Living with Lack or a Life Without Lack
Thoreau or Willard
Thoreau’s “most men lead lives of quiet desperation” has been rattling around in my head the last few days. Conflicting with that was Willards “life without lack.” After of few days of this “tune,” I decided I better dig a bit into any similarities and differences. And, if this had anything to do with my previous posts about being Alert and Oriented X “?”
Henry David Thoreau suggests that many people live their lives in a state of unfulfilled longing and dissatisfaction, conforming to societal expectations and routines, sacrificing their true desires and passions. Thoreau believed that this results in a life lacking in true fulfillment and meaning. He advocated for a simpler, more intentional way of living, in harmony with nature and one's inner self, to achieve genuine happiness and contentment.
Dallas Willard's concept of "life without lack" contrasts sharply with Thoreau's notion of "quiet desperation." While Thoreau highlights the widespread discontent and unfulfilled potential in people's lives, Willard emphasizes a life of abundance, peace, and sufficiency grounded in a deep relationship with God.
While Thoreau advocates for simplicity and self-reliance, Willard focuses on spiritual trust and divine provision. Arguably, both critique materialism and seek inner peace, but they propose different paths to achieving a meaningful life.
To that end…..