"The world" is where life takes place. At least for the time being.
Part of the secret to being happy is to not become comfortable with being angry or distressed. It's best not to make a hobby, or even a frequent source of reflection, out of grievance.
This is more easily done if one doesn't constantly compare oneself to others, which is something most unfortunately learn to do early, no matter in which political system they find themselves. It is also helpful not to dwell on the past or think too incessantly about the future -- except when actual, concrete planning is involved (as opposed to pointless worrying).
There is good all around us. From day to day, it's not always spectacular but it is there. If we make up our mind to see it, it will seem to become more obvious. Optimism is a good habit. Pessimism is far too common, and often applauded as if it were some sort of wisdom.
In fact, the world has been improving, long term, for a long, long time.
Chess even furnishes us with examples: think of the many great chess players who died young, before 1950 ... of tuberculosis! There are probably many more than most people realize.
How often does that happen today? People are living much longer now, and with much less risk of dying of things that used to cut many lives short.
Imagine how much better Steinitz's life would have been if he could have gone on the internet and monetized a following?
Wanting success is not evil or selfish, in and of itself. Much good results from the ambition of good people. Much unhappiness results from the resentment of success.
That said, happiness doesn't require achieving greatness. Happiness is more like a decision than a goal.
Part of the secret to being happy is to not become comfortable with being angry or distressed. It's best not to make a hobby, or even a frequent source of reflection, out of grievance.
This is more easily done if one doesn't constantly compare oneself to others, which is something most unfortunately learn to do early, no matter in which political system they find themselves. It is also helpful not to dwell on the past or think too incessantly about the future -- except when actual, concrete planning is involved (as opposed to pointless worrying).
There is good all around us. From day to day, it's not always spectacular but it is there. If we make up our mind to see it, it will seem to become more obvious. Optimism is a good habit. Pessimism is far too common, and often applauded as if it were some sort of wisdom.
In fact, the world has been improving, long term, for a long, long time.
Chess even furnishes us with examples: think of the many great chess players who died young, before 1950 ... of tuberculosis! There are probably many more than most people realize.
How often does that happen today? People are living much longer now, and with much less risk of dying of things that used to cut many lives short.
Imagine how much better Steinitz's life would have been if he could have gone on the internet and monetized a following?
Wanting success is not evil or selfish, in and of itself. Much good results from the ambition of good people. Much unhappiness results from the resentment of success.
That said, happiness doesn't require achieving greatness. Happiness is more like a decision than a goal.
