[Toidiu]

I don't think it's necessary bad to choose a life that's ordinary. In fact he says that if you do then simply convince yourself that you had to. It's your life and you can always readjust your goals to match your circumstances.

[alanwatts]

There's an old Zen saying that goes:

"Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water."

And another which reads:

"Miraculous power, marvelous activity. Drawing water, chopping wood."

[AstralStorm]

Worthless but happy is not a worthy goal.

Verify any approach to life by generalisation: what would happen if everyone followed it?

The Buddhist approach leads to stagnation.

[alanwatts]

>Worthless but happy is not a worthy goal.

How should one measure self worth?

>Verify any approach to life by generalisation: what would happen if everyone followed it? The Buddhist approach leads to stagnation.

Who said everyone should follow any given approach? If everyone followed any particular approach to life it would lead to stagnation, extinction.

On the contrary, Buddhism emphasizes change, as opposed to stagnation.

[k-mcgrady]

> "The Buddhist approach leads to stagnation."

And that's a problem why?

[hv23]

Stagnation in what sense?