Remaining Human Matters

The 18th century Scottish philosopher, David Hume, once wrote, "Be a philosopher; but amidst all your philosophy, be still a man."

Which is wise advice. But I think it applies to whatever job we are doing, whatever our role in life is. Although Hume was writing centuries before people began to worry about maintaining a healthy balance between work / whatever our personal obsession is, and our personal lives, this is what this quotation is about.

It is only too easy to become so embroiled and invested in the one part of our lives we are passionate about (whether that is our work, our family, a particular hobby, the book we're reading, our political or religious/spiritual beliefs) that we lose sight of everything else that is going on around us. To the detriment of the people and situations we are ignoring.

Because there is a difference between focus and obsession. The ability to focus on the present task is a good thing, as it enables us to be productive and useful contributors to society. It is not only about getting the present task done. If we are focussed, we will knuckle down and get the job done. And then rest, returning tired but satisfied to the rest of our lives.

But, if we allow ourselves to become obsessed with the present task, our lives become unbalanced, as we focus on that present task, oblivious to whatever else is happening around us. There is a seriously irritating British Airways advert on Channel 4 at the moment, which makes this point clearly. An actress dressed as a high-powered business woman tells the viewer about the benefits of being on holiday, the importance of finding a good work/life balance, but she has her laptop and mobile phone with her...

I have been guilty of obsession on occasions - most often when I'm engrossed in a new book. I will read and read and read, stopping only for meals. And I'm well aware how infuriating this is to my nearest and dearest. 

The danger of being obsessed about something is that our vision becomes skewed, and we are unable to see or understand any point of view which is in conflict with continuing working on whatever it is. Which can be very hurtful for those around us, and can alienate the very people we are trying to influence.

To quote another (very old) advert "A Mars a day helps you work, rest, and play." That is what David Hume is talking about; that is what we should be aiming for. Work, rest, and play are all important parts of our lives and should be in balance with each other.