Paradoxes

According to Wikipedia, "A paradox is a seemingly true statement or group of statements that lead to a contradiction or a situation which seems to defy logic or intuition." Sometimes, a paradox points out the dilemma, where two view-points or statements contradict each other.

One of the famous paradoxes is Russell's Paradox:
"Let R be the set of all sets that are not members of themselves. If R qualifies as a member of itself, it would contradict its own definition as a set containing all sets that are not members of themselves. On the other hand, if such a set is not a member of itself, it would qualify as a member of itself by the same definition."

Similarly,

"If God can do everything, He will be able to create a stone that he cannot lift. Then, He cannot lift that stone. Therefore, God cannot do everything."

In fact, whenever a statement refer to the absolute collective or general situation, such as everything, or anything, there may be a paradox. For example:

"Killing a living being is bad". Without referring to the situation or the circumstance, that statement cannot be a valid argument. However, "The Intention of killing a living being is bad" is a valid argument.

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There is always a way to do things better... NOW!!!

It has been a good question as to whether it is better to be goal-oriented or process-oriented. With the goal-oriented mind-set, we focus our ability to achieve our goals. However, the question is if it is over after we achieve our goal. Actually, it has never been easy to say that it is over even if we achieve our goal. Simply because life itself is a process.

Process-oriented mind-set focuses on how we do things, not on what we achieve. We focus our way of doing things and always find a way to improve it. With process-oriented mind-set, we think there is always a way to do things better. In fact, I sincerely believe that it is fundamental driving force to improve ourselves individually or society as a whole.

Experience is the best teacher. Although simple, it points out that the most important aspect of life. Learn from the mistakes and improve them. Personally, I believe that the philosophy of Buddhism is more process-oriented than goal-oriented. In Buddhism, I believe goal is only to give us a sense of direction. The previous life stories of the Buddha shows us how the Buddha made mistakes and how He tried to improve them life after life until He reached the perfection.

However, since we are more attached to the results than to the process itself, we unconsciously incline to be goal-oriented. We naturally believe that we will be happy after we achieve our goal. And then, our goal of happiness has become a mirage. We keep following it but we never reach it.

Instead of focusing on uncertain future, can we not be happy now? Instead of saying "I will be happier and better after this", can we not say "I am happy now to do this." I believe with just a little change of attitude, we can change our lives. Can we not live our life without expecting too much out of it, just to enjoy the every moment of our life, whether it is good or bad. There is always a better way to do things... NOW!!!

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Difference

What is the difference between?

Learning vs. Studying
Work vs. Job
Value vs. Price
Wealthy vs. Rich
Healthy vs. Fit
Success vs. Achievement
Failure vs. Loss

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