Why Voltaire Said: You Must Cultivate Your Own Garden
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2020
- Voltaire's phrase - you must cultivate your own garden - is one of the most famous statements in the world. But what did Voltaire mean by this - and what can we learn from it to help us live our lives today? Here is a recipe for how to survive our troubled times.
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“It is crucial to note the subtitle of 18th century Europe’s most famous novel, written in three inspired days in 1759: ‘Candide - or Optimism’. If there was one central target that its author wanted satirically to destroy, it was the hope of his age, a hope that centered around science, love, technical progress and reason. Voltaire was enraged. Of course science wasn’t going to improve the world; it would merely give new power to tyrants. Of course philosophy would not be able to explain away the problem of evil; it would only show up our vanity. Of course love was an illusion; power a chimera, humans irredeemably wicked, and the future absurd. Of all this his readers were to be left in no doubt. Hope was a disease and it was Voltaire’s generous goal to try to cure us of it…”
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Just this channel alone changed my pov for the better. I wish Intelligence was praised more than bought so that more schools like this exist. Thanks for the help.
My fav channel hands down and ever!
Read the work in the best translation people.
Take the time, Candide is a short book.
Then let the understanding that book provides illuminate your life.
This video is a cogent example by way of the obverse as to why reading the original works, well, works.
I’m one of your biggest fans, have been following you for years, but that’s probably one if the first videos I don’t completely agree with. If most people just tend to their gardens, then we’ll all collectively shun taking accountability of the people making active decisions affecting our garden and lives, giving them more ground to make even bigger mistakes than they already have! There needs to be some virtue attributed to the people that worry about society overall and not just their little bubble, as good as that might be for their mental wellbeing!
Dear The School of Life
One must cultivate one’s own garden
Can it be us as a synonym of “Mind your own business”?
While I agree with Voltaire to an extent, I also concur with Plato when he said that "the price good people pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." Therefore we shouldn't bury our heads in the sand either, because eventually the literal gardens we've cultivated will be stolen or burned, like the Shire almost was in LOTR.
I've voted all my life because the suffragettes died to get us the vote and all that and where's it got me,were ruled over by a blonde clown,the UK version and his bunch of cronies. I might stop voting.
Jane Baker Give me National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies and Millicent Fawcett over the Suffragettes any day of the week!
I’ve spoiled my ballot paper for several years and it was refreshing 😊
@@janebaker966 please don't :(
Zoroaster So that’s where the phrase - all it takes for evil to flourish, is for good men to do nothing - comes from.
@@janebaker966 People stopping to vote is what helps these clowns getting into the office. Your non vote reenforces the votes of dumber people.
This really speaks to me. I used to get panic attacks from watching the news so my therapist told me to stop and do something else constructive so I took up exercise instead and lost 200lbs in a year.
Well done 👌😊😎 thanks for sharing
Seems easy enough.
Unfortunately you only weighed 220 at the start...
I haven't watched TV in 10 years. You find news on the internet and you can make it what you want. You can even dramatise just like the tv anyway .
Seems like bad therapist. Being told to not work on the anxiety but to actively avoid things that make you anxious. You don't get over your anxiety by checking out. But understandably you're probably leaving a lot out
Actually working to contribute to a better world, and worrying about the world are entirely two different things. Knowing that you don't have any control over the world, and you may not be able to control the outcome, but still you can make a contribution, will spear you from disappointment and frustration. After all, without those who had hope for a better world and worked toward it, we might have been still living in dark ages. But most importantly, you should be able to switch off from the outside world when necessary, and for that you need to have your 'own garden'.
It also means the importance of your sexuality, keep yourself sexually satisfied. But be independent. Sexually repressed people are setting the world on fire. Missiles are just phallic symbols. World Leaders cant have men, so they just want them wasted in wars. Imagine how many hot Israeli men have to die in wars.
yes but think of the people who did change the world. did they only have intention? or they had the know how to back it up? so they took care of their garden at first, then started trimming the neighbor's grass
Cheers
Best not to think of sex all the time. There are other preoccupations in life!!
I agree that we are enjoying the benefits ein by people who fought for what they wanted.
After crying today about how students treat me as their teacher, I felt down about humanity and being overworked for no gains. But, today I feel happy at least my home and my own ‘garden’ is peaceful. Just what I needed. Thanks
:(( that s sad , they will never do something good with their life because they Don’t know what respect is (sorry for bad English i m from Romania)
Rebecca, I am sorry about what you went through and it's sad that pupils take wonderful teachers for granted. it's awesome you have a home and a "garden "(?)to relax and work on. i'm a nurse and there are days that I feel somewhat similar. Do not despair! I'm glad you found solace in this video as well as I did. Take care and have a good week:-)
Rebecca Bath, Maybe you might enjoy this true classroom story: I had a favorite English teacher in high school. She chose to read for us some of the world's greatest poetry. One clown was constantly interrupting her and making snarky comments, etc. He completely missed out on the beauty of these poems, and would make fun of metaphor in the poems. One day in exasperation, Miss Boyle closed the book, stopped talking and just sat at her desk with her eyes closed. Everyone grew quiet. Jerry the clown said, "Whatsa matta, Miss Boyle? You sick or sumpin?" She answered, "No, Jerry, I'm not sick, but I'm worried about you. Education can give you tools to deal with difficulties in your life. Difficult times can come to each one of us at any time in our lives. I care about each of you, that you can feel the beauty of life, too. For you, Jerry, it may not be poetry, But I want you to have SOMETHING. What do you think you will have to fall back on, Jerry? Jerry apologized and was quiet and respectful to her after that for the rest of the year!
It's probably you. Not saying it to make you feel bad but learn how to command a class. Kids will take advantage of weakness.
I can understand the pain . I'm myself a teacher , doing such an important task with dedication and then getting undervalued is painful . Therefore as the video said I too get involved with my little projects and reap the happiness however I can . Happy connecting 🎉
“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”
― Voltaire
Ohhh so does that mean all murderers are killed except the soldiers, right?
Ajay Kumar I think that would be an accurate assumption as I also think this.
I prefer mass killings to the sound of drums.
Question Everything.... taking Voltaire out of context... he was against religious teaching which prohibited killing but would bless a crusade that murdered thousands.... he was being ironic..
Francelee Paris It’s self-evident that this quote is ironic.
“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.”
― Voltaire
@@d.s.5279 He said that..Ooo eee, Ooo ah ah, ting tang, Walla walla, bing bang
Question Everything... again you are taking Voltaire out of context... he was talking about religious leaders who talk about divinity and an afterlife but can then ask you to kill millions in the name of God... even ‘peaceful’ Buddhists have committed atrocities..
Epstein killed himself
12 more years!?
People look back and think wow, this guy was on to something.
And I absolutely love Voltaire and he is without doubt a great thinker.
But what he wrote is about reality. It's not some mythical magical message from the past. The wickedness of people has been prevalent forever - he eloquated it so fantastically - as did Greek and Roman philosophers and stoics not to mention Lao Tzu and other 'eastern' thinkers.
His writings are as prevalent and relevant as they've always been, but in times like these they are even more so. Look at this planet, obsessed with other peoples lives and willing to allow horrors to occur on national and international levels.
People have power. And the worst are those who commit atrocities. Next are the ones who allow them to happen again and again or at least do nothing to change things.
We all have influence if we exert it. And I'm as guilty as anyone else in not doing much - that is what needs to change.
“Shine light in one corner of the world” Shunryu Suzuki
May we all shine light in dark corners ✨💫 peace and love my fellow humans 💫✨
@Space Cowboy Yes, but if many people shine light, then the world will be light.🌞
Suzuki got this from the Tendai master Dengyo Daishi Saicho, which itself is inspired by Tiantai Dashi Zhiyi.
Yep my corner haha
being french, candide was one of the book we had to read in high school lol.
it is also being said that the garden refers to knowledge and one must cultivate it.
That's fitting, as gardening became quite trendy in lockdown. Metaphorically speaking, this might suggest it takes isolation to finally let ourselves cultivate our own gardens.
Wonderful observation and thanks for commenting your thoughts. ❤️
Haha, that's smart
Isolation is one of those things that I try to avoid but I agree, It looks like it has big hidden rewards.
@@Mythics1 I used to try to avoid it, but I gave that up once I cracked its code and began to reap its benefits :)
Lettuce pray.
"If you value freedom over all, you must live outside of society.
"
You ask why I make my home in the mountain forest
by Li Po
English version by Sam Hamill
You ask why I make my home in the mountain forest,
and I smile, and am silent,
and even my soul remains quiet:
it lives in the other world
which no one owns.
The peach trees blossom,
The water flows.
With freedom comes an equal amount of responsibility for the freedom of others.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 You have stated something as a flat fact. It doesn't strike me as true. I'm down with, 'love your neighbor as yourself'. Your formulation raises questions for me. What do you mean by freedom? What do you mean by responsibility? It's been said man is born free and everywhere in chains. Your sheep will hear your voice as you expressed it; but until I understand it better, I will withhold affirming your position. I notice birds very content with their bird like responsibilities. Does man find his happiness in Atlas like endeavors. The world, as it is.
Like the sages who lived in the Himalayas.
Jayesh Y ... nope... they were lazy and couldn’t be arsed to do a days work.. a mans lot is to work to live.... not sit around mumbling insanities...
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you. ”
― Pericles
lol true
oh shit that the parrot from scoopydoo
I’m playing assassins creed odyssey and Pericles says this in the game. Along with Plato speaking some truth 🔥 Assassins creed always has gems
That why we have guns
That's the problem with not at least educating yourself about what is going on in the world. Evil will show up in your garden and destroy your crops. If only I can buy a tract of land and cultivate it and have no dealings with what is going on in the world, I will do it if the world will leave me alone.
i think people ignore the generosity, kindness and empathy in the Turk story. Yes he cultivates his own garden, but he also shares his bounty and knowledge with the strangers. He feeds them and teaches them to be like him, if they so choose.
We still help with kindness, despite cultural degeneration. This is Anatolian culture, from religion to family tradition.
“Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.”
― Voltaire
Jang-geum Seo 😌🤣
@Jang-geum Seo Why should he stop promoting his channel?Why are you so annoyed?Everything's fine with you.. He is cultivating his own garden.
@@masood7976 I mean fair but it would be more accurate to say he is litering on the gardens of other while cultivating his own.
I'll sing once poor sick Jimmy dies and we can eat his leg.
@@Nestoras_Zogopoulos parasitic garden
Essentially Voltaire was saying take care of yourself before anyone else.
Clean your room
Not that superficial...
Actually I think she is right, even more than the video itself in my opinion. I always thought that the meaning was more like: grow your own "fruits", like a metaphor of your own skills, emotional intelligence ecc to be a better person, for you and for people around you
Not necessarily. But I think Peterson wants to say something similar when he says put your house in the order before you go out and criticize the world.
Also perhaps, set up strong boundaries.
This book has been my shelf book for many years, and i still have a smile when i read it. Only about 150 pages, but so dense, funny and profound.
Cultivate my own garden. Can't argue with that. No one but ourselves can make ourselves grow.
Of course you can help someone else grow. If you’re willing to invest the time and have the “right” relationship.
This is something I've been thinking of a lot lately. Quarantine has really put into perspective the importance of cultivating your own garden and living for yourself first and foremost
It took away many of the excuses we used to pass the day.
Rainepanda....Rubbish... everybody is following the mass hysteria caused by the governments so how is one standing aloof from worldly events?... to follow Voltaire philosophy you have to ignore everything the government says and just go about your normal life.... that ain’t happening if you wear a mask and self isolate..
@@franceleeparis37 mass hysteria isn't what killed my uncle and infected 5 other members of my family. Being intelligent enough to not spread a disease is a basic survival instinct and is not a political stance. Voltaire's point was not to be completely complicit. You don't cultivate your garden in ignorance of what could harm you.
@@franceleeparis37 you should listen to the video more closely. Then comeback to your statement and see what you misunderstood.
@@rainepanda exactly
focus on what you can control & what you have been given and make the best of it. That's "cultivate your own garden"
Right! That is the core principle of stoicism.
Thanks
Nice
Thank you. I extend that to people, whom I definitely cant control at times, and so, retiring to my garden and working there makes sense.
It's important to remember that Voltaire wrote this in the final century of absolute monarchs in Western civilization.
The rise of notional citizen rule post-1776 changed the equation, although his basic concept ("don't stress that the greater world disappoints you; none of it matters if your personal life is in disarray") still has value.
The 18th century was the start of the age of Babylon... a period where humanity broke away from religion, monarchy, empire building, of never ending civil wars, mass slaughter and land grab..It was an age where the devil managed to convince man that God did not exist
Yeah. Like why is it that the word of dudes in a time so very much unlike it is today holds such absolute sway? Newton would probably be pissed if he learned that the planets didn't behave the way his theory stated and we decided to take that as law
His voice and accent are incredible 😍 He can say anything and it’ll sound like wisdom
"Back into the Mickey Mouse ball crusher you go"
@Good Life Alain de Botton is actually Swiss and British.
His dad, Gilbert de Botton was a successful Egyptian-Israeli-Swiss banker.
Their family has got quite an interesting background.
“British privilege”? 😂🤣😂🤣😂
@@bert3163 you joke but it's why theh make Gps for Americans with British voices. Because the voice is more trusted and listened to. Point taken here.
"I say, would you kindly give me your wallet and keys"
😍
I often struggle with this. Part of me wants to move to a rural area and live in an ecovillage and not pay attention to the world burning around me, but then I feel it is my civil duty to pay attention because I have the time to do so.
You're not alone.
Then tend to the part of the garden you can touch. Pay attention only to the affairs of the world that you think you can participate in firsthand. Everything else is distraction. Good luck friend.
I feel this way too and then I try to find an example of when me paying attention to the shouting has ever bettered the world and these times are few and it’s the same for everyone. Most of what we listen to doesn’t benefit us and learning of it doesn’t benefit others so it’s best to only listen when the scale is small enough for just you to fix and if not then move on and take care of yourself and yours
Fix yourself first before attempting to fix the world
Same
Voltaire said “To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize.”
It’s time we rise up against those kids with leukemia.
I literally 'heheheh'd at this. 😄
Heck yeah!!
Sopan Kotbagi O my god it’s Michael Jackson!
Omg 😂
epic bruh moment
When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world would not change -
So I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country, but it too seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
And now I realize as I lie on my deathbed, if I had only changed myself first, then by example I might have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement I would then have been able to better my country,
And who knows, I might have even changed the world. -
From the Tomb of an Anglican Bishop.
Really cool, feeling bittersweet that I deeply relate to this.
The advice that everyone should take serieously ,I'm addicted to news and the stress is killing me
I feel you bro I haven’t looked at the news for two days and it feels so strange and shit and like I haven’t seen it for a week but now I’ve been looking at memes when I feel the urge to look at the news and it’s way more chill tho. A year ago I hated the news fuck
Stop watching it !!! Go for a walk . Watch a movie . Read a book . We choose who we keep company with .
I don't watch or read the news nowadays. I only occasionally quickly scan the headlines on the first page.
While Cultivating your own guarden is certainly a thing more people need to do , we could also say that it is the silence of the bystander , the indifference of the people claiming that ''they are cultivating their garden''which is a contributing factor to more extreme voices having more influence on things.
Because it is exactly they who will be more vocal, while others mind their own business; and they will be heard, since they shout the loudest.
I'm not saying anything against the vid really, just that people should be truthfully observing themselves and see whether they truly cultivate their garden or rather , they just use that as an excuse. Of course both could be true to some degree at the same time. I suppose knowing when to mind your business and when to take a stance is key here.
Excelent
What, fascism took over the country? I guess I was too busy polishing my apples.
@Stop my ego. Let show my understanding of this.
The garden seems to be a metaphor for the cultivation of our self, and at the same time for the pursuit of the simple things that are right next to us, which bring us peace of mind. The video was probably made because people have been focusing too much on the outside world and have been stressing too much about vague ideas and concepts, while overlooking the reality in which they live; you could say they have lost touch with the present. And what better time to be more mindful and focus on yourself than in quarantine?
Now, regarding your questions , we could indeed say that everyone has his own little garden , to the extend that the garden is the representation of : skills, peace of mind and introspection, safe space and generally developing one's character. As for what happens when those with power do stuff, well I don't think what the vid is actually saying is, that we should be completely ditached off in our little idealic bubbles, that would be extreme; rather it tries to push us half way from the other extreme we currently live in; that of an overwhelming interaction with the outside.And so, you really are a bystander, because you still exist inside the society, you just make a bubble inside it which is not the same as exiting society.
And it is here that my original comment comes in. I was saying that people should not use this insight as an excuse to detach and live in the clouds, because if the reasonable people remain silent by focusing on themselves - not the actual message of the video - , then the only ones left would be the extremists of all kinds.
Anyways I had more points to make but Im about to fall asleep on my screen.
Would love to hear more ideas and interpretations about this.
@@Nestoras_Zogopoulos I think this video is great for addressing social media. When people commit suicide over cyber bullying, that's when you want to tell people to tend to their own garden. :D
I came here to say something similar. I also agree with Voltaire and the video's interpretation of his work but remember our so called gardens are adjacent to the gardens of our neighbors and we are inextricably connected to society as a whole.
No witty comment in mind.
I just want to say.."Thank you" School Of Life and Voltaire
So far yours is the best comment.you have really optimized true wisdom,to feel humble and greatful.it's way more better than showing humour and trash intellect...
And the turk of course 👌
@@judyclarkson5887 You welcome buddy anytime ;)
The more I grow old, the more I understand his logic and wanting to live that way.
Rumi - 'Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.'
Voltaire and his humble Turk, were spot on. Thank you.
"Life's a garden, man. Dig it." Joe Dirt
I thought you said you had a Hemi
"Luckily, my neck broke my fall."
You win for this one 😂
Dread the pun is in his name
Beautiful sir.
We must cultivate our garden:
Essentially we must keep a good distance between world and ourselves, to close in interest and politics or public opinion, what people are talking about. These are the fastest routes for aggregation, danger and mental unwellness.
We must know enough at this point humans are just troublesome and will never achieve at state level or anything like the degree of logic, goodness and kindness we would so long for, so we should never tie our personal for condition of hope nation or people in general otherwise set to weep continuosly.
We need to live with our own small plots not the heads of Stranger's at the same time because our minds are haunted or prayed anxiety and despaire.
We need to keep ourselves busy, we need a project, it shouldn't very large or dependent on too many people. The project should send us to sleep every night, vary but satisfied. It could be bringing-up a child, writing a book, looking after a house, running a small shop or managing a little business or like a turk attending a few acres.
Voltaire said in geographical modesty, we must give up cultivation big hole of humanity, we should give up the national and international scale. Take those few acres and make those your focus. Take a small Orchard and grow lemons and apricots, stop worrying with humanity of u ever want peace of mind again. Who cares what's happening in Constantinople or what's up with the grand mufthi. Live quietly like old turk, enjoying the sunshine and orange bow next to your house.
This is Voltaire's ever relevant form of horticultural quietism. We have been warned and guided.
Very clear interpretation, well done, thank you!
amen
I believe Voltaire referred to the inner self-cultivation of a person, rather than that of a real garden.
Bravo !
agree, but still, i heard a lot of "find something you enjoy to keep urself busy daily" in that video.
Well....DUH!
"We should never tie our personal moods to the condition of a whole nation or people in general otherwise we'd be set to weep continuously."
When I heard this line I wondered if those being subjected to economic or physical abuse by other nations or people would think this. I think the saying applies in certain circumstances.
I was feeling the same, if they are just explaining Voltaire's idea i have no problem. But if this idea is connected with the other personality and mindfull videos then im absolutly against this. There are conditions that makes you feel bad and angry, and politics can affect you personaly. We are living a global pandemic, if your government is doing the things wrong, you and your family are in danger, and taking care of your plants won't change nothing.
Yes, in my opinion it only really applies to petty politicking that doesn't have a profound effect on the citizens, like kings killing each other to usurp power or Congresspeople yelling about morals on C-Span. When it comes to climate change, police brutality, domestic abuse, etc. many people don't have the privilege to just ignore politics and live in their own little world, especially when it is specific politicians and leaders fanning the flames of injustice in the first place. Still, I think this "garden" metaphor could be interpreted as a metaphor for local activism. Try to fix the small things you can control in your community and hopefully your local movement will become a worldwide one if it inspires enough people.
Jeffrey Thrash I agree. Doing our bit, whatever that is, is all we can really do. And that can start the butterfly effect and really add up to changing the biggest issues. When we start trying to control or obsess things beyond our personal control is when distress happens.
I agree, it can be interpreted that way, and only people with a certain amount of privilege can remove themselves from what is going on nationally or politically.
It could also be interpreted as "control what you can". You don't personally have the power to overthrow a corrupt government but there are small actions you can do every day to contribute to change. I think it's as much about accepting how little power you have as it is about making that power count.
@@JeffreyThrash Aye. I think have a moment to have a good weep then roll up your sleeves to work for change in ways you can.
5:59 Asparagus takes two years before you getting your first harvest... learned that one the hard way.
Really looking forward to the next year's harvest, and possible the next 30+ years. :)
I clicked on this video cuz i was bored
And didn't really expect since i usually never understand in such "philosophy" videos
Ended up with a new subscription, knowledge AND a quote for my essays
"There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self."
- Aldous Huxley
I always seem to stumble upon your specific videos that all resonate with my current situation or questions in mind! I apreciate this channel so much, I've learned quite alot within just a day or two of watching your videos! May you, The School of Life, and everyone else here have blessed days coming up ahead, stay safe, healthy, and lovely always~
Wow crazy I was just thinking about this concept. How there is so much in this life we do not control that you really have no choice but to tend to your own "garden".
Thats why its so important for everyone to individually have their poop in a group for anything to function or advance in this world.
If anyone hadn't read candide yet, I genuinely reccommend it! One of the most enjoyable and fast readings that I had.
Just on time, I’m very glad to see this I’ll cultivate my own garden happily ever after.
To take care of one's own needs before trying to take care of others: “The mayor ought to cultivate his own garden before he starts telling the governor what to do.” This is the moral of Candide, by Voltaire: take care of your own, and the world will take care of itself.
If everyone took care of themselves, then the world would be fine. If everyone took care of themselves and their family, the world would be strong. If everyone took care of themselves, their family, and their community, the world would be a heaven on earth.
What's more, by being too concerned about the big picture, not only do we stress ourselves out, but we really can't do too much. And we miss the good that we could do, in our own, small, sphere.
it just means Masturbate. Dont throw your life away because you cant control your sexual urges.
It took me nigh-on 40 years to fully understand and embody this tiny sliver of wisdom.
This resonates so deeply with me. I have been growing my own garden as a horticultural therapy completely in line with this revelation. I have been guided to think of the joy of the achievements in my garden rather than continue to be distressed by the constant state of injustice and corruption in the world that I cannot change but brings me distress. Having access constantly to information of the terrible things going on over an entire planet that are totally out of my control is too much, when really all I think our brains evolved to manage is the day to day needs and struggles of what is very close to our lives- those are more than enough. So now I spend time in my tiny garden, growing and cultivating and focusing on what is right in front of me and learning to find peace amidst a chaotic world
But someone has to care so that others don't destroy someone's garden.
I don't think your Garden is really a thing, it's more about the state of mind you have. I.e not getting pulled into other peoples bullshit or trying to exert your will on them. Suffering is part of life but there's not much that can destroy your state of mind unless you allow it to.
@@Miycu I mean someone has to jump in mess of the world to ensure that others don't try to harm
Those who doesn't want to enter this worldy mess and live peacefully.
Politics is a poor substitute
Garden means things you can control, your freedom. No need to worry of things that aren't within your control. If you realized you have such control to influence politics then by all means cultivate your garden. Use it.
@Geno Why is it wrong? What's wrong is your interpretation of the video, because you're not saying anything contradictory to the video message at all. If you can only influence your neighbor, then why the hell do you have to stressed so much about influencing a whole damn city? Just focus on your neighbor and friends. Plus, you can only share your point of view, you can't control how people will react or respond. So say or share whatever you need to say, but don't stressed so much or try to control how people should act upon. Just focus on things you can control.
In my opinion, I interpret cultivating one's own garden as minding one's own business. I've actually read Candide, and found Voltaire's definition of the subtitle "Optimism" vastly profound. Voltaire wrote that optimism was the mania of telling ourselves all is well when it certainly is not. If you haven't read this masterpiece, do yourself a favor and read it. I highly recommend it.
Voltaire: “ Common sense is not so common.” So true since we are all unique, thus we see things from our own perspective.
Sage advice indeed. The common good comes from pursuing the individual good.
So many college students will be so thankful for this video
This is solid advice for the majority but we also need to have leaders with our wellness in mind. We also need to keep the power in check from over-consumption.
No, we need to realise we're sovereign beings not children requiring state governess from cradle to grave. Navigate life as an autonomous self governing being and find a community of like minds who are motivated to self govern.
"Clean your room, bucko." -Voltaire
Hahaha love it
We must cultivate our rooms
neve buckooooooooooooooo
Also, take benzos when life makes you sad.
@@AnEvolvingApe Yeah, he's a clinical psychologist. Therefore, he is part of the scientific and medical establishment. He believes that drugs prescribed by doctors are a good thing. He simultaneously believes that CBT-type 'clean your room' approaches to mental health work, too. There is nothing contradictory about it. Sounds like you are trying to critique him for being pro-science.
I love this message so much. A quiet and simple life is best for one’s mental health.
At the same time, you can’t chicken away from your civic duties/responsibilities nor politics completely.
One's own self discovery, self awareness is the greatest help one can do unto mankind
Amazing advice...I believe it applies for us getting too much invested with movies or dramas actors etc as well. Thank you 🙂
"Set your house in perfect order before you criticise the world."
i mean. lets be a little flexible on the perfection , just make the effort some might not even start.
What a superb video. The message resonates deeply with me as during this difficult year I have tried so hard (with little success) to stop spending so much time reading the news, which is almost universally depressing and annoying. I also agree that you must have a project. I have stayed sane in lockdown with several projects; stone walling, building an amplifier, selling junk on ebay, painting the house, gardening. I was immediately captivated by the superb grammar and diction. It's hard to describe, but it's like some sort of noise filter in my brain could be switched off. It's so relaxing to listen to as my brain isn't constantly being sidetracked by grammatical errors, wondering which letters will be glottal stopped etc. And then, the superb French pronunciation gave further pleasure. I shall definitely be watching more on this channel.
I came to this same conclusion a few years ago, it's incredibly nice to now have a phrase to describe it.
Candide is a heck of a read, man. Funny that you upload this literally a day after I finished reading it - can't recommend it enough!
It's a great book and so bleakly funny!
So true ! I read Candide so many times. Love the book ! Thanks for the video :)
Reading is one thing .... understanding is something else... you’ve done the former, now try the latter...
This is so especially true. During Covid, I paid strong attention to the news of everything wrong with the world socially etc. but not with a view to even somehow believe I could fix it, because there's a lot to fix, and I was still working on even myself. Try and help something external improve bit by bit without oberwhelming yourself with hopelesness. We can make positive change.
I've just started watching your videos, and they always make me feel good! I always happy cry a little with each one!
Having read Candide, Voltaire was the original Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
Cultivate your garden and don't care what happens around it. Just one day you may see strange bright flashes on the horizon.
I don't think you've seen "Dr. Strangelove!?"
If you had said that 50 years ago, you might have been right. But today, thinking is too dangerous to be left to TH-cam commentators.
I’d like to add that not everyone has the privilege to separate themselves from everything going on in the world. Unfortunately it’s very personal and very real for some people.
But everyone needs their garden away from it.
I hope everyone’s taking care.
Very well said my friend.
Blessings and best wishes to you. 🙏💟🕊️
That’s the different between Voltaire and most of the other philosophers like Socrates. He will battle for truth over happiness and is willing to die for it. I would argue that the USA has no problem in being willfully ignorant. Not willing to understand or listen to reason.
Although what you said is absolutely right but having an anime girl as your profile picture takes the seriousness out of your comment. 😂😂
@Stop my ego. I can't seem to understand your comment. You disagree and follow up by making my exact point. Populism is a very dangerous aspect to a democracy. Seeing as most people tend to their own gardens, in the sense that they do not spend their days in trying to understand other aspects of life. People that work can't spend their time in understanding as much political decisions as the politicians themselves. The only thing to rely on is to judge the politician on their perspective and wether he/she represents you. However the USA currently is experiencing a troublesome time, relative to previous years. The people are frustrated and feel they personally are being disadvantaged. They do not want to hear some politician talk about long term plans, or a few percentage increase hopefully here and there. They want loud and clear sounds. They don't want top be confronted with the reality of how complex a society works, that there is never one problem that has to be dealt with to change the country, and even so there is no solution. Then Trump comes in, just build a wall, mexicans are the problem, done. And when he says he is coming up for the people, and fighting the group that wants to take everything. That is pure populism. Everyone feels like he is specifically helping their group, the low class, the upper class, people needing healthcare, people with a business, people within a huge corporation. He just says, the true american. This is why your fellow Americans are wilfully ignorant, something that all countries have been in times of chaos.
Liberal comment
That's the way I've been living all my life. Who cares about world problems, find peace with in yourself and everything else falls to the waist side
I'm 40 now and this made so much sense right now
I love this concept but I always think Apathy is the glove into which evil slips it's hand.
wow thats such a great quote
I overheard someone else say, "Slash and Burn" 🔥 I guess that's one hell of cultivation.
Vaibhav Singh okay
Be the change you want to see in the world!
Voltaire is my favorite philosopher
Thoreau was along the same vein when he said that he doesn’t read newspapers because you could take two different newspapers twenty years apart and it’s the same story everyday; corrupt politicians, scandals, tragedies etc. The only difference I would add that is new from Voltaire and Thoreau’s time is environmental degradation because if that goes on, there won’t be any gardens for anyone.
Yup this is the reason I don't read news or watch news at all.
_"because if that goes on, there won’t be any gardens for anyone."_
Witch is one of the reasons I think this advice to ignore politics is terrible at best. And putting this message out right before the U.S. presidential election (especially this one) is unconscionable at best.
Yes, no air for anyone 🌬
@@aylbdrmadison1051 a cat does not become invisible if it closes its eyes after getting caught stealing milk.
I'm really thankfull that we did read this book this year.
Ahahaha Bac 2020🤙
@@sk_eptic Yoo I know your channel!! nta howa @moroccan.skeptic on instagram yak?
Unfortunately, many modern urban and suburbanites will miss Voltaires pount. A garden that can sustain your family is truly a labor of love that yields a higher quality of life than a labor of toil to pay the bills. A few times in my life where I experienced the joy of a garden or a time where I did not allow my business to steal all my time; both situations were immensely rewarding. I told my friends that I felt like a king without the stress.
Best advice of all. One that if followed, will cure all of our worries. One that latetly, I follow not often enough.
Man if Voltaire visits turkey today, he's in for a mind-blowing surprise
I do not think that the old Turk accumulated this wisdom by living under a stable and a safe politics. For you to actively not care about politics, there has to be some bad politics. Just like now :D. There have always been people like the old Turk, and there have always been bad people. It is but a matter of where the scale is tipping towards.
Working on my own garden, literally and figuratively. People went batshit crazy when the toilet paper ended...what happens when there's no food left on the shelves of the markets? Make your own food, grow your own crops, if you can - keep animals, because the government wants to leave us with nothing.
There is plenty of food on the shelves of the markets.
Dancing77Kat ok
Omg! Just when I'm about to work on my grandfather's land (for the first time) after he's passed away last week (and moving away from the big city and the corporate culture), this video came out?
There's too many times that this channel has given the right advise at the right time. Coincidence? This many? I don't think so!
How did I get along to now without this knowledge!!!!!
"worry bout yo self" - Voltaire
On the other hand, if anyone plans on participating in politics you better have cultivated your opinion before walking in there to vote. I get the sentiment of the video, but right now as an American and political scientist it's my civic duty to be informed of larger issues that inherently affect others. If we withdraw totally we run the risk of impacting ourselves and others later down the line through government interference.
"If you want to change the world - start from yourself" Mahatma Gandhi
Also, there's almost identical common Russian saying, that just replaces "the world" with "anything" i believe. These two quotes are probably both right.
Warhamm2000TM.... Gandhi didn’t half talk bollo*ks... he hated blacks, he hated Muslims, he slept naked with his two nieces ‘to test himself’.... Churchill called him the naked fakir (or beggar)....
@@franceleeparis37 ye, you're rigt
@@franceleeparis37 Yeah, I'm sure Churchill didn't have other reasons to dislike Ghandi.
And what does the character of Ghandi have to do with the veracity of his saying? Do you think you can discredit someone's words by discrediting the person? Then any sentence ever uttered by a human must be discredited.
Shorewall ... if you haven’t figured that out then you are as dumb as a jackass... now go and play with your shiny toys...
Shorewall I mean, the words might be “wise”, but I would say being a hate filled weirdo who slept naked with their nieces would at least somewhat tarnish someone’s merit don’t you think
Not only you have a very good English speech ability as usual but also a correct French spelling. Bien dit, bravo!
I like this video. It inspires me not to involve myself so much in the lunacy which too often is included when it comes to worldly affairs. I prefer to concentrate on myself, cultivating my own metaphoric garden.
Which mic you use sir , your voice extraordinary
It's not the mic that makes his voice extraordinary; but indeed it is the voice (art) that makes his voice mellifluous.
మీరు చాలా చక్కగా వివరించారు, కానీ నేను అడిగింది కేవలం మైక్ గురించి. Kk tq
“ Selective ignorance” 🤝
Selective ignorance is promoting gerrymandered evidence as cause for social arson and cultural suicide.
I farm a remote acre on the wet side of Maui (zipcode has 2K folks). I'm retired with a cat and do all the labor myself. I raise tomatoes, cukes, bananas, avocados, mangos, papayas, citrus, coconuts, mangos, coffee.......It's the most peaceful life I've ever lived. I quote this saying by Voltaire as a mantra. I'm almost 74 and do only one "hard" task each day. The birds that populate my acre actually seem to know and trust me.
I needed to hear that!! I must stop worrying about the things I can't control & control the things I already do so that they satisfy me & fortify my mind!!
@Ms. Brigitte fanx 👍🏼
tbh this is not what voltaire meant at all; the book is specifically anti-leibnitz and against the concept of everything being "the best" because god designed it. at the beginning, candide is kicked out of the castle that is his metaphorical garden of eden, and by the end of book he's cultivating his own garden. he was saying everything isn't the best it can be because god designed it - we can design a better world on our own. voltaire was the last person to "mind his own business" when it came to politics.
Emily .....Context is important isn’t it!
@@MichaelSchappel the book is a rejection of leibniz - so, he definitely isn't saying "stay in your own lane and stay out of politics", he is saying "preordained destiny is not a thing, we have to build the world we want to live in."
@@MichaelSchappel i don't get what his motivation would be behind writing about politics/political philosophy his whole life, then ending a political piece by saying "just stay out of it"
@@msmith53 yes!
@@MichaelSchappel but it is a stretch, because the book is specifically a rejection of leibniz - people can project what they want on it, but that's not what it is. it's about a matter of free will vs determinism.
i think a key thing to remember is that voltaire's audience was not the "common man" at all, it was the elite & educated who would understand the philosophical context.
That’s lovely, until someone you’ve ignored while tending your garden decides they want it, so you end up losing it. Keep a weather eye on what’s happening outside or lose everything.
I agree with this comment. Tyranny is right here on planet Earth right now. e.g. 1% of the world's population owns half its wealth.💰💲 My black friends fear for their lives. Women are being forced into childbirth. Poor people can't afford to feed their children. Medical expenses are the second leading cause of bankruptcy in USA. Therefore, I take action to elect Democratic politicians so I can live with myself. I disagree so vehemently with this video (especially its being uploaded at this time In our world's history) that I unsubscribed from The School of Life. I request they take this video down immediately. Especially now that RBG died (I realize I'm being USA-centric here but our 🇱🇷 election is upon us and SCOTUS⚖️ is a lifelong appointment). I just put a comment that said no no no no no no no no no no no no no no and unsubscribed. Now I'm here elaborating. We must keep taking action that advances democracy worldwide. We must stand up. We must keep having the conversations that will cause people to pay attention and vote for our cosmic spaceship's communal interests. We're on fire. Our Life Vehicle is literally burning up. We are the vast majority. The 99%. When we *participate* we win. The rich elite, especially the 1% (and their army of millionaires propping them up) - they are the minority party - they use their wealth and power to tip the scales and tilt the playing field in their favor. We can hold them accountable by winning elections. When we *really participate* we can defeat them. We can win back the power to provide healthcare, pay a living wage, support education, fix the climate crisis, uphold the rule of law, take care of the vulnerable. All the things we care about are in our power when we participate and take action in politics - especially in our local politics. So, BARE MINIMUM - - PLEASE VOTE DOWN THIS VIDEO. IT'S A TERRIBLE TIME TO HAVE POSTED THIS VIDEO, SCHOOL OF LIFE. SHAME ON YOU! Your elite privilege is on full display here. And for the rest of us, please vote (in elections). If you don't vote, other people's stupid vote counts twice as much. And if you have even a few extra minutes in your life, go to your local Democratic headquarters and offer to help. Meet your fellow constituents who care as much as you do. You'll make lifelong friends. And thank you if you read all the way to the end of this comment.
⚖️🇱🇷🌊✊🏾🗽💙 If you're in the USA then vote for Democrats.
@@scofah If you get a heart attack due to stress (or more likely severely shortened lifespan) fighting potential tyrants (which always seem like windmills to me) would that have been a better spend life?
@@W1ndF4lc0n Go watch a video about D-day and you tell me.
@@scofah Haha, we have a true windmill fighter here indeed.
The stoic way of life as proposed in this short but insightful lecture is certainly an antidote to vices and pain.
I never really realized until now, but my grandfather and great grandfather followed this philosophy so well. When I look back at it, their actions and way of life all makes sense.
awesome!
What are you doing in england?
"Mind your own Business!" -Taunting Frenchman
Neuman357 England with a capital E please!
It's our nation's sport Neuman. 😘🤪🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
i read the book years ago and thanks for reminding me of its message. the book was fun, adventurous, and ridiculous to those who believe in a lot of positivity.
This is such wonderfully calming and sage advice, my sincere thanks to you.
damn voltaire said sustainable food sources for all
In the end, no one can do the work for you!
A sweet BJ afterwards would be nice though.
Voltaire is the stern grandfather society needs.
God is so Wise, teaching wisdom to people. You can only find wisdom in Books.
The garden is rot. There's a hurtful wildfire burning. Should you run or wait for the fire to burn away the rot and with it the garden?
Prescribed Burns ,fire breaks stuff like and burning old wood just imagine if Bob marley removed that one pinky
I like to think that Voltaire was talking about the avoidance of "tribalism", which is how the monarchs and kings of his time held on to power.
We can see that same problem quite clearly today in our own political system.
Some are inclined to believe tribalism is encouraged the rich and powerful in order to keep the public eye away from how they are being manipulated, persuaded and ultimately, robbed.
"Tending one's own garden" means the focus of life becomes work, fruits, and the enjoyment of said fruits.
Politics, drama, vanity and subterfuge (all of the things that Voltaire accounts about the indecent that the Turk is completely unaware of) never create happiness... only misery.
The Turk tends his own garden... and lives a happy life.
The timing couldn't be more perfect.
Thank you, School