“They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom” – Confucios
We see this around us all the time – people who are unhappy because things have changed. As humans many of us (the majority) cling to the past. The past was always ‘better’.
In his book Devils Advocate John Humphries does this a great deal but towards the end he also recognises how the past had its positives and negatives just as the modern world does.
He comes to the realisation that going backwards is not the answer – the world was not perfect then and it is not perfect now, it is just that the flaws are different.
The more we cling to the past, the unhappier we become.
Anthony De Mello describes how, when we listen to a symphony, we let the notes pass and enjoy the music. We do not want to here the same bar over and over, we let it change and that way we enjoy it.
Here is also a very good explanation from philosiblog.com:
If we are to remain constant in our life, constant in our happiness, or even keep up with that which is wise, we must change with it. If we don’t, change will happen without us.
By paying attention to the change which is happening around us, we can change with it, and maintain our happiness and retain our wisdom. But that requires us to be aware, and to take action on what we notice.
If we fail to notice, or refuse to change, then our happiness will change, and probably not for the better. What we consider wise may not apply anymore. Consider all the old sayings which no longer apply, as the wisdom they once contained has not changed with the times.