Log In   or  Sign Up for Free

Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

Philosophy Discussion Forums
A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

The Philosophy Forums at OnlinePhilosophyClub.com aim to be an oasis of intelligent in-depth civil debate and discussion. Topics discussed extend far beyond philosophy and philosophers. What makes us a philosophy forum is more about our approach to the discussions than what subject is being debated. Common topics include but are absolutely not limited to neuroscience, psychology, sociology, cosmology, religion, political theory, ethics, and so much more.

This is a humans-only philosophy club. We strictly prohibit bots and AIs from joining.


Discuss the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.

To post in this forum, you must buy and read the book. After buying the book, please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
Forum rules: This forum is for discussing the book In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All. Anyone can view the forum and read the post, but only people who purchased the book can post in the forum.

If your purchase has not already been verified (i.e. if you don't already have access to post in this forum), then please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
User avatar
By Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
#447347
For 99.9%+ of people and 99.9%+ of goals, even very very bad luck won't stop you, and success is a choice.

Show me someone who says that for them luck is a factor, and I'll show you someone who's either defining their goals irrationally or dishonestly, or (more likely) someone who isn't giving 100% and is not actually choosing success.

Luck is a factor for those who claim to have a goal but only go at it half-hearted and half-assed. Luck is a factor for them, indeed, but that's because they are not really choosing success.

Imagine getting cheated on by your spouse, and then the spouse says, "Oh, I had a goal to not cheat on you, and I worked really hard at it, but, you know, bad luck struck."

Of course, they won't say that. When someone isn't taking full self-responsibility for all of their choices, they start defining their goals in irrational or dishonest ways to make it seem like they "tried" and failed. But there is no try. To try is to lie. Success is a choice, but those who don't choose it will often lie, including lying about what their real goal is, including lying themself with denial and self-delusion.

Even if you have a wild goal like becoming a millionaire, success is still a choice, 99.99%+ of the time.

It's as infinitely easy (just a matter of choice) as it is for a spouse to not cheat or an alcoholic to stop drinking.

Of all these things, failure-choosers will say it's luck not just choice. They are wrong, and almost certainly lying to themselves too.

Success is a choice, but most don't choose it.

And those who don't choose success struggle to fully accept the truth of the phrase "success is a choice". It can be met with anger, denial, or other cognitive dissonance.

Addicts find comfort in pretending to be out of control and in blaming imaginary phantoms for their torture rather than admit they are really their own torturer, and rather than admit they are in 100% full control of their own happiness.

All humans are on the addiction spectrum.

What about you? Are you pretending to be out of control, pretending to have goals that are not really goals but just try-ridden wishes about so-called luck? Or are you honestly looking at all the infinite things you can do and all the things you can have, and then, from that huge wonderful menu, choosing what you want with infinite ease?

As long as you are honest with yourself and others, you will look at the right menu. As long as you look at the right menu, you will know that success is a choice.

Choose it and you'll be successful. Don't and you won't.

What you want you can have. But you do have to really want it, and you do have to really choose it.

30~2.png
30~2.png (682.23 KiB) Viewed 10455 times
Favorite Philosopher: Eckhart Aurelius Hughes Signature Addition: View official OnlineBookClub.org review of In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

View Bookshelves page for In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
By NENYE1999
#447429
It appears that you have a strong belief in personal agency and the idea that success is primarily a matter of choice and determination. This perspective emphasizes individual responsibility and self-accountability for achieving goals. While self-motivation and choice play significant roles in achieving success, it's essential to acknowledge that external factors, including luck and circumstances, can also influence outcomes to varying degrees. Different people have different life experiences and challenges that can impact their paths to success. Ultimately, the balance between personal agency and external factors can vary from one situation to another. People have different philosophies and perspectives on success.
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=535648
By Buikem Kasia
#447446
I don't think that this is totally true. Life is unfair and the good guys don't always win. Some people choose to be successful, do all the right things, and yet they end up unsuccessful.
By Faes
#447499
I think Success is a choice, because no matter the drawbacks if you choose to be successful, and put in the effort, you'll surely become successful.
User avatar
By Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
#447884
I gave some helpful examples of the fact that, generally speaking, success if a choice in my other topic, My Three Principles for Happiness and Success (in that order!) | Be Happy and Achieve Incredible Success Guaranteed:

Eckhart Aurelius Hughes wrote: June 15th, 2023, 1:13 pm
Generally, in the long run, success is a choice. For example, if you weigh 400 lbs, and you want to lose 200 lbs, you can. If you are an alcoholic and you want to recover and stop drinking, you can. If you are home alone lonely and haven't had a romantic partner in months--or years--and you want to get one soon, you can. Or, if you are a sex addict and you want to recover and stop having sex and live the rest of your life as a born again virgin, you can. If you want to make a million dollars and become a millionaire, you can. If you want to become a bestselling author, you can. If you want to start and own your own successful restaurant, you can. If you want to get married, you can. If you want to get divorced, you can. If you want to climb a huge mountain, you can. If you want to sit at home and spend as much time as possible just quietly sitting on your porch drinking tea and staring up at the stars, you can.


Read Full Post

Be careful with words like "work hard", especially if it refers to something like "trying". As my book says, trying is lying.

One of my favorite TV Shows is "My 600 lbs life". It just tickles me how the people will come in a month later for their weigh-in, have gone up in weight (meaning they ate over 6,000 calories per day on average), and then say they don't understand how it happened because they worked so hard and tried so hard. I don't pick on them; it's just perhaps the perfect epitome of the human condition and the things a typical human says regardless of what their person addictions and props happen to be in the common human struggle uniting us all. As I say in the book, all humans are on the addiction spectrum.

Imagine a spouse gets caught cheating (a.k.a. committing adultery, or having an affair), and then says, "I tried really hard to not cheat. I worked so hard at it. But success is not a choice. Bad luck and external circumstance are to blame."

In my philosophy, the very concept of blame itself doesn't make sense. It doesn't apply. There is nobody to blame for anything. In my philosophy, you chose what you chose, you choose what you choose, and that's just the way it is. Blame doesn't come into the equation. The would-be excuses don't even start to get off the ground--in part because there's nothing to excuse. As my book says, there's never anything to forgive.

Even though success is choice, when people don't choose to be successful at what they pretend is their goal (e.g. losing weight, not cheating, not drinking alcohol, etc.), they find comfort in self-deception and muddying the waters with all sorts of nonsense about blame, shoulds, oughts, external circumstance, bad luck, tries and trying, etc. etc.

Needless complexity is the friend of the liar, especially when the one they lie to is themselves.

An alcoholic finds a lot of comfort in pretending to be out of control and saying all sorts of long complicated other words then the one simple sentence, "I choose to drink this drink", or ""I choose to not drink this drink".

He wants to say, "No! Do or do not? No! Do or do not does not apply here. There's tries and trying. There's shoulds and oughts! There's needs and musts!"

The six misery-inducing words provide a lot of comfort to a self-deceiving addict, and all humans are on the addiction spectrum.

Whether you are a sex addict or a gambling addict, whether you a food addict or an anorexic, everyone has their things. Fundamentally, the common addiction is the addiction to comfort. To a degree, all humans are comfort addicts, at least a little bit. All humans get a little trapped in and enslaved by the hellish comfort zone, at least a little bit sometimes.

Addicts find a lot of comfort in pretending that something isn't a choice that is.

In other words, addicts find a lot of comfort in the illusion of spiritual slavery and spiritual imprisonment, which comes with feeling or sense of be a prisoner in one's own body.

My book firmly breaks many of those illusions with simple logic and obvious truths, giving the reader the simple easy path to realize the invincible inner peace of spiritual freedom. :)



With love,
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
a.k.a. Scott
Favorite Philosopher: Eckhart Aurelius Hughes Signature Addition: View official OnlineBookClub.org review of In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

View Bookshelves page for In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
By Prince Oyedeji Oyeleke Jayeola
#448272
"Success is a choice, but those who don't choose it will often lie, including lying about what their real goal is, including lying themself with denial and self-delusion." These sentences stood out for me and I read it again, over and over again. Most times people see success as a "want" but then as you have said it's a choice. But, I keep asking my self can we strike out the place of luck in success?
By Kutloano Makhuvhela
#448289
Yes, any objective person can agree that success is a choice, just as much as anything in this world. But I am afraid your personal agency isn't just enough to make you successful. There are many factors that sre put into play that determine your fate, that is, are you going to make it or not, and I think those should be taken into account. People are born into different circumstances, that their personal agency simply wouldn't suffice to make sure they succeed. I am not qualified to speak on this, but I thought I should just share.
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=498533
By Kelsey Roy
#448364
I, for the most part, agree that success is a choice. As with every aspect of life, there can be exceptions. For example- I have a goal to achieve a certain position at my job. I work everyday to improve at my job and be ready to jump to the next level when the opportunity is provided. I may not get there soon, but I will get there eventually, at this company or at another if I continue to work toward my goal. This is a comparably easy measure of success, some people’s goals are surely harder to achieve, but typically the roadblock is in dedication to the goal.
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=508768
By Favour Ozone
#448432
The chance of success differs for different people. Some people's life have been made easier by their family background while some try to build from the scratch. Those who build from the scratch sometimes give up after much strife.
By Somtochukwu olisagozie N
#449221
Indeed! success is a choice. I remember telling my friend about an opportunity that would change our lives but we must commit at least 3 hours of our daily time. She told me that he has something that she is doing(we are both doing that project), and because of it, she can not commit to the opportunity. I left her, and today, things are far better for me than it was before.
By Rob Carr
#449663
I usually set myself 10 goals at the start of each year. In a typical year I would fail about half of them. I don't think there is anything wrong with failing those goals for the most part. Usually it's because priorities changed, something was harder than I thought it would be, or there were things that happened that I didn't expect. Occasionally I just decided I couldn't be bothered with that one. I still set new goals again the next year though despite knowing I won't achieve them all because it helps guide my thinking around how I should prioritise my time during the year and decide what really matters to me.

Success is a choice but that doesn't mean we should necessarily internalise failure as us failing to make good choices. Sometimes deciding to fail is the best choice you can make.
By Oleabhiele Joseph
#449670
Someone told me this; “90% of people who gets good grades at school end up financially handicap. They invest their time and energy in school, and when the labor market doesn’t absolve them, they are left without a cause.” I strongly object to this. I know a lot of people who were academically smart, got good grades, and finished college with no jobs for them. But they took it upon themselves to find success in any place available. Do you agree with that person? Are intelligent people fooled by their academic success that they end up without enough training for the real world, being left for broke when they don’t get their dream jobs?
By Paavni Jain
#449965
The perspective presented strongly emphasizes personal responsibility and choice in achieving success. It underscores the idea that, for the vast majority of people and goals, success is within reach through determined and committed choices. The analogy of an addict finding comfort in external blame resonates with the notion that acknowledging one's control over outcomes is pivotal. While the argument might be seen as assertive, it serves as a motivational call to self-awareness, challenging individuals to honestly assess their commitment and choices on the path to success. It encourages a proactive mindset, rejecting the notion of luck as a primary determinant.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 10

Current Philosophy Book of the Month

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...
by Indignus Servus
November 2024

2025 Philosophy Books of the Month

On Spirits: The World Hidden Volume II

On Spirits: The World Hidden Volume II
by Dr. Joseph M. Feagan
April 2025

Escape to Paradise and Beyond (Tentative)

Escape to Paradise and Beyond (Tentative)
by Maitreya Dasa
March 2025

They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself

They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself
by Monica Omorodion Swaida
February 2025

The Riddle of Alchemy

The Riddle of Alchemy
by Paul Kiritsis
January 2025

2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Connecting the Dots: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science

Connecting the Dots: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science
by Lia Russ
December 2024

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...
by Indignus Servus
November 2024

Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Digital Age

Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Digital Age
by Elliott B. Martin, Jr.
October 2024

Zen and the Art of Writing

Zen and the Art of Writing
by Ray Hodgson
September 2024

How is God Involved in Evolution?

How is God Involved in Evolution?
by Joe P. Provenzano, Ron D. Morgan, and Dan R. Provenzano
August 2024

Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters

Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters
by Howard Wolk
July 2024

Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side

Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side
by Thomas Richard Spradlin
June 2024

Neither Safe Nor Effective

Neither Safe Nor Effective
by Dr. Colleen Huber
May 2024

Now or Never

Now or Never
by Mary Wasche
April 2024

Meditations

Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius
March 2024

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

The In-Between: Life in the Micro

The In-Between: Life in the Micro
by Christian Espinosa
January 2024

2023 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021


'Spirituality' is a really vague term '. The meani[…]

Hate Crimes

I find that I'm a little surprised that UK law[…]

My thoughts on boundaries is if you set the fence […]

Pantheism

A facetious way to view amoral or potentially evil[…]