“It’s the simple things in life. A roof over our head with a warm bed, and a stocked refrigerator. Not everyone has that. Sure, we may live in a chaotic galaxy. It’s filled with selfishness, temptations, and suffering. Allowing yourself to be influenced by the negativity of others, or filling yourself with depression over existential evils is a self-affliction. But these are things outside of your control as an individual, and trying to claim the power to change it all is only going to corrupt you. Just look at the Empire or First Order for example. I don’t think “order” will fix the problems we face, rather love.”
“Heh, it seems a tad cliché when you put it that way.”
“I suppose it is. But you can’t root out the things that make people unhappy from the top down, it has to come from the bottom um. It begins with yourself by finding your own inner peace and happiness in moderation. Then it should be your desire to spread your happiness like a fire to those close to you, be it your family or community. This will in turn amplify your own joy, and the family or community you influenced will repeat the process with those around them.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Sure its ideal, but I don’t think it’s impossible. I envision a galaxy where people are polite and kind to one another.”
“There will always be those who only look out for themselves.”
“This is true, but if you think about enough, the person who only serves themselves will come to a bad ending. We all know this. Hell, the Jedi have been preaching it for centuries. A kind and caring society can easily recognize that manner of behavior. The selfish person is naturally shunned until they learn to turn themselves around. I honestly think selfishness isn’t a moral instinct, but rather a habit of immaturity. As we grow wiser, we realize that it doesn’t benefit us as much in the means of seeking happiness as altruism.”
“I don’t know… I’ve seen old men still stuck in their own ways, Creon.”
“Age and wisdom are not the same. It is only expected of our elders to be wise because they have had more time to learn. When I say maturity, I mean in a mental and emotional manner. It even effects our spirits. Those who dwell on the virtuous nature of the Force see a longer lifespan, a venerated presence, and powers to perform great miracles. Those who plunge themselves into darkness will only find just that, as well as hunger. They grow pale and sickly, with eyes that have no emotion inside.”
“So just so we are clear, it’s the small joys in life and the connections we make that are key to happiness?”
“That’s how I see it, yes. I’m sure every other person in this universe has their own subjective view on the things that make them happy. But I think what I describe goes beyond the typical “pleasure seeking” that our brains are hardwired to seek, and more of a philosophy that can lead to a wealth of true enlightened merriment, even in the face of adversity.
“Hmm… Well I can see your point, and I’ll take time to reflect on what you said. I appreciate your time in coming to talk with me Creon.”
“The pleasure is all mine Master Sol, I wish you a happy Life Day, and May the Force be with you.”