge logically. It provides us with moderation rather than good or bad. Today, I will explain how logical thinking allows us to accept all our wishes.
Empathic focus vs. logical focus
Focusing on logical judgment allows us to accept all our wishes.
To explain why, let’s see the difference between empathy and logical sense.
- Empathy judges things based on good or bad.
- Logical sense judges things based on moderation.
For example, in my case, I had hesitated to increase the vegetables in my meals. Although I wanted to add dietary fiber for my gut health, I also wished to save money.
However, logical judgment gave me moderation. It told me how much money is reasonable to spend.
That made me think of the budget I can allocate for vegetables. After a simple calculation, I found that it was a minor amount compared to my total assets.
Rational thinking told me how easy it was. I realized I would not consume so many expensive vegetables. It is sufficient to intake a moderate amount of dietary fiber. It is not for luxury.
That allowed me to accept my desire for more vegetables.
Application examples
This logical judgment can be used in various conflicts, as follows:
- I want to live freely, but I should not bother others.
- I want to buy this item with money, but I cannot waste it.
- I want to rest, but I have to be patient.
If you are in such situations, consider how much is reasonable instead of judging good or bad.
It will give you a broader perspective.
How logical sense tells us
For example, even if you think you will bother others, consider the extent of the impact on the world. Suppose you want to quit an activity. Even if you stop it, there are cases where the manager can assign the replacement within 5 minutes. It means that the trouble you cause is only a 5-minute task. Then, there is no need to worry.
A broader perspective gives you opportunities. You will realize that some people can afford to help you and some cannot. Some people would be happy to help you.
If you want to buy something, weigh how much money you can allocate. If it is expensive, you will calculate how many months you need to save for that.
That allows you to determine whether it is what you want. If it is necessary, it will become easier to achieve.
If you want to rest, consider how many hours you want to take a break in a day. Excessive resting creates boredom. Perhaps it is not as much as you thought.
It might be easily achievable if a 15-minute quiet time can significantly increase satisfaction. In addition, if you balance the use of your time, you can adjust various activity times. That brings great satisfaction.
The limits of empathy
On the other hand, if you keep judging based on empathy, you will be trapped by good or bad.
The approach of ‘forgive yourself’ is also empathic. We cannot control our empathy without using our logical sense.
In other words, imagination cannot accept our fluctuating wants. This is because empathy always judges based on good or bad. It is not good at dealing with contradictions.
To accept all our wants, we have to use our logical sense. It allows us to consider how many resources to allocate. Although it requires weighting, it means that it accepts all desires.
If you are too patient with something, a slight modification can improve your satisfaction dramatically.
You don’t have to accomplish a large-scale outcome. You can keep improving your life with continuous little adjustments. That is the power of logical life.
Conclusion
That is why logical judgment accepts all our various desires.
If you have a conflict, consider how much is reasonable instead of judging it as good or bad.
That would allow you to accept your wants and improve your life with continuous little adjustments.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope to see you in the next one.
