How to be Ordinarily Extraordinary
One thing you might not know about me is that I’m really into philosophy. I love diving into deep, thought-provoking questions and writing about topics that aren’t necessarily mainstream but are fascinating to me. It’s a way for me to share my readings and perspectives, and I find joy in reflecting and introspecting on what I learn. Today, I want to take you on a journey exploring how to be ordinarily extraordinary, through the lens of various philosophical ideas.
Let’s jump in and see where these thoughts take us.
In the hustle and bustle of contemporary life, the pursuit of an “extraordinary” existence often overshadows the value of the ordinary. Society frequently equates success and fulfillment with grand achievements, high status, and visible accomplishments. However, a deeper examination reveals that extraordinary living does not necessarily require extraordinary events or achievements. Instead, it is the attitude, awareness, and mindfulness we bring to our everyday experiences that truly elevate our lives. This concept of being “ordinarily extraordinary” suggests that profound meaning and fulfillment can be found within the simplicity of daily routines and interactions.
Philosophical traditions across history have delved into this idea, offering insights on how to harmonize the ordinary with the extraordinary. From Aristotle’s ethics to Zen Buddhism’s emphasis on mindfulness, various perspectives illustrate how ordinary actions can harbor extraordinary significance.
Defining the Concepts
To understand how to live an ordinarily extraordinary life, it is essential to first define what we mean by “ordinary” and “extraordinary.” The term “ordinary” often refers to routine, commonplace, and habitual aspects of life — activities and experiences that form the fabric of our everyday existence. In contrast, “extraordinary” denotes something that goes beyond the usual, invoking a sense of awe, rarity, or exceptional quality.
Philosophers have long debated the interplay between these two concepts. Aristotle, in his ethical writings, introduced the idea of the “golden mean,” advocating for a balanced approach to life. According to Aristotle, virtue lies in finding a moderate path between excess and deficiency in our actions and emotions. This principle suggests that even ordinary actions, when performed with the right intent and balance, can be virtuous and thereby extraordinary in their own right (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics).
Immanuel Kant, another towering figure in philosophy, emphasized the moral law within everyday actions. For Kant, the duty to act according to moral principles is paramount, regardless of the magnitude of the action. In his Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant argues that even the most ordinary actions, when guided by a sense of duty and adherence to the categorical imperative, hold intrinsic moral worth. This perspective highlights the extraordinary potential within ordinary deeds performed with ethical consideration.
Aristotle and the Golden Mean
Aristotle’s concept of the “golden mean” is central to understanding how ordinary actions can be infused with extraordinary value. He proposed that every virtue lies between two vices — one of excess and one of deficiency. For instance, courage is a virtue that lies between recklessness (excess) and cowardice (deficiency). By applying this principle to everyday actions, Aristotle suggests that living a balanced life, where one avoids extremes and practices moderation, can lead to a virtuous and fulfilling existence. Ordinary actions, thus, become extraordinary through the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of a balanced life (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics).
Kant and the Moral Law
Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory further enriches this understanding. Kant posits that the moral worth of an action is determined by its adherence to duty and the categorical imperative, which is a universal moral law that one must follow regardless of personal inclinations or consequences. For Kant, performing ordinary duties — such as keeping promises or helping others — holds profound moral significance when done out of respect for the moral law. This view elevates the mundane aspects of life to a realm of extraordinary moral importance, as each action reflects one’s commitment to ethical principles (Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals).
Kierkegaard and the Knight of Faith
Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, offers another intriguing perspective through his concept of the “knight of faith.” In his work Fear and Trembling, Kierkegaard describes the knight of faith as an individual who, through absolute faith in the divine, finds infinite significance in finite, ordinary actions. This figure embodies a paradoxical existence where the mundane is imbued with divine meaning, illustrating how ordinary life can be extraordinarily profound when viewed through the lens of faith and existential commitment (Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling).
The Ordinary in Daily Life
Understanding the extraordinary within the ordinary also involves recognizing the beauty and significance of daily routines and interactions. Albert Camus, in his philosophical essay “The Myth of Sisyphus,” explores the idea of finding meaning in the repetitive and seemingly futile aspects of life. Camus suggests that by embracing the absurdity of existence and committing to live fully in each moment, individuals can find profound meaning in their daily activities. This existential approach underscores the potential for ordinary experiences to hold extraordinary significance when approached with the right mindset (Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus).
Similarly, Zen Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness and presence in everyday actions. Zen teachings advocate for full engagement in the present moment, whether one is washing dishes, walking, or eating. This practice of mindfulness transforms ordinary activities into opportunities for deep awareness and spiritual fulfillment. By paying close attention to the here and now, practitioners of Zen find the extraordinary within the ordinary, experiencing a profound connection to life as it unfolds (Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind).
Integrating Ordinary Virtues with Extraordinary Aspirations
Confucian philosophy offers valuable insights into integrating ordinary virtues with extraordinary aspirations. Confucius emphasized the cultivation of personal virtues, such as benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), and wisdom (zhi). These virtues are developed through everyday actions and interactions, contributing to personal and social harmony. Confucius believed that by practicing these ordinary virtues, individuals could achieve an extraordinary impact on their communities and society at large. This integration of ordinary virtues with extraordinary aspirations underscores the potential for profound change through consistent, virtuous living (Confucius, “Analects”).
In Eastern philosophies, particularly in Taoism, there is a strong emphasis on the balance between personal ambition and communal harmony. The Taoist concept of “wu wei,” or effortless action, advocates for aligning one’s actions with the natural flow of the universe. By acting in harmony with the Tao (the way), individuals can achieve extraordinary results without force or struggle. This philosophy encourages a balanced approach to life, where personal aspirations are pursued in a way that harmonizes with the greater whole, revealing the extraordinary potential within ordinary actions (Laozi, “Tao Te Ching”).
The Role of Humility and Gratitude
Humility and gratitude are essential virtues that bridge the ordinary and the extraordinary. Stoic philosophy, particularly the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, emphasizes the importance of accepting life’s challenges with equanimity and finding contentment in what we have. The practice of gratitude, as advocated by the Stoics, involves recognizing the value of ordinary experiences and appreciating the present moment. This perspective transforms everyday life into a source of extraordinary fulfillment and resilience (Marcus Aurelius, “Meditations”; Seneca, “Letters from a Stoic”).
Positive Psychology, a modern psychological movement, also underscores the extraordinary benefits of practicing gratitude. Research has shown that cultivating gratitude enhances well-being, fosters positive emotions, and strengthens relationships. By regularly expressing gratitude for the ordinary aspects of our lives, we can experience a deeper sense of happiness and contentment, revealing the extraordinary within the everyday (Seligman, “Flourish”).
Summarily, embracing the extraordinary involves both the pursuit of personal excellence and the recognition of extraordinary moments within ordinary experiences. By integrating virtues, practicing mindfulness, and fostering genuine relationships, we can transform our daily lives into a tapestry of ordinary actions imbued with extraordinary meaning.
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