“Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun.”
— Alan Watts
Simplified Meaning:
People often feel unhappy because they worry too much about things that are meant to be enjoyed or taken lightly. Imagine a child playing a game; they might get upset if they lose, forgetting the purpose is to have fun, not necessarily to win. In life, many of our struggles come from treating every situation as a serious matter when it isn't always meant to be. For example, stressing out over a small mistake at work can ruin your day, even though, in the grand scheme, it’s not a big deal. To apply this idea, try to see challenges and setbacks as part of life’s play rather than as severe problems. When you face difficulties, remember that not everything is as critical as it seems. By adopting a lighter approach, you can reduce stress and enjoy life more. This doesn’t mean being careless, but rather finding a balance where you can laugh off the small stuff and focus on what truly matters.
