"What stands in the way becomes the way."

[Selena R Romero]

Are there things that cannot be changed or dealt with? Unfortunately I do not have any arguments to justify my position but I feel and believe that every mountain can be moved if enough will is added to it. Why should we settle and wholly accept that which seemingly cannot be changed instead of trying to be or create the change I want? I am reading comments for and against and I am loving it here!

[Nancy004]

When we resist or resent the things we cannot change, we waste valuable time and energy that could be better utilized in pursuing productive actions. Accepting the circumstances allows us to focus our efforts on finding creative solutions, adapting to the situation, and making the most of the resources available to us.

By accepting the cards we are dealt, we can shift our perspective and see obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. It allows us to develop resilience, resourcefulness, and a positive mindset that can help us navigate challenges and find alternative paths forward.

However, it's important to note that accepting reality doesn't mean passively resigning ourselves to unfavorable circumstances. It means acknowledging the situation and taking proactive steps to make the best of it, while also recognizing the aspects that are within our control and working towards positive change.

[Nicky Rita]

The beautiful paradox of "What stands in the way becomes the way" reminds us that challenges are not roadblocks, but opportunities for growth and transformation. Embracing this perspective empowers us to navigate difficulties with resilience and resourcefulness.

[Dana Youngblood]

I find this statement interesting. At first, I wanted to argue with it because how could what is in the way become the way through? However, I do feel that this could be true. We have to find a way to make the obstacles something that we can overcome. They may be in our way at first, but we can make it around them or through them and have it be apart of our path to where we are going. Taking the impediments and using them to our advantage can help us to become stronger, think in different ways, and overcome the challenges we are facing. I like the idea that what stands in the way of what we are doing can become the way that we follow to get through it. Interesting concept that made me think for a bit!

[Otieno Lydia]

This is a discussion forum topic for the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All.



"The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
- Marcus Aurelius

By quickly and unconditionally accepting unchangeable reality, we best make the best of it, turning seeming obstacles to our advantage.

Only by fully and unconditionally accepting the proverbial cards we are dealt (i.e. only by fully and unconditionally accepting that which cannot be changed) are we able to best play those cards.

By wasting even the smallest bit of time, energy, or resources resenting that which we know we cannot change, we thereby absolutely cannot play those proverbial cards the best we can, since our time, energy, and resources are all finite.

What's spent on one is taken from the other.



The book is available for purchase from all major book retailers in both ebook and hardcover format.

It aligns with the Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes accepting and adapting to the realities of life, finding strength in adversity, and using obstacles as a means to develop resilience and character. Essentially, it encourages a mindset shift from seeing difficulties as hindrances to recognizing them as the path to personal and philosophical advancement.

[Jessica Azuka]

This is sadly reality. Humans are very quick to adapt to situations, especially one that they have no control over. For me, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not.

[Sakshi Singh1]

Totally agree! Seeing challenges as chances to grow and accepting what we can't change helps use our time and energy better. Focusing on what's beyond our control just makes things harder. It's a smart approach in different parts of life.

[Omondi Peter]

Embracing challenges and obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning is a perspective that can lead to resilience and success.

[Hasani Piyumika Perera]

Accepting things we can't change helps us make the most of life. Wasting time and resenting the inevitable takes away from our chances. Play your cards wisely!

[Gee-Q Mdluli]

I agree with the concept that facing obstacles head-on and making the best of unchangeable situations is a wise approach. It's about using our resources wisely and being resilient in the face of challenges.

[Naushin Moledina]

"What stands in the way becomes the way."
This is going to be my quote of the day. Many obstacles come to our lives when we know what we want to do. It is overcoming the things we can not control that makes our way to success.

[Vane Manyenga]

Instead of viewing challenges as barriers, it encourages a mindset shift to see them as a means of growth and progress. By facing difficulties head-on and finding creative solutions, one can navigate through adversity and discover a path to success. This perspective emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of overcoming hurdles in the pursuit of goals.

[Miracle Kingss]

This is indeed very true. Things that would otherwise be obstacles have provided many excellent opportunities.

[Dennis Kiage]

I think this quote is from the Stoic philosophy, particularly from the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, who was a Roman Emperor and a Stoic philosopher. Instead of viewing obstacles as barriers, we should see them as opportunities for personal development and growth, and by confronting and overcoming challenges, we can transform them into pathways for success and fulfillment. It's so true!

[Tomy Chandrafrost]

I like this concept. Focus on what is within our control, and by doing so, we will find a way out of every life deadlock.