The One Quote That Changed My Life

Hi Friend,

Have you ever had one idea change your life?

For me, it happened when I was 14 years old.

I was in my freshman English class when my teacher, Mrs. Brady, read us a short quote by John Stuart Mill

It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.

Over the next few weeks, this quote haunted me.

It confronted me with one of the essential life choices we all have to make.

I could either choose to pursue a path of life directed towards blissful ignorance, or I could choose to live as honestly as possibleeven if that meant discomfort and dissatisfaction.

I felt as if I had to choose one side of the fence or the other.

Did I want short-term satisfaction, or did I want to align myself with the deeper realities and potentials of life, even if it cost me?
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That one simple quote impacted the entire trajectory of my life. Im certain the Monk Manual wouldnt exist if it werent for thatmoment in freshman English class.

Thats the power of an idea.

Ideas shape us, and they have the potential to transform us. You can probably see how certain beliefs have directed your own life (for better or for worse). Every yes, and every no that we make is informed by our beliefs and the ideas that shape our vision for the world and ourselves.

But here is the thing we often miss.

Not only do our beliefs shape our life trajectories changing our life simply isnt possible without changing our beliefs. If we want to change the direction of our life (and ultimately our experience of life), we must change our ideas. Our behaviors and life circumstances are a result of our thinking. If you want to change your life, you have to change your thinking.

There is no way around it.

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About two years into my journey with the Monk Manual, I came to a realization.

Tools, journals, planners, and templates are helpful but their impact is limited.

For most of us, the problem isnt broken tools. Its broken ideas about what it means to truly flourish as a human being.

Until we understand that what we lack is insightnot effortwe will continue to feel like a dog constantly chasing our own tail.

Wisdom is the great liberator.

So two years ago I launched an in-depth program called Find Your Inner Monk. Since then we have guided hundreds of Monk Manual community members just like you through a journey to deeper meaning, presence, and creative impact through weekly video lessons and group discussions.

Were going to be opening up registration for our 2024 cohort soon.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

- Leo Tolstoy