Instead of seeking fleeting or excessive desires, appreciating what we have nurtures contentment through mindful simplicity. Excessive desires create a dependency on temporary pleasures, leading to frustration, while moderation connects us with nature, promoting tranquility and genuine fulfillment. Hedonic Treadmill.
Brittany- thank you for this terrific post, and the inspiration to watch the film. My wife and I had a fun night watching it together- so nice to enjoy a movie with strong values and very funny too- it had a timeless feel… I waited to read your analysis until I had viewed it and find your comments very enlightening… I had not made the connection to slow living but think that’s a perfect way to describe the family… I also noticed how the family members displayed little or no reaction to the noises and chaos around them, a quite Zen- like approach… (Schopenhauer would not have liked this film!)… anyway, thanks for the great post and idea- I think you’re on to something here !
Nice, I'm glad you and your wife enjoyed the film! You're right, the Vanderhofs displayed Stoic virtues in other ways too, so it was instructive in more ways than one. I will definitely be writing about more classic movies...let me know if you have any suggestions!
Instead of seeking fleeting or excessive desires, appreciating what we have nurtures contentment through mindful simplicity. Excessive desires create a dependency on temporary pleasures, leading to frustration, while moderation connects us with nature, promoting tranquility and genuine fulfillment. Hedonic Treadmill.
Brittany- thank you for this terrific post, and the inspiration to watch the film. My wife and I had a fun night watching it together- so nice to enjoy a movie with strong values and very funny too- it had a timeless feel… I waited to read your analysis until I had viewed it and find your comments very enlightening… I had not made the connection to slow living but think that’s a perfect way to describe the family… I also noticed how the family members displayed little or no reaction to the noises and chaos around them, a quite Zen- like approach… (Schopenhauer would not have liked this film!)… anyway, thanks for the great post and idea- I think you’re on to something here !
Nice, I'm glad you and your wife enjoyed the film! You're right, the Vanderhofs displayed Stoic virtues in other ways too, so it was instructive in more ways than one. I will definitely be writing about more classic movies...let me know if you have any suggestions!
So many!… a recent one: “the widow Clicquot”
Adding it to my watchlist.
(Not for younger kids)
What a wonderful and inspiring post. Thank you for articulating what many of us feel but have trouble putting into action. ❤️❤️
Thanks, Lesley!
I think I watched this years ago but will enjoy viewing again through a Stoic lens. Thank you Brittany!