This Too Shall Pass
Ancient wisdom reminding us of the impermanence of all states, both good and bad.
Also known as: Impermanence of states, All things pass, Transience wisdom
Category: Concepts
Tags: philosophies, wisdom, impermanence, perspectives, resilience
Explanation
This too shall pass is an ancient adage appearing in Persian, Jewish, and other wisdom traditions, reminding us that all states are temporary - both suffering and joy. The wisdom serves dual purposes: during difficulty, it provides comfort (pain will end); during pleasure, it counsels humility (good times won't last forever). The phrase embodies: recognition of impermanence as fundamental reality, perspective that current states are not permanent, and equanimity arising from this understanding. The teaching helps: in suffering (providing hope), in success (preventing arrogance), in attachment (reminding of transience), and in anxiety (contextualizing current concerns). The wisdom differs from: pessimism (it applies equally to good and bad), dismissiveness (current states still matter), and passivity (action is still appropriate). Understanding impermanence actually increases appreciation - knowing something will end makes it more precious. For knowledge workers, this wisdom helps: maintain perspective during setbacks, stay humble during successes, and maintain equanimity across the inevitable fluctuations of work and career.
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