Lee Kuan Yew: 'How do I comfort myself? Well, I say, 'Life is just like that.''

How do I comfort myself? Well, I say, 'Life is just like that.'

The quote by Lee Kuan Yew, "How do I comfort myself? Well, I say, 'Life is just like that.'" encapsulates a simple yet profound wisdom about the nature of life and the importance of accepting its ups and downs. In straightforward terms, this quote suggests that when faced with challenges, disappointments, or uncertainties, Lee Kuan Yew finds solace in accepting that such is the essence of life itself.This quote emphasizes the significance of embracing the inevitable setbacks and obstacles that we encounter on our journeys. It recognizes that life can be unpredictable, and despite our best efforts and intentions, things may not always turn out the way we hope or expect. Lee Kuan Yew's approach to finding comfort in this realization reveals a mindset of resilience and acceptance—a perspective that can help us navigate the complexities and uncertainties of existence.However, to truly explore the depth of this quote, let us introduce the concept of existentialism—an unexpected philosophical concept that offers an intriguing contrast. Existentialism delves into the exploration of existence, individuality, and the human condition. In this context, Jean-Paul Sartre's philosophy becomes particularly relevant.Sartre famously coined the idea that "existence precedes essence," asserting that individuals are first thrown into the world without any predetermined meaning or purpose. Unlike Lee Kuan Yew's acceptance of life's fluctuations, Sartre's existentialism challenges us to confront the freedom and responsibility that come with creating our own meaning in a seemingly absurd reality.When we compare and contrast these two perspectives, we can find an interesting interplay. On one hand, Lee Kuan Yew's "Life is just like that" acknowledges the ever-changing nature of existence, implying a more passive acceptance of life's circumstances. On the other hand, Sartre's existentialism urges us to actively confront the inherent absurdity of life and actively engage in defining our own purpose.While seemingly contradictory, these philosophical approaches can complement each other, offering a balanced perspective on navigating the complexities of existence. Lee Kuan Yew's acceptance prompts us to find solace in surrendering to the uncertainties of life, recognizing that some aspects may be beyond our control. Meanwhile, Sartre's existentialist outlook encourages us to embrace the freedom to create our own meaning and purpose, even within this unpredictable landscape.In the face of adversity and existential questions, we can find comfort in the amalgamation of these contrasting perspectives. By accepting that "life is just like that," we acknowledge the realities of the external world, the circumstances that we cannot change. Simultaneously, by embracing an existentialist mindset, we can actively participate in shaping our experience, drawing meaning from the meaninglessness.The beauty of Lee Kuan Yew's quote lies in its profound simplicity. It reminds us to find peace amidst life's constant fluctuations. It urges us to understand that accepting the inherent uncertainties of existence does not mean relinquishing our agency. Rather, it invites us to embrace the duality of accepting the unchangeable while actively constructing our own unique paths.Ultimately, the quote by Lee Kuan Yew resonates because it encapsulates the delicate balance between surrender and agency, fate and freedom, and acceptance and determination. It prompts us to find solace, even amidst the chaos and unpredictability of life, by acknowledging that sometimes, "life is just like that."