ClassX Video Lessons Subjects Art Being happy has nothing to do with money (or drugs) | Nick Offerman
In life, I often emphasize the importance of discipline in various aspects. However, it’s crucial to understand that perfection is an impossible goal. As humans, we should focus on improving our ability to handle mistakes rather than aiming for flawlessness. Even the most skilled individuals, if they maintain a learner’s mindset, will never reach a point where they can claim their work is perfect. What keeps us motivated and engaged is the continuous pursuit of improvement. I let go of the idea of perfection long ago and now aim for a level of competence that I can be proud of.
My philosophy is deeply rooted in my upbringing in rural Illinois, where my family valued hard work and frugality. Growing up on my mother’s family farm, I learned the importance of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Our lifestyle was reminiscent of “Little House on the Prairie” during the 70s and 80s. We had a television, but we also spent time gardening and working on home improvement projects. Although I often complained about the chores as a child, these experiences instilled in me a sense of value and purpose.
Today, many people have the option to live comfortably, often choosing leisure over effort. It’s easy to coast through school, secure a job that pays the bills, and spend free time indulging in entertainment. While this lifestyle might seem appealing, I found it ultimately unfulfilling. I tried a laid-back approach to life, but soon realized that merely existing without striving for improvement led to feelings of depression and dissatisfaction.
Through my experiences, I learned that even when I faced setbacks—like woodworking projects that didn’t turn out as planned—I was still growing. Mistakes became some of the most valuable lessons I encountered. Whether pursuing a career or engaging in hobbies, the act of creating and learning is what brings happiness. Many people find joy in activities that may not yield financial rewards but enrich their lives in other ways.
Neil Gaiman once shared a profound thought about mistakes, highlighting that making them signifies an active pursuit of goals. If you’re not making mistakes, you might be stagnating, similar to the characters in the movie WALL-E, who drift through life without purpose.
For me, woodworking is a passion. Currently, I’m crafting nine ukuleles in my Los Angeles workshop. While I may never create an instrument that impresses a professional musician, I take pride in my work. Each ukulele will have its imperfections, but they will still serve their purpose and bring joy to others. The beauty of creation lies in the process, not just the final product. People will appreciate the music these instruments produce, regardless of the mistakes embedded within them.
Ultimately, my journey is about contributing positively to the world. By engaging in creative endeavors, I avoid the pitfalls of consumerism and the environmental impact of mass-produced goods. My focus is on adding value rather than contributing to waste. This philosophy of pursuing mastery through discipline, embracing mistakes, and creating with intention has shaped my life and continues to guide me on my journey.
Reflect on your personal experiences with discipline. Write a journal entry discussing how discipline has played a role in your academic and personal life. Consider moments where you aimed for perfection and how you handled mistakes. Share your thoughts with a peer and discuss how embracing imperfection can lead to personal growth.
Participate in a workshop focused on resourcefulness and self-sufficiency. Engage in activities that require you to solve problems using limited resources, similar to the skills learned in a rural upbringing. Reflect on how these skills can be applied to your current studies and future career.
Join a debate on the topic of modern comforts versus personal fulfillment. Discuss whether a comfortable lifestyle can coexist with the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment. Use examples from your own life or observations to support your arguments.
Engage in a creative activity where making mistakes is encouraged, such as painting or improvisational theater. Reflect on the value of mistakes in the learning process and how they can lead to unexpected discoveries and personal development.
Collaborate with classmates on a project that focuses on creating something meaningful, such as a community service initiative or an art piece. Emphasize the process of creation over the final product, and discuss how this approach can contribute positively to the world.
Discipline – A branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education. – Philosophy is a discipline that encourages critical thinking and the exploration of fundamental questions about existence and knowledge.
Improvement – The process of making something better or more effective. – The improvement of artistic techniques can be seen in the evolution of an artist’s work over time.
Mistakes – Errors or faults resulting from poor judgment, deficient knowledge, or carelessness. – In philosophy, mistakes in reasoning can lead to fallacies, which are crucial to identify and understand.
Creation – The act of bringing something into existence, especially in the context of art or literature. – The creation of a new philosophical theory often requires innovative thinking and a deep understanding of existing ideas.
Philosophy – The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. – Philosophy challenges students to question their assumptions and explore diverse perspectives on life and the universe.
Resourcefulness – The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. – An artist’s resourcefulness is evident in their ability to use limited materials to create a compelling piece of art.
Comfort – A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint, often sought in art and philosophy to provide solace. – Many people find comfort in the philosophical writings of Stoicism, which offer guidance on how to live a fulfilling life.
Joy – A feeling of great pleasure and happiness, often derived from engaging with art or philosophical ideas. – The joy of discovering a new philosophical insight can be as profound as the experience of viewing a beautiful work of art.
Mastery – Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a particular subject or activity. – Achieving mastery in philosophy requires years of study and the ability to engage critically with complex texts.
Engagement – The act of being involved or participating in something, often leading to a deeper understanding or appreciation. – Engagement with philosophical debates can enhance one’s ability to think critically and articulate complex ideas.
