Summary

The website content reflects on the inevitability of regret and the complexity of decision-making, shaped by changing values, beliefs, and external influences.

Abstract

The author of the article delves into the human tendency to reflect on past actions with regret, acknowledging that our choices are often guided by our evolving values and the information available to us at the time. The piece questions the possibility of ever making the right decision, given the multitude of conflicting ideas and the potential for any belief to be challenged or overturned. It touches on the influence of leaders, the impact of new information, and the philosophical dilemmas faced when considering actions and their potential future regrets. The author also ponders the role of overthinking in shaping our decisions and the cultural wisdom in not overanalyzing life. The article concludes with a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the uncertainties of life and the acceptance of human imperfection, suggesting that regrets and worries are an inherent part of the human experience.

Opinions

The author expresses a personal history of changing ambitions and interests, from aspiring to be a mathematician to exploring marijuana, indicating a fluidity in personal goals.
There is a recognition that while individuals may admire and follow various leaders and their ideals, each person's influence on the world is unique and uncertain.
The author admits to frequently changing opinions, suggesting a level of self-doubt and the impact of external perspectives.
The article questions the balance between living a longer life versus a happier one, particularly in the context of vices like drinking and smoking.
It raises philosophical questions about the nature of work, the purpose of learning, and whether these activities are merely distractions from confronting our inner selves or a higher power.
The author grapples with the idea of absolute certainty in truth and the challenge of knowing whether one's beliefs have been influenced or brainwashed by external ideas.
The piece contemplates the tension between being kind and being honest, and whether it is more beneficial to make individuals happy or strong.
The author suggests that regrets and uncertainties are a natural part of being human and that these feelings should be acknowledged rather than avoided.
The conclusion offers a humorous nod to the human condition, implying that perhaps the invention of alcohol was a response to the complexities of life.

There Will Always be Regrets.

Photo by Alex Green: https://www.pexels.com/photo/upset-ethnic-woman-embracing-knees-on-bed-5699859/

How many times have we looked back in the past and wished we had done or said things differently?

But we never had any choice except do what our inexperienced brain told us to do.

Our values and ambitions change along the way. I wanted to be a mathematician when I was younger. Well, that didn’t happen. Popularity was my aim for years. And I did make quite a few friends. Then, I wanted to explore Marijuana and its effects on my mind. For some time I wanted to work hard as I could and save as much as I could. Now, conversations interest me.

There are many leaders to follow in the world (some dead, some alive) — Musk, Pope, Einstein, and Greta. We may not make a significant influence in the world as them, but we think our choice matters.

I change my opinion when I hear a better opinion, and then it seems I had wasted my life believing in a false ideal or belief.

And how can I do something when I feel what I do might feel stupid later on? How can I trust myself or others' points of view when they are prone to change?

We read books or articles, watch videos, and interact with people that might make us think we were wrong all along.

How can a child know killing an ant is wrong until someone tells them so?

Will we ever be right?

There are so many conflicting ideas that leave me confused. Any theory can be proved wrong or right if we give it enough thought.

Maybe we shouldn’t think much. There’s a saying in Malayalam that translates to “If we think, we’ll find there’s no end to it, and we’ll never reach a conclusion; but if we don’t think much, life becomes simple” I’d love to know your thoughts on that.

I change my opinions frequently. Maybe I overthink and debate with myself too much.

Should I help the needy and do social service? Or maybe they are suffering for a reason. Hinduism says we suffer because of the sins committed in the past life.
Should I be humble or proud? Is it ok for me to be proud despite the several mental disorders that I have, and still managed to survive till 39? Should I be humble as I believe that nothing is in my control?
Should I quit drinking and smoking? It’d definitely let me live longer. But what’s better — living longer or happier?
Most people I met lately say I like to debate. Should I not voice my difference in opinion in my mind so I can improve my relationships?
Many say work is worship and our purpose is work. But what are we working for? Some work for themselves and some for the world. But why for ourselves? We learn, and no matter how much we learn, we all die sometime. Our knowledge might help others but would we be there to see it after we die? Does it matter how the world is doing after we die? Will we have a mind to experience happiness about the work we did?
It helps to work, learn, or entertain ourselves, but aren’t those just distractions? Are we trying to hide from ourselves? From the God or the Devil within?
How can we believe with 100% surety that the person we are speaking to is telling the truth?
How can we believe with 100% surety that we haven’t been brainwashed by an idea (good or bad) we heard? I have heard terrorists believe they have no doubt that they are right.
How can we know for sure that our religion is right, and other religions, and/or other religions, atheists, and agnostics are wrong?
Do good, they say. And be kind. They also say tough situations make a person stronger. Should we try to make a person happy or strong?
Should we be kind or honest if we could only choose one? — Ari Love answered the question wonderfully well in this article — Why A Netflix Documentary Left Me Questioning My Morality — Part One

Many of these questions might seem stupid and irrelevant to you. Well, I am insane and probably different from you.

Final thoughts

It seems like every person has regrets about the past and worries about the future. That makes us human. We change our attitude towards life. I have probably done that more frequently than you. (just a guess)

If you believe in God, and fear his/her judgment, tell him or her just that. You made me a human with flaws. You could have done otherwise. If you fear judgment from the world, I’d tell them that I’m a human, and so are you.

Regrets and worries are part of human life. Maybe humankind invented booze for a reason 🙂. At least, I think so.

Thanks for reading!

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