Here are five ideas that I’m currently warming to, plus five rebuttals from a disgusted, younger me.

1. You don’t need to be the top of your class. Just being average is fine, so long as you know the fundamentals. Only this person has enough time to pursue other skills and hobbies.

Previous me: Excelling academically is one of the highest priorities one can hold, for this will unlock opportunities later on to enjoy life (related: The Parable of the Mexican Fisherman).

2. There is nothing but the present moment. This moment in time and space is perfectly unique and impossible to grasp.

Previous me: Having a vision to work towards is one of the greatest ideals one can have.

3. Nothing has intrinsic meaning. Everything – place, person, or song – is a blank canvas; you can project whatever meaning you want onto it.

Previous me: The most meaningful thing one can do is figure out why they were placed on this world and to live it.

4. If someone ignores my invitation or message, following up with them is a sign of respect – they may have just been busy or forgot to reply.

Previous me: If someone ignores my invitation or message, I should just let them be. They clearly don’t want to deal with me.

5. People are really interesting. The threads that intermix and weave together to form a person are enchantingly beautiful. Yet, cultivating lasting friendships can be difficult.

Previous me: People are all the same. Making friends is easy: just don’t judge others.