That sounds like a good life. I'm always split - part of me loves nature and being away from people ; part of me loves cities. As for religion, I think we just do it wrong. Like, the theology may make sense, but the religion surrounding the theology has to appeal to your heart and spirit too. So, I think it needs a rethink.
Discussion
I once toyed around with the idea of creating a new religion. Then out of nowhere a deep and thunderous lightning bolt struck close by at that exact moment of thought. As almost God was saying, don't you fucking dare!
It was beyond eerie. Couldn't explain the exact timing of it all. It was just enough to scare me away from ever thinking it again.
So now I just stick to philosophy. Same meaningful potential for positive change without any potential backlash from above.
Hmm. I guess it's possible.
But maybe it meant you should do it... Maybe your idea had real power in it, so lightning struck... If you did it, maybe you would have Super Saiyan power now...
Honestly at that point in time I was too cold, heartless, and calculating. I was trying ro come up with a means to an end in order to save humanity during one of its darkest times. My ideas had merit and good intentions, but the road to hell is also paved with those too.
Honestly I had to struggle. I had to learn. I had to fall down as hard as I could. I needed to hit absolute my rock bottom. Where my own life ending by my own hands was always a constant temptation.
It was only when I lost my buseinsses that I owned. Kept having to switch onto fallback job positions. That also all failed me too. Until I had nothing left but my knowledge and skills.
I needed to learn humility. I needed to learn compassion again. I needed to rediscover what it is to be grateful for the many miracles we take for granted in our every day life. It was only then and only now that my soul has been tempered and forged in stoic fire. That living a virtuous life is what is most important to thrive.
Sounds like you went through a lot. A dark time... But I'm glad you're coming out of it.
I'm curious how you define virtue. Its a very hard one to nail down. I guess humility is a big part of it.
The traditional 4 cardinal stoic virtues are courage, wisdom, justice, and temperance. I do my best to dwell upon all of them before I take any actions. This helps to ensure that I am always a good man. So that no matter what I can never feel shame for who I am. As I now always do my best to stay virtuous in all I do.
It is a lifelong ambition to become a stoic sage. My goal is to discover more timeless wisdom to add to the list of virtues someday. So I can contribute positively to the evolution of the stoic philosophy.
I like it. I should try to remember those virtues