Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3357: Mark Manson explores the paradox many face when engaging with Zen philosophy and meditation: the struggle between detachment from desires and living responsibly. He offers a nuanced explanation of how to approach attachment and the present moment, emphasizing that it's not about removing ambition, but recognizing that clinging to outcomes or self-identity through achievements leads to suffering. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markmanson.net/the-zen-dilemma Quotes to ponder: “It’s not about doing or not doing. It’s all about how much of your sense of Self, your identity is attached to the outcome of what you do or don’t do.” “Being present isn’t ignoring the past or the future. That’s impossible actually, because the act of thinking about a past or a future is actually taking place in the present.” “Have your career goals, thoughts and ideas, your hopes and dreams, but don’t attach the Self to it in such a way that you’ll suffer if you don’t achieve them.” Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices