Why an Ordinary Life Can Be a Good Life

The modern age equates a good life with being extraordinary and distinguished. But the truth is likely to be quite different: learning to cherish and appreciate an ordinary life belongs to wisdom and the art of living.
FURTHER READING
“We live in an age with a high regard for extraordinary lives - that is, lives that the vast majority of us will never lead. Our heroes have made outsized fortunes, appeared on gigantic screens and demonstrated unique virtue and talent. Their achievements are both dazzling and continuously, in the background, humiliating…”
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CREDITS
Produced in collaboration with:
Mike Booth
/ somegreybloke #TheSchoolOfLife

[@theschooloflifetv]

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[@FerdinandZebua]

Let us know when your app is available for Android. And keep up the good job, thanks.

[@metamorph5286]

Amazing idea behind this vid!

[@meta-alien]

Wait who was that girl's voice at the end it was so sweet. We need some videos in her voice too. Or do we already? Awesome vid as usual btw!

[@TheReubstar]

Wonderful! Thanks so much for this! I love Vermeer and the Delft School so always s pleasure seeing them. I would add that Vermeer was also showing some of the wealth that was coming into the Netherlands as a result of the global trading networks being established in the 17th century (e.g. by the Dutch East India Company), for example in his painting 'The Girl With Pearl Earring' (1665). So, it is not all about venerating the mundane. Pieter Brueghel the Elder was doing this a century before Vermeer, e.g. in his 'Peasant Dance' (c.1568). But, again, the message is a nice one here and great animation as always.

[@ShubhamBhushanCC]

An ordinary life is an extraordinary achievement. To be content and to find happiness in the everyday chaos we call life, is not a small achievement

[@siripornchartpanich4170]

Very well said.

[@NA-vt6mz]

Shubham Bhushan totally

[@5stelle88]

Thing is, if you give the choice to ordinary people to live extraordinary and luxurious life, even when they seem to have found peace with an ordinary life, what do you think they will do? EVERYONE wants the best and that is a fact that can't be denied. Almost all families nowadays are formed as a replacement for failed lives, and so you damage your sons and daughters.And that's the way of the world

[@xcesar4impx666]

Very well said. I couldn't agree more! 👌👌👌👏👏👏👏

[@sarahwashington00]

Shubham Bhushan omg I LOVE THAT COMMENT

[@cynicalcenobia]

This channel is a lifesaver. A quiet life is not synonymous to a failed life.

[@sajolchoudhury7832]

Indeed

[@angel22893]

What a nice way of putting it x

[@77777aol]

To shopworn angel : And the opposite may be, 'running around like a headless chicken', always too busy; a life based on fear and not in the present.

[@khaledyasser8293]

shopworn angel But a quiet life is synonymous of a failed life if the person is not living up to his potential. You don't need to be rich for a fulfilled life but you do need to keep growing. And who knows maybe eventually you WILL lead an extraordinary life as a result.

[@khaledyasser8293]

Apemanwithcalculator there is inherent failure and that is "failure based on one's own values or failure to find good values". If there is no inherent failure then the obese, middle aged, WOW addict living in his mom's basement (not implying anything btw this is hypothetical) is just as successful as Bill Gates and if that's the case (equality of outcome) then why work at all?

[@capoeirask8]

My mother cleans a ton of rich people homes, she told me “the richer the people, the more anti-depressants I find”

[@gauravpatil7977]

Very true...wealth can give comforts only and never contentment...a saint with nothing is more lively than a businessman with everything

[@almurtadin9604]

Perhaps because they have more money to afford it. If antidepressan are free, perhaps poor people also would like to consume it

[@jhoang861]

it’s true! I used to work in a pharmaceutical store in a very rich neighborhood. there were always a long line waiting for their drugs. Also there were many psychiatry offices in that hood too lol!

[@thabokgwele5268]

@@almurtadin9604 Exactly lol. It's just cause the poor people can't afford them. Broke people love comforting themselves with the idea that money is inherently depressing.

[@barbarasmart9758]

Thankyou. I also cleaned for very well off people. I have memories of some very dissatisfied people.

[@highrevs6110]

Ordinary is great. I’m 88 now and since my seventies I have realised that enough is plenty. Don’t strive for more unless it helps others.

[@ESport211]

you've been blessed with a long and introspective life! What more could one ask for.

[@simplyrise5217]

Well said👌. God bless you

[@ellenclare8099]

This comment made my day! What a lovely way to look at life!

[@dangerousman4071]

Top comment...

[@DragonFellowship]

@Goodfight Broman stupid question

[@arashbozorgi4178]

Persian proverb: " The bigger your yard, the more snow for you to plough, so be happy and live a simple life."

[@antithesespistopheles8112]

Russian proverb: "It's better to be healthy and rich than sick and poor."

[@Danuxsy]

*robot plower goes by*

[@therevolution91]

It is better to live only once & to take it all than to live twice, be rich & don‘t have time because you are overloaded with stuff & drown.

[@aaron___6014]

I didn't know there was enough snow in the Persian empire to make this relevant.

[@aaron___6014]

@@antithesespistopheles8112 it's better to be healthy and poor than sick and rich, that's the saying.

[@thinbeast01]

Its no bad thing to celebrate a simple life. -Bilbo Baggins

[@ArchangelTyrael]

*J.R.R Tolkien. Tolkien wrote it and thought of it. Bilbo said it in the book, but Bilbo doesn’t exist. So you should quote the author. Or like this: J.R.R Tolkien, as said by Bilbo Baggings. The Lord of the Rings.

[@olgakim4848]

Whoever said it was?

[@varuno7560]

Less desire = Less conflicts.= Less struggle = Less Frustration = Less violence = More love = More care= More peace & so on, so on.....

[@vivekkaushik9508]

Ah! You reminded the good old days of Hobbits.

[@vivekkaushik9508]

@@varuno7560 true.

[@charmedprince]

All my life i've been chasing gold and fame until i one day realized all i really need is a small hut near a creek and flower garden and vegetable patch on the side. Fresh air, some tree shade, and etrrnal sunshine. And alas i'm halfway there

[@fridachemutai5237]

Henry von Ballinger how far along are you now? you're very handsome I must say. I want the same kind of life

[@tanyarawat9700]

Did you achieve what you wanted?

[@imFadingAurora]

This sounds very epicurean

[@CheeseBae]

Godspeed.

[@jimmyboredom3519]

My life has been fulfilling since the day I realized less is more. The stress of the rat race is gone. All I need is my wife, kids and a small corner property I call home.

[@theaxisofinsight]

The surest way to lead a miserable life is to constantly read about or watch very successful people. It makes you feel like your life is a waste.

[@shizzle1903]

The Axis of Insight yup, social media does a fantastic job at that.

[@shizzle1903]

Ligeia D.Aurevilly I agree. I don’t have social media. Not because I think it’s entirely bad for others. I just don’t have a purpose for it on my life.

[@shizzle1903]

Ligeia D.Aurevilly You are more balanced then most. I use the KZbin mainly for educational purposes. To learn about things. I do also find humor and smart comments. When I’m thinking about social media I’m thinking more along the lines of the narcissism and depression for the ones that live and die by their Facebook , Instagram followers, feedback etc. the impact on their self esteem. Little kids kill themselves because a few kids in class made a comment on their page. This is what I meant. Not everyone understands the social media beast.

[@mikhailbjornsson1874]

This is so true. Social media like IG and fb makes me feel pathetic and worthless. It triggers depression and insecurity

[@ohcrikey9560]

Axis of insight. You never really know if someone is successful. You don't know whats in thier head. How they feel. You could have a great job, loads of money, big house blah blah, but if you're not happy, wheres the success?

[@kibi7904]

My worst fear is mediocrity, so this was actually really comforting

[@TheTemp]

Me too my friend.

[@mikhailbjornsson1874]

We have a term for that " ambisyosang palaka"😅

[@misst.e.a.187]

@@mikhailbjornsson1874 Translation, please

[@ohcrikey9560]

Joanne kim. I had an assessor watching me drive my train. He told me that my driving was mediocre. Not good but not bad. I thought....ok. i'm happy with that. If everyone was higher than average, then we'd all be...well.....average.

[@sophiasofa7292]

Same

[@mop4216]

We’re almost made to feel guilty for enjoying and appreciating the simple things in life these days. That we are somewhat of a failure if we just feel gratitude for what we have, love the life we have, and the people we share it with. This was truly lovely. ☺️♥️

[@vince6056]

S G73 I agree. I feel like I am looked down on because I don't care much for money and just would like to live a normal life.

[@benschebella673]

sometimes i catch myself feeling guilty for loving where I am right now while trying to move forward

[@Jazzmeena96]

That's consumerism and capitalism for you. The systme wouldn't work and keep making the people at the top richer if we were all happy with what we had :-)

[@starx8775]

Yeah, I can’t relate to the guilt-trippers because after suffering from severe illness for most of my life, I have the gift to appreciate simple things and successes that they have lost in childhood.

[@varuno7560]

You are a great philosopher. Each and every word you mentioned means a lot. You are beautiful from deep inside your heart. "[e-mail]"

[@ncb1890]

This is so important - it should be taught to kids in school. When the dream becomes the expectation, it's a recipe for depression and low self-worth.

[@TheTemp]

I agree with you!

[@austinpage9463]

Beautifully said

[@PigWizard]

You use that to fuel your dream. A good life isn’t an excuse to not chase your dreams. Most of your dreams probably got “more realistic” and easier over the years because you probably never did anything about the ones you TRULY wanted to chase when you were younger Don’t lose your imagination because a video made you feel comfortable

[@dangerousman4071]

There's always one bugger who doesn't get the point...I'm talking about the comment above.

[@aryazeref]

@@PigWizard I'm with ya

[@ScoutsHonor.]

As someone who grew up in poverty in America it’s hard to realize this when you have hunger pains. It’s all smoke and mirrors. You have far bigger things to worry about than your mental health and a correct perspective on life. It’s constant survival. It wasn’t until I became an adult and started making money is when I even had the ability to see life clear enough to realize being rich was pointless and whoever made that the sensation to chase was honestly evil.

[@jonathan-3008]

As long my basic needs are met and I can live comfortably, I am content and don't see the point in striving for any more. I'm OK with a simple life

[@alanmarino404]

I was born to a middle class family. My mom was single, but she struggled everyday so my sister and I had food and education. Watching this video makes me appreciate even more her tough and sacrified labour.

[@TheTemp]

I can relate to you my friend. I fight so much now to make them happy and that makes me happy.

[@debbiemoore2747]

The irony is that I finally get, no matter how much money you have, what car you drive none of it matters we all die and the cosmic irony is even if you leave a legacy even that doesn't matter because the universe like ourselves is dying. So just do you and leave it all on the field. Fear nothing, feel no envy for anybody as we all end up with a tag on our toe so that makes us all yes unique but the same.

[@dangerousman4071]

What if I don't know me? What if all my likes and dislikes are not my own cause it's obviously derived from what I've experienced as a child or what my surroundings expected of me when I was young or what my environment considered an achievement. Do you ever really know the real you? But yes, you're right... we're all the same yet individually unique.

[@Luxedrina]

"Do you and leave it all on the field ". I liked that, thank you.

[@dewi9611]

I need more videos like this; the art or ordinary, the minimalist life, the humble lifestyle.

[@Mrbis011]

Aamiinn mbak..

[@LABROS81]

@@Mrbis011 no you don't

[@Mrbis011]

@@LABROS81 apasih mas

[@varuno7560]

The environment friendly, the earth friendly life.

[@FS-rj4xo]

The comment above me may be correct, the environmentalists tend to live minimalist off grid lives

[@ohcrikey9560]

When I look back over the years with my partner, I find that my most precious memories are those of us doing simple things. Walking the dog. Sitting on a bench in the park on a lovely summer day having a picnic. Talking in the bath. Those memories are more precious to me than the 'big stuff' like the fabulous holidays we've been on. Having extraordinary experiences and seeing the world and having great things are all well and good but it really is the simple things in life that matter.

[@richtea615]

The secret to life is being thankful and content with what your life already is, not worrying about what it's not.

[@film-ing]

Beautiful message! To live a good "ordinary" life is an extraordinary achievement. Few of us ever get to do it, though we all aspire to it. Very few people will ever be remembered in history and it's only one's ego that makes one want to be one of them. Every selfless act, whether on the world stage or in one's "ordinary" life is worth celebrating.

[@arunpandian7808]

Well said!

[@CasianaCarmazan]

Great video! I think millennials see that life can be good without luxury and a lot of possessions. I see it in the tiny house movement, in van life, minimalism and low impact living videos. Go on a hike/walk instead of the mall! You really don’t need all the junk!

[@sharonh2991]

I’m glad there’s a focus on the modest lifestyle, however I also see many millennials who aspire to a Kardashian lifestyle, lot’s of great living but not much producing. I hope that chasing that lifestyle doesn’t turn out to be an albatross for the millennial generation. Endless debt. I worry constantly about millennial’s futures because I have a millennial child and a Gen Z’er.

[@DianaCarolinaGirl22]

After student loans that's what most millennials have to do now, which might be a good thing.

[@tiinamaijaart]

Ordinary life can be very lovely. It's just about perception and what you've learned to appreciate in life. :)

[@TheTemp]

Agreed! :)

[@alexcortez3007]

I have to constantly remind myself that being 'okay' is not bad. Be glad that you're okay. Some people aren't.

[@mogznwaz]

To be alive, fed and not persecuted is the ultimate achievement. I am happy with my ordinary life.

[@mattakubodimasen10]

I rewatch these videos whenever I feel worn with negative words of me having chosen art to be my career and passion. I know I am right in having followed my heart and refusing to chase after what society tells me to. But people do sometimes wear me down and this is a wonderful reminder that I am happy to be good enough for myself.

[@FS-rj4xo]

Isn’t it exhausting? When we have everything we need to be extremely happy and content, but the thoughts at the back of our minds tell us otherwise, that these things are simply not enough to cultivate a life worth living. If there is no materialism or adherence to pop culture, your life is simply meaningless in today’s society.

[@mosiah.torres]

Wish I could hug every single person on The School of Life team. Thank you for your continuous work to help all of us be a better version of ourselves. Working with you would be a dream.

[@theschooloflifetv]

Thank you so much!

[@virvisquevir3320]

Mosíah Torres - Send an application and resumé to the School of Life.

[@virvisquevir3320]

The School of Life - Where can Mosiah Torres send an application and resumé to solicit at the School of Life?

[@SciencewithKatie]

I've heard that people who, say win the lotto or something like that, they have an increase in happiness initially, but it only takes a little while before their "standard baseline of happiness" returned to how it was before their lives changed. Goes to show that all lives are ordinary lives, you get accustomed really quick to your circumstances.

[@sebastianelytron8450]

Not exactly true. They're not _as_ happy as they were when they found out they won, mainly because it's not physically possible to sustain that level of happiness for more than a day or two lol. But after that their level of contentment and satisfaction is obviously higher than it was before the lotto win.....

[@SciencewithKatie]

Nah, it's called hedonic adaption. Whether a good or bad thing happens in your life, you will return to your natural state of happiness. Imagine how hard something like losing a loved one would be if we weren't able to do that.

[@sebastianelytron8450]

LMAO give me a break! I'm all for being scientific and using technical terms, but you're seriously going to tell me a homeless person wins the jackpot and moves to a mansion and they're still at the same level of happiness?? Get real Katie......

[@hrithikmishra3562]

Sebastian Elytron Well i think she is right. There is a old folklore in my culture which tells how a maid when suddenly turned into king's queen she began to be depressed eventually cause she was missing things she did back when she was a mere maid like having little portions of food from many peoples daily, gossiping about nobles to other maids, etc etc. We all have our very own standards. And speaking about that yes one tends to come back to his own standard rather then sticking to social hierarchy system. But i think you are mistaking a life filled with pain and suffering with a life that is fulfilling in its own ways. To truly understand that one has to be acquainted to every standard of life.

[@t.r.1457]

Science with Katie - E.g. many parents are never the same after losing a child. They don't get back their previous level of contentment and happiness. As well as someone who wins money gets to experience more positive emotions already because his life isn't such struggle anymore.

[@Ravensroost81]

people only find out this truth when they get to be over 50, after that all you crave is a simple life, no complications and drama!

[@beebrown4054]

Right on !!

[@33Jenesis]

I second that. All my life prior to 50 I was chasing being special and extraordinary, bucking against norm and conventionality. It was a constant inner struggle harboring a low grade hatred for my daily existence. Since turning 50 several years ago I slowly slowed down and began to appreciate being alive and my small contribution to my workplace. My life will never be significant or have a legacy (single, childless, no close relative in next generation). I know when I am gone, only my close friends will remember me until they are gone. It is up to me to savor what’s left in my time and mind. I do believe that most people will come to such conclusion before stepping into old age.

[@sheilablake4858]

I'm very satisfied in my ordinary life. I have a wonderful husband, 3 healthy children and all that that particular life entails. Of course we all dream of the 'wouldn't it be lovely' but what is lovely is before their bedtime when we all snuggle up together and talk about our days and our tomorrows with hugs and kisses and laughs about what happened today. They are most most extraordinary times. When we are content and feel loved by each other.

[@Galy]

Sheila Blake That's because your children are important. Material objects are not. Glad you have this view of life.

[@robraver]

thats true success, to have a family. I never achieved this, and most likely never will at my age. It must be one of the best things ever.

[@serinadelmar6012]

You are clearly blessed I love that you know it. 💓

[@glengraham7080]

Yes. To love and be loved is truly a wonderful thing.

[@dangerousman4071]

Please don't ever feel the FOMO.

[@thailandsoul1196]

The more ordinary i try to be the more extraordinary i become.

[@ESport211]

There we go!!!

[@3Dbeard]

I live in a refugee camp atm, fled from a country that could kill me because of my private opinions on different subjects. I was thinking like "So what now? what am I going to do with my life? after all those dangerous adventures now living in a peaceful and safe country seems boring" but then again there is this Video and it's message. thanks School of life...

[@TheTemp]

I hope you're happy where you are now my friend.

[@3Dbeard]

The Temp Knowledge thanks, I'm trying. I've started to teach dancing in the camp to refugees. It's seems okay at least for now. But depression hits every now and then..

[@dianaochoa4263]

You’ve become accostumbed to your old life but there’s something better than living in persecution

[@matheusfrota95]

One of the greatest joys of my life was arrive home from school with my father. It was an antidote to all the stupid and destroying atmosphere from school. Ive realized I wanted a simple life since a very early age. Recently, after my father has died, I realized that nothing will never get even close to the feeling of being around him. Im glad I enjoyed his time around here. But I respect a lot people who want to have a life full of luxuries, as long as they dont act like jerks.

[@WhatsForDinCourtneyBudzyn]

I just found this channel and I’m binge watching every video. Basically every video describes why I am the way I am. I had a very flawed childhood with a very narcissistic and critical father. To this day I am struggling to work on that inner voice that was created within me to be the best at everything otherwise I’m garbage. I appreciate this video because I just want to be happy, and I want to know that it’s okay to be happy with my 1,005 sq foot home that we rent.

[@rodrigo53]

Man! You have nooooo idea of how much I needed this RIGHT this moment! I would have never thought that a youtube video would prevent me from making the biggest mistake of my life. Thank you SO MUCH

[@MyLuka111]

Hey! How are you doing? I don’t know you but I hope you are happy.

[@brendandevoy8178]

Love hearing that . Hope u are well

[@barneyy6942]

What mistake?

[@davewolf8869]

I survived two drug overdoses, a gun held to my head by a gang member two times, one attempted murder, and being bitten by a 240 lb wolf... Several accidents that should have killed me... And an injection that did (I died but came back, met God, got to experience a plane of being where there is no time)... Rode and stunted motorcycles, lived an action packed and exciting life... Now all I want to do is go home to my two dogs, watch Netflix, and my idea of excitement is getting a good night's sleep. Finding immense and pure joy in the simple things, like a cup of coffee, a vehicle that starts and drives, the beauty of nature, the companionship and love that dogs offer selflessly to us, the joy of a cheap but tasty meal... This is what life is about and life is beautiful... The most impactful things will always be free or cheap. I know a pop star personally and I know very wealthy people... I see the stress and their hearts and souls consumed with affairs that will perish with them... You couldn't "pay" me enough money to be them... On the other hand some days I struggle to afford food.... I have to rely on God to provide the work I need to pay my bills, and it is the best place to be! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

[@Starfish6]

Hollywood boo

[@uthredraganrson5467]

Yeah right

[@darkfeather6857]

If true, you've lived an interesting life! I'd love to know more about the meeting God part and no time. :)

[@mandy4135]

Gigi Mecer if you say so buddy...

[@rashmicp4356]

❤️

[@Gymcana]

Funny to see an ordinary scene in a golden, luxurious frame. And how ironic is it that Vermeer paintings ending up auctioned $$$ to rich private collectors.

[@izzyduzit5562]

I really needed this man, thanks!

[@Qwerty_789]

imma keep it at 69

[@mattmead2623]

People need a quest or a mission. That's when you can be truly happy. Something worthwhile and bigger than yourself to strive for. The difficulty is usually finding that mission in a world where most of our needs are easily met

[@MXF5700]

What gives "your" life meaning is subjective, so there isn't/shouldn't be a problem w/ a "mundane" lifestyle as long as you're happy. My philosophy is "experience is to conscience, as raw meat is to lions". So I make a point to travel the world when I can (never first class) and experience as much as I can as that is what makes me happiest. To someone else, that could sound terrible and/or stressful, but as long as "we" know that we have many meaningful options in life, we can be sure that we made the right choice w/o feeling like we're missing something.

[@n.d8001]

My parents were two broken individuals deeply flawed and dysfunctional. Yet. They stayed together holding hands till the hands. Brought up two kids the best they knew. Hold on to jobs they dislike. And taught me and my brother how to be kind and help others. Ordinary people . Extraordinary lives

[@thabokgwele5268]

Raising 2 kids and working a job you hate/dislike is an extraordinary life? Lol okay.

[@n.d8001]

@@thabokgwele5268 it was because us 2 kids are successful people with good happy family life and prosperity. Grand children highly smart and educated. This is the the sacrifice of one generation to ensure the prosperity and transmission of values of the next generation.

[@thabokgwele5268]

@@n.d8001 I understand that it was a notable and noble sacrifice, but the same can be said for literally millions of other parents. It does not make an extraordinary life.

[@n.d8001]

@@thabokgwele5268 Some people will see resilience as extraordinary othets will see it as ordinary. Some people will see kindness and compassion as extraordinary others will see it as ordinary . Some people will see sacrifice as extraordinary others will see it as ordinary. Some people will see materialistic greediness as insanity others will see it as normal and valuable. It all depends on how we look at life i suppose. We are not judgmental . Some will see value and miracle where others will see nothingness.

[@thabokgwele5268]

@@n.d8001 Fair enough.

[@hamzasaleem3897]

I love how Alain de Button keeps talking about clebrities and intellectuals with admiration and distance, thought he himself is one of the most glamorous among them. Humbleness is truely a virtue..

[@aifan6148]

Agree👍 A large part of life is sheer maintenance.

[@Grachtnakk]

I want my life to be simplistic and calm and free of unnecessary traffic and stress, however I can't stick to an ordinary life in terms of ''Just living your life''. I want to be artistically active as well, giving something back to people, trying to accomplish that nowadays though seems out of reach often.

[@nerdpanda329]

Grachtnakk volunteer work?

[@Grachtnakk]

if it's meaningful to me, which most of it sadly isn't. I can see the use of it, but I don't feel like my potential is being fully exploited that way (not trying to sound arrogant)

[@georgiana1754]

Grachtnakk I can relate to you very well. I am currently a hacktivist and I realize activism, intelligent conversations and sharing art are a big part of my fulfillment but they also tie me to big cities. It's weird because I get the energy and inspiration for all these in nature but I have to come back to urban craziness in order to share them. I find most urban pleasures to lack substance and I don't have a big enough ego to enjoy them but on the other hand I don't want to move to a quiet serene place where nobody understands me. I'm still puzzling over this one but I think it has always been hard and the only solution I have so far is doing this back and forth between nature and complex people.

[@Grachtnakk]

Yes, you hit the nail on the head there. I'm on the edge of getting into the world of jobs and I'm so anxious to actually start something, just thinking about being accepted somewhere where I don't know anyone to help me do things right... On the other hand I'm wasting away at home because my friends have moved away themselves and my parents just put more pressure on me. Things I'm interested in keep disappointing me because I lack the surroundings etc. to put them into being, so I basically I just sit around with all those ideas surrounding me. The only thing I can do for now is to keep them fresh in my mind... Or is it?

[@georgiana1754]

If you get a job you can put some money aside and go to better surroundings later. You can also learn some important skills in the process like how to cooperate with people, how to stand your ground in a negotiation, when to compromise, etc. Unless it's soul-killing, I think a job is more constructive for you as a person than inaction. I've had my first job at 14 in a supermarket and I think all those boring teenage jobs taught me a lot about people and what I want from work and helped me advance faster in my adult professional life.

[@pepyn_]

Thanks for making this video and I totally agree! Often, when I tell people I'm genuinely happy with where I am and what I have, especially people my age, they look at me with disbelief. For them, happiness seems to be defined by materialistic items and travelling 24/7. They cannot appreciate the small things in life anymore, which I think is very unhealthy. Social media is partly to blame for that. Glorifying the ''always on the road'' type of lifestyle, quitting the 9-5 and earning a lot of money. Which, itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, they make it look like that's the only way one is supposed to live in order to lead a happy and fulfilling life. That is simply not true.

[@sarayusarayu832]

This is one of the most beautiful videos I have ever seen in my life. I was moved to tears. Thank you!

[@pushingdaisies_]

Such a refreshing video! Makes me appreciate the small things in life :)

[@djstarsign]

Without going into too much detail, I had a taste of being part of an inner circle. It was a tiny fraction of what it must be like when you’re a full blown millionaire with zero privacy. It felt weird. I was surrounded by “the right kind of people” was doing the “cool things” and I still felt sort of empty. In my own case, I had to confront a lot of personal demons and take responsibility. That was the first step in moving a direction I actually wanted. I started doing things with more purpose and suddenly, I was meeting people with the kind of values I felt I’d always been missing. It was then that I realized that old cliche of “quality > quantity” actually had meaning. We could do the simplest things and I felt full. It was about experiencing something meaningful instead of doing something grandiose. I’ve been living that way for over 15 years now and am so much more at peace. I can’t remember who said this but the gist of it was “if you’re born in the United States, are healthy, and have a decent family, you’re in the top percentage of the world. So many people would love to trade lives with you, BUT, Americans are the best at creating so many imaginary obstacles that they will convince themselves of how miserable and failing their lives are.” It gave me a lot of perspective and made me appreciate all the small things I often took for granted. As Warren Zezinho famously said (after being interviewed how he felt once learning he had terminal cancer) “enjoy every sandwich”. It’s a bit of an oversimplification but it also makes you realize how limited our time is so try not to get too much in your own way.

[@carolking6355]

I just loved this posting. early Dutch art has always been my favourite. It makes one feel so calm, peaceful and serene. A moment caught in time.

[@riolawrance7080]

This is so good. It makes me think again about life and concern about being a good, valuable person rather than success only. World needs this kind of things. Thank you so much!

[@hayleys1260]

My issue with my ordinary life is not that I don't have outrageously expensive things, it's more that I have never, and probably will never, accomplish anything great or meaningful, and that second, that it's a very monotonous life, because being tied to a full time job and house etc., means doing so many of the same things, in the same order, day in, day out, for my entire working life. My issue is not with lack of money, but my own lack of personal traits like intelligence, talent, etc.

[@adriandatura]

Just by thinking that, you have already made your first step out of the realm of the "ordinary". In reality, many people who live seemingly ordinary lives *and* are happy with it is because they balance out the mundane by adding their own unique zest and adventure. You can be an accountant, but you might drown yourself in textbooks in your past time to gain the intelligence that isn't required for a "mere accountant".

[@mianlehaclan]

This is literally me.

[@BonBonHassan]

I'm terrified of a monotonous life as well, I find myself to be someone with multiple potentials because I'm interested in so many things and I refuse to have one career my whole life. 17 now, and I've decided to go into the military instead of heading straight to college since I already have my AA. The military will give me more of a challenge, physically and mentally, while I'm also taking few online classes to get my bachelor's. But I love spontaneity, and taking risks, my life will be extraordinarily ordinarily for "a commoner"

[@resonanceofambition]

huncho Having a family and children these days isn't meaninful. It's detrimental to the rest of the planet. There are enough people as it is already, most of them will never find a true purpose because daddy and mommy couldn't think for one minute ahead before fucking each other. That is the problem with humans. You just do shit because everyone else does it and that makes most of us no better than the average animal. Most if us these days fill positions of mediocracy, merely being a taxing weight for the system and planet. Don't be an idiot, stop having kids for no apparent reason.

[@resonanceofambition]

You are using the appeal to common practice as an excuse for a *factual* ignorant choice. Considering you have already set up a conceptual barrier between yourself and the "average" welfare mom I'm just going to stop arguing with you. You may not be in welfare but you sure as hell aren't as smart as the "average" high-intellect person you're insinuating to be. Do everyone a favor and adopt a child if you want one so badly- though I would still advise against it considering you just pulled those ill-minded words out of your ass.

[@alexanderaquino4289]

People were polarizing things into the black in a white argument. You can always live a simple happy life by being rich and famous too.. Just live the way you want and live by pursuing what you want.. PERIOD

[@thabokgwele5268]

Exactly.

[@MedievalFantasyTV]

This! I also believe you can be rich AND live a simple, good life.

[@pratigyaberwal3245]

I've always wanted to lead a simpler life. Don't want to work too much to earn too much, I'd rather spend my time doing something that brings me joy. Not buying in the hustle culture that's so appreciated by so many these days, I haven't felt comfortable saying 'I don't aim for the biggest stars in the sky' out loud to people. It always feels like there's gonna be judgement if I do. To know that so many others feel this way and are content with their small but beautiful life, I feel so seen myself. What an incredible video! Thank you for putting this out in the world. I truly needed this and will keep coming back here to reassure myself.

[@mystaminacantakethis]

Thank you for this. The feeling of inadequacy has been eating away at me, feeling horrible about being so incredibly ordinary and lacking the success and beauty and happiness that seems to be the new norm nowadays.

[@chandrakantmahapatra1317]

Thank you so much for this! I've always felt like a loser for not being famous, having great wealth or talent. This video gave me a deep and much needed sense of comfort and peace. It's OKAY to not be phenomenally gifted, successful or rich. Thanks a lot for this :D

[@janerinitaj9968]

Wow just wow. Just needed this. The mundane routines always scared me. But still it's something inescapable in life. Thank you for making the ordinary seem extraordinary. Special points for the ""extreme difficulty in maintaining a long term relationship with a partner"" line. The compromises people make are immense and intricate yet it seems like such a common thing in life.

[@lindateuling7862]

Good message - and I loved the Vermeer works. I am of Dutch descent and my relatives on both sides of my father's family where artists. Vermeer was a very respected artist with us.

[@MrUzzynator]

Best upload yet, love this! I sometimes feel I am the only one who doesn't follow materialism, but humble people and videos like these remind me I'm not alone in that sense :)

[@noelj62]

This video is a work of art in of itself. A huge thanks goes to The School of Life for bring our attention to such incredible details of such lovely artworks by Vermeer and others.

[@corie609]

This is the best channel I've found on youtube. Thank you! :)

[@anewman]

Probably one of this channels more comforting videos. If only I could have his comforting monologue play in my head anytime I begin to feel depressed about my boring life

[@RedNovaMedia]

A quiet calm life is a true success in this modern world. Thank you !!

[@thisisbob1001]

Don't worry . I'm struggling just to afford an ordinary life 😐

[@Tachtzehn]

Right? I'm selling my guitar so I can eat next month, meanwhile some people who make 10-100-1000x the money they need are laughing sadistically.

[@sohailalexander4681]

@@Tachtzehn do something about it. Stop whining

[@makeamericathinkagain7714]

​@@sohailalexander4681 "I harass commenters who posted over a year ago for no good reason because my wiener is small!" There are limits to what one person can do, and sometimes people just need to vent. They have the right to post a comment, so stop whining about it.

[@sohailalexander4681]

@@makeamericathinkagain7714 you’re the last person I’d ask advice from if I was broke. People like you despise rich people because you can’t be bothered to get up off your ass and do something about it. So you stop whining

[@makeamericathinkagain7714]

@@sohailalexander4681 I never said I despised the rich, (in fact, I didn't say anything about myself at all) that's just you making tired assumptions. Also nobody with any sense would hate the rich if they believed they all made their wealth through honest means, and put their money to good use, instead of wasting it on stuff like a $20k ice cream freezer (Nancy Pelosi) in some pathetic attempt to impress people who will never care about them. Ya still got small pp energy for necro'ing posts just to torment people

[@AHarper94]

I hope everyone of you ordinary folk here reading this has a good life!

[@OnerousEthic]

What a beautiful, appropriate, and inspiring video! Thank you, Vermeer, and the Dutch!!

[@Dionysus667]

I've never been into paintings, but for whatever reason I'm suddenly actually awestruck by some of these! The details and especially the lighting is insane!

[@felistigris3227]

This is very true, but I personally believe that many of the world's population are living at standards that are too low, and there is the problem of the middle class where they are fairly educated and exposed to the world so their expectations are considerably higher than their standard of living, I feel sorry for them and I don't blame them when they get depressed or give up. The human psych is not that strong. maybe my comment is pointless but I would like to shed light on why many people are so unhappy.

[@adriandatura]

I don't believe sharing a statement that is true to be pointless :) I think my father would be a great example for this. I don't know who he was in his youth, but from what I have learned, he seemed to be reaching for the stardom as a musician. Fast forward a few decades later, he's been a businessman working the same job for over 40 years. He makes healthy amount of money, but he is the most closeted depressed and anxious person I have ever met. He could of very well quit the job he detests to pursue something more fufilling, but he already feels that he has failed in comparison to everyone he has met his life who appears much better off than him.

[@felistigris3227]

Adrian Spade this is interesting indeed. I noticed that some people are more attached to dreams and hopes than others. And that's not a bad thing. And usually those 2 groups of people sometimes don't understand each other. To some, life should be easy and comfortable and that's all. To others, it is about dreams and fulfilling personal goals.

[@naturallaw1733]

I believe Life should be easy but we over complicate things with the type of goals/dreams we develop from our Cultures. these are just needless things that distract us from focusing on living a basic, easy Life.

[@naturallaw1733]

+Sergles I'm talking about Humility which apparently you lack. I'm not distracted, I'm just not anxious/scared that I will fail like some people are.😉

[@pandamanda123]

very fair point, i relate so much with this. im kinda a true middle who feels the pain arising from the fact that so many are living way below the standard, but i ended up doing nothing as i was hesitant with my approach. it rendered me helpless and guilt-ridden for a few years. not to mention the expectations i put on myself considering the “tools” and the “head start” i had been blessed with. but recently i came to realize that doing nothing and feeling guilty about doing nothing and experiencing disappointment is a vicious cycle, so i try to start with myself. i think it’s not a zero-sum game, i remain very hopeful that good, beautiful, ordinary things can always be done, despite and sometimes out of the unimaginable pain and suffering in this world.

[@allenkvextreme]

*truth* *some people make it seem like if you ain't making 7 or 8 figures then you ain't living* *i make a lower middle class salary and own far less of what people say will make others happy* *guess what, i'm 100% happy every single day and appreciate everything and mostly always present to the moment* *materialist top achievement does not equal happiness*

[@alexandraalvarez6369]

I absolutely loved this video! You should make more like this. Ordinary can be extraordinary. 👍❤️

[@adrianodle9261]

I was trying to put a phrase as to how I live, comfortable, not ensued in excessive accomplishment, yet doing my best at all times. Thank you so much for helping me appreciate my "Ordinary life".

[@blasangna3797]

Well,any life can be a good life if you let it be.

[@pyrushero]

Cyanide Redeemer Well, here's my take on the matter. Even in those cases, life can be 'good' depending on the perspective of the person. It also depends on the definition of a 'good' life. If you define a good life as a life more comfortable than the life of the average person, then all those situations you described would be terrible. If you define a good life as a life you find enriching or satisfying irrelevant of others(imo a better definition), then the answer changes. For example, even if someone's child gets cancer, one could take a perspective of gratitude and joy that life gave them the chance to spend wonderful moments with their child till then. Similarly, even if someone's living on the streets, they could still enjoy the excitement of the feeling of being alive, and appreciating the world's beautiful complexities. That is, for people with these perspectives, living and getting to experience these things itself makes life worth it and good, as compared to say, never having been born and never getting to enjoy these feelings. It really all depends on the perspective of the individual in question. Most people wouldn't have such perspectives though, because genetically we're designed to feel immense grief in such situations. But if a person developed these perspectives anyway despite the natural genetic tendencies (and there are people who have done this), then they would be examples of the concept that 'any life can be a good life, if you let it be'.

[@blasangna3797]

I meant to say the exact same thing but in a simpler way. By saying "let it be" I meant, " to accept things as they come".

[@blasangna3797]

Cyanide Redeemer taking what you get and convincing yourself that it's good is what we call an ordinary life. If you convince yourself that an ordinary life is good enough ,how far do you think you would go in life ? I'm not saying ordinary life is bad. I'm just saying a life full of hustle or a mundane life can both be good depending on what you want with your life.

[@shoqvaive1842]

Well said.

[@Kouyou160]

A philosopher for the ages

[@jonaski08]

I love your videos sir. From the Philippines here😊

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

Not in the office anymore. Every day I appreciate the blue sky and green trees. And how many fish I can catch from my little kayak on a small lake

[@lifechallengs2315]

Sir, YOU ARE SAVING MY LIFE with your videos !! please never stop! I cant thank you enough🙏🙏🙏🙏 wish you health and happiness 🙏

[@ti2218]

I already agreed with the idea behind this video, I just wanted to see if this adds to my belief. Fame = Really bad Quiet, peaceful life: Good The less friends you have the better because you won't stress about spending time with all of them. And you'll be able bond way more and be a lot closer with the few friends you have.

[@johndonaldson3619]

This is the antidote to the 'You can have it all' celebrity self-help guru's

[@dbsk06]

John Donaldson this

[@ernestomendez9327]

wow, thanks for sharing your perspective of art and the simply life. Beautiful.

[@shinigamidaikoSS]

A video filled with inspiring and soothing messages, thank you!

[@dontan22]

Trust me, a simple normal life is priceless, from someone who craves for it...

[@goldensprite3373]

Success and happiness are two very different things. Success is not a bad thing if you do not expect or use it to find happiness. Happiness does not come out of success but success comes out of happiness.

[@jivaji2028]

Omg i love your content so much, i watch it over and over again...it gives me so much mental stability in these times we share

[@ayanoyamada4475]

When you are craving for a higher standard of living, you perceive the image as a very fascinating thing. However, once you have achieved the thing you were longing for, you realize that there are much more things you want to obtain. It's an endless pursuit if you try to be happy by getting things that you want. I look back at the days when I was young, every moments were beautiful, even I only had 3 dollars allowance to spend per month I was happy with that. The pencil I bought for 7 dollars were the most expensive thing and I was so happy when I bought it, but now I can't experience the same level of happiness even when I used 10 times more money, which is a sad thing.

[@JaneGo]

As long as you're good to people, can make a living with your skills, and maybe raise a family, I think you've had a great life.

[@erroleabrown4317]

Im so happy to read all the beautifully real thoughts of so many people. All of you do want a real life, a simple calm peaceful life of love and gathering of real people. l pray one day we all get to move on from the attention seekers and forget them. We need days of plenty, Laughter in kindness, Friendship in bloom, Tending our gardens and walking the highways of only our lives. May we be blessed with such love very soon.

[@brendadrew834]

Well, this certainly hit the nail on the head...BINGO!! Thanks, I needed this!

[@oskarcotte2358]

That is definitely what the Americans should change about their way of life/culture....

[@RatishNAIR100]

Imperfection is beauty & madness is genius. I rather be absolutely ridiculous than be absolutely boring

[@strawberryfusioniser]

Thank you! I see so many important things that were right in front of me and I choose to ignore them.

[@GetPsyched]

A really wonderful video! I love the philosophy of finding beauty in the ordinary and think that if the world had more of this, it would be a much better place.

[@xyon9090]

*"A pirate's life for me"*

[@peetsnort]

You can't measure the joy I get in my tiny English shed. I have built a wood fired pizza oven and a ship bunk bed and it's so peaceful

[@cinderelly00]

sounds lovely

[@vibeflow123]

beautifully told as many times! Thank you!

[@095Mary]

This is such a great message to the modern day society. Thank you, guys!

[@carolnabil7727]

very very great and peaceful 💗💗💗💗💗

[@smc1942]

"It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life." --Bilbo Baggins LOTR:FOTR.

[@katt.7634]

I love this. Very comforting.

[@sebas11tian]

Thank you for these videos. As always very timely. I do not even flinch to whatch them on my data plan

[@leonoradompor8706]

Yes my life is very ordinary and very heavenly !

[@hughmungus4118]

All of the comments are very insightful, i appreciate you all

[@jablesrolland08]

Enjoyed this episode very much. Thank you guys

[@3333XD]

As Einstein's theory/thoughts on happiness famously and aptly states "A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness" are very true if you think on it. Plus these words are worth 1.56 million dollars for now, this will also satisfy those who judge intrinsic value of something only based on it's monetary worth xD.

[@Serkong]

Yep waste the one life you have living like a loser.

[@3333XD]

Sergles I don't think that's what he meant. He basically means if u want to be great then don't think you will enjoy what you become. Simple example I saw from personal experiences in startup sector is the difference between an entrepreneur and a odinary 9-5 worker. For odinary worker he might not have much to boast or flex in his life but that also means he has much less stress to deal with his responsibility is only the task he is assigned to and his responsibility begins at 9 and ends at 5 and weekends are his own. For an entrepreneur he has sold his life to his business at the end of the day if things go wrong the fingers will eventually point to him. All the prestige and wealth which comes with his success also comes with even more stress there are no true weekends or holidays when his phone rings no matter where or what he is doing he has to answer because end of the day he is the final decision maker. I have seen so many entrepreneurs and start ups fold or sell out even though revenues were excellent just because the ones in charge suffer from burnout and get tired of the constant stress and pressure and they are craving for the peace and quiet. So many people. It's all fun and games until you realise this is going to be the rest of your life since it's your dream you need to stick with it. That is why only so few come on top the ones who can handle the pressure and sacrifice a lot in life just for the prestige and access you get with success. Success means stress and restleness are always going to be a part of ur life and most just want good parts of success the wealth and prestige without any of the negatives. There aint no such thing as a free lunch. The best example now on the media is the case of Facebook look at Zuckerberg situation the very media which was praising him a month ago is now on a witch Hunt. Couple of billion dollars vanished of his net worth thanks to massive drop in stock value. Politicians want his head and I am sure even a section of his own employees would be against him and Insulting him right now any issues comes regardless of who did what, he has to take part of the blame. Price of success.

[@Serkong]

3333XD What happened with Zuck?

[@Serkong]

When you work hard, life becomes easier or you can be lazy and struggle with poverty til the day you die.

[@Serkong]

Highest passion = top level chef = good income.

[@timramm1]

I live in my Van and I'm very content

[@EskieDixon]

*Chris Farley voice* "AND I LIVE IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER."