The Sound Mental Stance

Dialogues

This article defines a sound mental attitude as the proper way of thinking that a rational person must adhere to in today’s turbulent world, in order to live a productive, purposeful, and fulfilling life in both the present and the future. Whether this chosen mindset yields a positive or negative behavioral stance, depending on the various events and circumstances—beyond one’s control or affecting one negatively or positively—a sound mental attitude remains the safest and most correct intellectual choice, at any time and in any place.

Among the principles, assumptions, and sound mental attitudes in this context, we mention the following:

- There are no fixed premises or constants: Nothing in human relationships or life circumstances is taken for granted or permanently fixed. The most prominent characteristic of worldly life, as it currently is, is sudden change. Those who grasp this idea will not rely on another human being to do what they themselves must do to ensure the security of their present and future. A person with a sound mental attitude relies solely on themselves, their capabilities, and their sound thinking at all times.

- The world does not care about your feelings: An individual’s feelings are personal; they do not alter the nature of the universe, nor do they influence or change how others behave toward them, nor can they change surrounding circumstances simply because they are private feelings, unless coupled with voluntary responses that benefit the individual. The world is indifferent to what one feels; more clearly, nothing in this worldly life truly cares about what you feel.

- Taking necessary steps to protect oneself and one’s family: A sound mental attitude in today’s volatile world consists of not delaying in taking the necessary steps and preparations to protect oneself and one’s family. The rational person is one who uses their intellect to think, rather than passively dwelling on thoughts and aspirations with nihilistic laziness.

- “Perhaps and hopefully” for those with weak personalities: The rational person contemplates good at all times, but does not remain stationary without taking action to achieve that good for themselves and for those whose welfare concerns them. Excessive “positive” contemplation in the face of clearly adverse circumstances indicates a pathological weakness in personality.

A Kuwaiti writer