Danish philosopher and writer Søren Kierkegaard was right, “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”
It’s one of my favorite quotes.
It’s a profound statement about the reality of life.
Many people treat life like a puzzle, looking for perfect solutions to life’s many challenges, hoping to finally achieve perfect happiness and contentment.
But what if the secret to a meaningful life is not solving all our problems but simply living them?
What if we stop striving for perfect outcomes and start embracing the human condition, with all its ups and downs, suffering, uncertainty and absurdity of life?
Life cannot be solved like a mathematical equation or a puzzle that can be solved through logic and reasoning. It’s a journey meant to be experienced and lived in the moment.
The focus should not solely be on finding solutions to life’s challenges but on embracing the experiences and moments that make life worthwhile.
While we may strive to find solutions to our everyday problems and make sense of our experiences, in the end, there is no ultimate solution or answer that can solve all of life’s complexities.
Solving life doesn’t work
“The art of living lies less in eliminating our troubles than in growing with them.” — Bernard M. Baruch
Trying to solve all of life’s problems can be overwhelming and stressful.
It’s important to appreciate the simple things in life.
Instead of trying to solve everything, we can learn to accept and adapt to what life throws our way.
That means seeking out new experiences, forming meaningful connections with others, and living in a way that aligns with your values.
When we try to solve life, we often try to control things beyond our control. We even try to control our circumstances, our relationships and even how others think and behave.
However, trying to control everything can lead to stress and anxiety.
It also prevents us from experiencing life fully.
When we experience life, instead of trying to solve it, we open ourselves to a psychologically rich life.
We are not attached to any particular outcome, and we are not afraid of change. We are simply present in the moment and enjoying the ride.
Choosing to live instead of treating life as a puzzle also means embracing our imperfections and recognizing that we are all flawed human beings.
A good life is so much about trying to solve all the problems that come our way but rather learning to navigate through them.
The key to living a fulfilling life is to embrace our experiences, find meaning and purpose in our suffering, be here and now for every event of our life, appreciate what we have, and embrace life fully, with all its challenges and joys.
Heraclitus of Ephesus, an ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher, famously said, “life is flux”. Life is a continuous flow that requires us to be adaptable, resilient, and open to change.
Don’t resist or aim for total control
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
A good life is not a final goal we can reach. The aim is not a good death but a meaningful experience daily.
While we may face setbacks, disappointments, and hardships, it’s important to remember that these experiences are guaranteed.
We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to these events and choose to move forward with a positive attitude and an open mind.
You can’t solve life is the essence of Soren Kierkegaard’s philosophy. It’s a reminder that life is not a puzzle to be solved but a journey to embrace fully.
So, let’s take a deep breath, slow down, and embrace life’s journey with all its imperfections. Let’s enjoy the ride, learn from our experiences, and make the most of every moment.
Adopt a more mindful approach to life.
Focus on the process of living rather than the result.
That means enjoying the small moments, taking time to reflect on our experiences, and finding joy in the little experiences every day.
“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware,” says novelist, Henry Miller.
When we embrace life as a reality to be experienced, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for all that life has to offer while still alive.
While we may not be able to solve all of life’s mysteries or predict what the future holds, we can choose to live each day with intention, purpose, and gratitude.
This article originally appeared in Medium.
