There is something to be said for the “natural” state of things. Something graceful about those who eat without thought and never get fat, who do not pretend to be anything but who and what they are (despite relevant and common social exaggerations or politeness) and for the time that is gained from eliminating these petty worries.
I think we are more likely to begin a phase falsely than to end it so. We often set out to match or exceed standards if our own invention, whether to impress or to satisfy some insecurity. None is innocent of this.
How curious it is that so much of our lives is determined by social “should” and insecure estimations of what modifications we ought to make in order to be our ideal self.
I suppose in the battle between epicureans and stoics I am floundering. I often find myself accepting dutifully the harshest of realities, while indulging myself excessively and with pleasure in the smallest of moderations. Why must it fee harsh to be accepted easily? And why are the simplest pleasures to be the only area of indulgence?
When it comes down to the facts, I am a sucker for manners. I really do prefer politeness to many mannerisms. So long as my indulgences are personal and minor, no matter how prevalent, I believe that I am harming no one, I can hurt only myself, and so I accept the risk. With larger problems, i feel the audience. A person in need is an attentive friend. Manners and an elevated sense of “should” comes naturally and to some extent, flatters our ego.
