I recently took some time to contemplate where I am: career-wise, outside interest-wise, and personal life-wise.
The coping skills I am working on are letting go of all the "to be" thinking, and focusing more on the "I am" thoughts. Basically, to live more in the moment, using the time and talents I have at hand, and stopping the frustrating type of striving to be something/someone else.
Sharing the joy of humor and laughter wellness brings me to a place of confidence and satisfaction, and builds my resilience for when life and work are not funny.
My goal now is to live within that purpose, understanding that I will always need a career path that supports me, but no longer defines me.
That realization alone has changed my stress levels.
Monday, March 18, 2024
Just Keep Moving
sunset requires notice
whether on fire, windswept, clouds that darken early,
I knew Hamlet was not done with me. This week, the “slings
and arrows” have been targeting me. Allergic reaction to medicine, unresolved
claim for storm damage to my house, and a massive mistake at work. My
resilience now looks like a splat on the highway. And while I can’t manage to
find the humorous middle of this bitter candy, maybe Hamlet and Chat GPT can
give me some guidance.
Write a 300 word article on How does Hamlet manage the “slings
and arrows of outrageous fortune?” Does he find humor?
Chat GPT:
Hamlet, the tragic hero of William Shakespeare's renowned play, grapples with the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" in a way that reflects the complexity of his character. This famous line from Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1, encapsulates his philosophical contemplation on the hardships of life.
Throughout the play, Hamlet encounters numerous challenges, from the sudden death of his father to the betrayal of his mother and uncle. These adversities provoke Hamlet's introspection and internal conflict, leading him to question the nature of existence and the meaning of life. Despite the weight of his circumstances, Hamlet's coping mechanism is not rooted in humor but rather in a profound sense of melancholy and existential angst.
Hamlet's wit, however, serves as a defense mechanism and a way to navigate the treacherous waters of the Danish court. His clever wordplay and sarcastic comments offer a veneer of humor that conceals his true emotions. This humor is not lighthearted, but rather a form of bitter irony that reflects Hamlet's disillusionment with the world around him.
Hamlet's encounters with the gravediggers in Act 5, Scene 1, provide a notable example of his use of humor in the face of mortality. Despite the grim setting of a graveyard and the impending tragedy, Hamlet engages in witty banter with the gravediggers. This seemingly morbid humor highlights Hamlet's ability to find irony even in the most somber situations.
Ultimately, Hamlet's journey is marked by a profound sense of tragedy and a lack of resolution. While he may use humor as a tool for social commentary and as a shield against his inner turmoil, it does not provide a genuine escape from the harsh realities he faces. Hamlet's quest for truth and justice is a tumultuous one, and his complex character leaves audiences pondering the intricacies of human nature and the enduring impact of life's adversities.
This is the final column on Hamlet and how he stuck his foot in the door
of my deep life purpose contemplation. The final AI essay from ChatGPT,
in my opinion, is the best, and the right place to conclude this
series. Or until Hamlet tries to visit again.
ChatGPT: Write a 300 word article on how Hamlet demonstrates "to
be, or not to be."
Shakespeare's iconic play, "Hamlet," opens with one of the most
famous soliloquies in literature, where the eponymous protagonist grapples with
the timeless question: "To be, or not to be." In this introspective
and philosophical monologue, Hamlet contemplates the nature of existence, the
pains of life, and the uncertainties of death.
The soliloquy serves as a window into Hamlet's tortured psyche. As the
prince ponders the pros and cons of life and death, he delves into the core of
human experience. The opening line, "To be, or not to be, that is the
question," encapsulates the fundamental quandary that has intrigued
thinkers for centuries – the fundamental choice between enduring the hardships
of life or succumbing to the unknown of death.
Hamlet's exploration of the "slings and arrows of outrageous
fortune" reflects the inevitability of suffering in the human condition.
The metaphorical "sea of troubles" he mentions conjures an image of
life's turbulent and unpredictable nature. The soliloquy resonates with
existential themes, echoing the broader philosophical inquiries of
Shakespeare's era into the purpose and meaning of life.
The contemplation of suicide in Hamlet's soliloquy goes beyond a mere
consideration of physical death. It becomes a metaphor for the internal
struggles and conflicts that torment the prince. His fear of the
"undiscovered country" – the afterlife – reflects a profound
uncertainty about what awaits beyond the threshold of mortality.
Despite the weighty subject matter, Hamlet's soliloquy is not a
straightforward expression of nihilism. The struggle to endure the "whips
and scorns of time" suggests a resilience, a hesitation to embrace
non-existence. The fear of the unknown, the potential for something worse in
death, gives pause to Hamlet's contemplation.
In "Hamlet," the "To be, or not to be" soliloquy
encapsulates the universal struggle with the complexities of existence.
Hamlet's introspection becomes a mirror reflecting the existential dilemmas
that have intrigued and haunted humanity throughout the ages. The enduring
power of these words lies in their ability to resonate with audiences,
prompting reflection on the profound question that defines the human
experience: to be, or not to be.
Chat GPT: Write a 300 word article on how Hamlet demonstrates,
"Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be, will be."
While the sentiment of "Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be, will be"
might seem incongruent with the intense and contemplative nature of
Shakespeare's "Hamlet," there are moments in the play where this
fatalistic philosophy subtly weaves its way into the narrative.
Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is burdened by a sense of foreboding and a
deep contemplation of fate. The ghostly apparition of his father, urging him to
avenge his murder, sets in motion a chain of events that thrust Hamlet into a
complex web of moral ambiguity and political intrigue. Despite his desire for
justice, Hamlet's actions are often paralyzed by doubt and the weight of his
predicament.
In the famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy, Hamlet grapples
with the notion of existence and the uncertainties of life and death. While not
an outright embrace of fatalism, this contemplation reflects a recognition of
life's inherent unpredictability. Hamlet acknowledges the slings and arrows of
fortune, painting a picture of a world where external forces shape destinies
beyond individual control.
The recurring theme of revenge, central to the plot, introduces an element
of predestination. Hamlet is thrust into a predetermined path, compelled to
fulfill a filial duty. However, his internal struggles and the complexities of
the human condition introduce an air of unpredictability, challenging the
fatalistic undertones.
The phrase "Que Sera Sera" implies a surrender to destiny, an
acceptance of whatever the future may hold. In Hamlet's case, this resignation
becomes evident in moments of introspection and inaction. The unpredictable
turns of the plot, including the tragic conclusion, reflect the play's
acknowledgment of the capricious nature of fate.
While Hamlet is not a character who explicitly embraces a "Que Sera
Sera" philosophy, the play, in its exploration of existential angst,
revenge, and the machinations of power, subtly touches upon the idea that, in
the grand tapestry of life, certain events may be beyond mortal control. The
interplay between free will and fate in "Hamlet" invites audiences to
contemplate the inevitability of certain outcomes, echoing the sentiment that
whatever will be, will be.
from me: I find a little bit of comfort in the "fatalistic
philosophy" as cheerfully proposed by the song "Que Sera, Sera." Not sure
if that kicks me out of the OverThinkers Club. Thanks for playing along
as I was finding out more about Artificial Intelligence.