Sometimes one can feel like things, "just don't go his way." His Friday night date, dream job interview, or even how he spends his own time. He can feel like he doesn't have a handle on the world around him, and has little say on what goes on within it. Like an unanchored ship in a strong ocean, getting pulled in directions that he doesn't want to go; one can feel like he lacks the control over his own life to shape events to his liking.

How much control does one actually have? Can one control grand things such as the rotation of the Earth around the Sun, or the stars in the sky? He could capture the stars within a photograph, and perhaps one day walk on another planet; but, surely he will always be at the mercy of space. Can one control beautiful things such as trees or animals in a forest? He could cut down the forrest and cage the animals, but surely he cannot force a tree to grow nor an animal to love him. Can one control complex things such as another person's thoughts, feelings, or actions? He could bind his fellow man in chains and lie to him, but his word will never be absolute. Does one wield the capacity to control himself, even his own body? Under ideal conditions a man should be able to manipulate his body quite well, but man is not impervious to fear, doubt, or injury. Surely a strong current would win absolutely against a man over his body, direction, and possibly life. A man swept away in a powerful current most certainly does not control his situation, but he may influence it. Does one control his own thoughts? Can he stop his desire to eat, sleep, or reproduce? Can he truly prevent himself from thinking about certain subjects?

One of Man's greatest weaknesses is his hubris. It is foolish and arrogant of him to consider it possible to have absolute control over anything. Man tries to exude this control onto the world around him as an attempt to anchor himself in the chaos of existence. It is because man is weak that he seeks control. This is not good, nor bad. It is simply mans nature, but the burden it places on him is immense.

The more one attempts to manipulate the world around him the less things will go the way he desires, and the more miserable he will become. Once he understands that he doesn't have true control over anything in this world he can relieve the enormous burden of trying to have everything go perfectly according to his desires. When one tries to implement control over something he let's himself be ruled by it's outcome. He is not the master, but the slave.

One may not have control in a raging current, but he does have influence. He may not have a rule over his thoughts, but he can direct them. He may not build the roads and open doors of opportunity, but he can choose his path. He cannot change the stars, but he can plant a forrest, or fly in space. He can befriend the wild beasts of nature, and accumulate loyal, worthy friends. Man has control over nothing, but is capable of influencing everything: the world, Nature, and himself.

After one's realization he can focus his energy in more productive modes, developing his influence. Influence takes shape in many forms: physical prowess, intellect, charisma, creativity, aesthetics, and many more. Actualizing oneself will give him tools to navigate life in the way he finds most rewarding. Relinquishing the desire for control will help him find the process of change more satisfying. Embracing influence, over control, will help one deal with rejection and failure more earnestly, without taking either too personally. Most importantly, when a man realizes he does not have control, he can breath easier knowing the weight of the world is no longer resting on his shoulders.

Thanks for the read, good luck on your journey.