Day 3: On Being a Human

Willpower is what separates us from the animals.
It’s the capacity to restrain our impulses, resist temptation — do what’s right and good for us in the long run, not what we want to do right now.
It’s central, in fact, to civilization.
—Roy Baumeister

Humans have the capacity to act against their urges in exchange for a better future.

Unfortunately, many people live by the principle of “if it feels good, do it, and if it doesn’t, don’t do it.”

Caving in to your temptations whenever you feel them emerge is like relinquishing your humanity, in a way.

As an intelligent human being, you have an ability — and I daresay an obligation — to make decisions that are based on rational thinking, not on your instincts alone.

Strive to be a better human and embrace your humanity by exercising your “willpower muscle,” instead of succumbing to your most primal (and least helpful for your long-term goals) part of the brain.

Your most primal instincts may provide temporary comfort, but seldom are good for the long term, except when there is a direct threat to your survival."

365 Days with Self-Discipline: 365 Life-Altering Thoughts on Self-Control, Mental Resilience, and Success, by Martin Meadows

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