Think like a Viking: Part sixteen

in OCD3 years ago

me for a moment (3).png

It is fortunate to be favored with praise and popularity. It is dire luck to be dependent on the feelings of your fellow man.


Reading the Norse Sagas and Edda's around the fire in my long hall whilst sipping mead from a horn-cup always brings me value and relevant meaning; I thought to share some.

I don't actually have a Viking long hall, but I have a fire and mead so it works. Either way, the reading is valuable. I've been putting together a raiding party holiday with Britain as the destination. I've gathered a few warriors and shield maidens for the army however I'm always looking for more. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in raiding visiting Britain in the not too distant future comment below. No prior experience is required as on the job training will be provided however it would be advantageous for applicants to possess the following attributes: Sword and axe skills, ability to form the shield wall and to row a long boat. It should be a great time although your safety cannot be guaranteed. If you die we'll give you a rousing send-off though. original im src


This week's Viking quote

It is fortunate to be favored with praise and popularity. It is dire luck to be dependent on the feelings of your fellow man. - The Hávamál

Self worth seems to be elusive these days, at least without a prop to support it: The latest iPhone, pair of shoes, hand bag, fragrance or make up, gaming console, latest car, computer, camera, new item of clothing, or Facebook likes and so on. You get the idea. It seems clear that people attach their feeling of self worth to the items they purchase and places they go. Thanks consumerism and social media. It mostly seems like people look outwardly for their feelings of self esteem and I don't think that's valid.

I know people who simply won't go to a particular place because being seen there wouldn't be good for their image. Wankers. It's the same with, let me pick an easy target, mobile phones. People line up at the store overnight to be one of the first to get the latest version...You know, the brand new blue one. Why? So they can say they have the latest and the feeling of self worth they obtain through it. That works nicely until the next version comes out a few months later with an extra 0.1 mega pixels of camera capacity or some such nutbaggery. And then? They're depressed they don't have the latest.

Self worth isn't about iPhones, likes on Facebook and the latest consumer product though; it comes from inside. I mean true and lasting self worth.

That fleeting moment of self worth and validation one gets from those other superficial things is never going to last. One needs to jump from thing to thing to feed that beast and no matter how much one shovels into that maw the beast can't be sated.

In fact, in my opinion, this constant drive for external validation and self worth that relies upon social standing and other people will only ever end in unhappiness and discontent; regret too I guess if someone was to see the error of their ways later down the track, and regret is a poor companion.

Getting the latest thing may bring that momentary spike of validity or self worth but how does one feel when a new phone [for instance] comes out six months later and one is on a 24 month payment-contract for the older version? Not so good. Stuck with old technology...Self worth plummets downwards and that prompts credit spending; a slippery slope indeed. Som best to find self worth and validation independantly of things and other people.

Each of us must find it within ourselves to generate self worth that lasts and for all of us that will probably look differently. I'll admit that it can be difficult - especially when a person seeks it from material things - but once found it's glorious and will endure.

We live in a very egotistical society, certainly more so than when Vikings were around. I'm sure they had their share of ego-driven people though, they were human after all. These days we're bombarded with images and concepts that blatantly indicate we're not quite good enough without this product or that, the latest thing.

Well, I digress. We are good enough. You are and I are good enough just as we are. We just need to clear away the fog of consumerism and see it. Finding self worth internally is empowering and it's self-sustaining meaning it compounds. Seeking it is worth the effort and letting go of hubris, ego and greed is way to begin the journey.

This is how I've chosen to think about this quote today however there's many other ways to see it I guess and if you would like to give me your opinion below in the comments I'll be really pleased. Agree with me or not, it doesn't matter, just get involved.


Skol.


Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind

Discord: galenkp#9209

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I used to fall into that consumerism trap but assets over liabilities taught me otherwise. Good to have friends that follow those trends though, I got an iPhone 8 plus for less $100 from a friend who upgraded to the 11 max a couple moons ago. 😄.

To me, the quote means popularity and praise are good things that one should be grateful for, but don't let it get to your head as it can be gone tomorrow and the ones that praised you could be the same ones mocking you. So yes, it indeed boils down to self worth.

Yeah, that's a good way to look at it, the ones that praised you could me the same ones mocking you thing. How often does this happen!

It's a good quote though, no matter how one looks at it there's relevance. I always find it amazing how these old Viking passages can still mean so much to us now.

Thanks for your comment.

We are good enough indeed.
That is the problem with trends, when you see everyone around you buying the same thing or doing the same thing, it tends to makes you feel like you are either the unserious one or the unfortunate one.
And no one wants to feel that way. We all want to feel like we are successful and prosperous, and we feel like the only way to feel that way is to do what those we perceive to be successful and prosperous are doing.

What we need to do is to learn how to be contented with what we can provide for ourselves, take pride in our hustle and live within our means.

A happy life is really not difficult to achieve. We ourselves make it difficult.
Thank you for this insightful post.

Society dictates to people and if one is not content with oneself it's easy to follow paths best left alone, the consumerist nature and credit spending for instance.

Best to look inside, to find happiness, contentment and self worth from within as decicions that begin there will often be more valuable.

Thanks for your comment.

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These days self worth usually equals money and other material possessions. It's sad really...

Yes, but true self worth doesn't equate to those things, nor derive from it.

Every time I read stuff like this I feel like I’m so out of it, I don’t think I know anyone like that, probably because I’m so hopelessly unsociable 😅

Being unsociable is good, it means you're not as exposed to the nutbaggery out there.

I'd love to have one of those bearded axes to hang on my wall!
Much too ornate to use for cleaving skulls!

One must have the appropriate axe for cleaving skills in twain.

This is where I say it is best to live in your own terms.

A lot of people did a lot of things to feel among and this was their way of validation.

Its difficult not to want external validation but I think its better for it to come from within tho.

For the quote;

I like to look at it that if you depend on people, you are giving up yourself for anything of which luck is a part of.

It is nice to be praised by somebody but it is greater when the praises comes from what you want, what you put yourself to achieve and every other thing.

There is more fulfilment in doing things your own way

Feeling content and comfortable with oneself is one of the elements to a happier life I think.

Same for me

If i visit Britain, i will visit the national gallery as its my kind of stuff.

I remember I got Poco X3 from saving of my 2 years but problem is its not luxury but necessary me as i got depressed and when not having a good phone that thats clear pics become a problem that effects my productivity only then i buy it.

If ego means doesn't accepting my mistake then i dont have ego I quickly accept were i am wrong.

NOTE: my english is weak and i use google translator so if i get anything wrong let me know.

If you go to London you'll also want to check out the Museum of Natural History. It's splendid!

I understand the need for quality purchases; the problems come when one places ones sense of self worth upon those things rather than seeking it from within.

Thanks for your comment.

Thanks for teaching me a new word.
Splendid meaning very impressive :)

I read your blogs only to improve my vocabulary.
I will write words i learn from you maybe in future :)

It's nice to know that the words I write help people with their English.

Always on it sir, a job well done @galenkp

Thanks mate.

Am loyal boss

Thank you very much for another brilliant and wonderfully written article! I totally subscribe to your points of view and I am very grateful for being able to find out people on the internet who have the same mindset as I do about these things, namely that they are just gadgets that must be treated as such! Cheers and keep up the good work! Skål! :)

That's mate, I greatly appreciate your comments and support. All the best for the rest of the week.

You're most welcome and thank you very much for your wishes! All the best to you as well! Keep up the good work as usual! :)

Thank you, I always try my best. :)

You're most welcome! Keep that up and never give up! :)