Although people have their own beliefs, philosophy is a universal study on how a rational mind works. A good mechanic will be apt to diagnose engine problems by having a good understanding concerning physical laws and how each component works. If a mechanic neglects physical study to give opinions on religion or debate about his favorite model, his work will suffer. The human rational mind knows to follow certain principles and it is much easier to get along with ourselves and others when we understand these underlying principles. It is much more enjoyable discussing things from a universal perspective that is absent the hype and passions people tend to gravitate to. Lets look at a few of these basic principles.

What we consider good behavior is based on how we handle pain and pleasure. The objective of a good functioning soul is to acquire enduring happiness. The ideal life is one where the pleasure never ends. Naturally our passions want to avoid pain and chase pleasure. We all know that some pain is necessary and we have to use self discipline to keep from seeking pleasure too much or it can destroy us. If a person wants to stay in shape there will be hunger pains and sore muscles but the goal is to have the pleasure of feeling physically well.This principle works when applied to anything we love and have passion for. To achieve the best in anything there will be periods of pain a person has to push through.

Hope is the state of mind where we anticipate something pleasurable. A person will endure painful experiences with the hope of a lasting pleasure. Fear is the anticipation of pain. It is a defense mechanism we have inside to keep us out of trouble. It is important to have hope for the right things and fear of the right things. It is also important to have the right amount. Phobias describe excessive fear while anxiety is more of a constant fear that can turn into to a loss of hope. When the proper things we hope for come to pass and when what we fear doesn’t happen, we experience joy.

Good things are acquired by pushing through fear of pain that could come by failure and moving on in hope of better things to come. False hopes, a lack of healthy fear (recklessness) or losing faith can cause disappointments and failure. Respect is what we call the healthy fears that preserve us. Success comes through hoping for the right things to the right degree and having respect for the right things to the right degree.

Forming the habit of chasing after the right principles is the basis of having good character. Children should be raised up to hope for and fear the right things. There should be a proper respect for good principles so they fear to disobey them and yet have the fortitude to move past unhealthy fears that hinder them. No one should be in the habit of chasing false hopes or fearing the wrong things. Confidence comes when the proper hopes and fears have been established in a person’s heart. A person of good character will boldly face the realities of every situation and persevere through pain until the good things he hopes for become an actuality.