One of the stupidest philosophies in the world

Yesterday morning I began my talk to the Unashamedly Ethical community [MP3, 29MB] with a confession.  I confessed that I am an addict.  I am addicted to a way of life that is killing me, killing others, killing the world - it is even killing generations to come.  I live for tomorrow and don't value today sufficiently.  I want bigger things, better things and more things.  Who I am and what I have just doesn't seem good enough

I am dangerous.

But, I am a recovering addict.  Since being encountered by the Prince of Peace I have embarked on a daily journey that seeks peace.  I live my life in the cause of true peace - peace with God, peace with people, and in fact peace with all creation.  It is not an easy journey when you're as addicted to yourself as I am.  Perhaps it is easier for you?

Just to mention that my confession was motivated by this incredible video made by my friend Alan Storey - thanks Al, you continue to inspire and challenge me along my journey.

You can listen to my talk by downloading it here.

This quote made sense in the context of my confession.

Here is one of the stupidest philosophies of life I have ever heard, and yet it is the one that drives our whole civilization: it’s the idea that the purpose of life is to get good things in the future that you don’t yet have, rather than enjoying the good things in the present that you do have. A thought voices from every corner of our culture whisper that lie. Fight the voices. Command your own thoughts (they’re yours to command!) to look at the present and its beauty. If you have to force yourself to stop and smell the roses, well, then, force yourself.

— Peter Kreeft, Before I Go: Letters to our children about what really matters, n.18, pp.30-31 (United Kingdom: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2007) (via @firstbreath90)