It seems to us that successful businessmen are endowed with supernormal abilities: they are aimed at success and go to him 24 hours a day. But you don't have to be a superman to be proud of your accomplishments. It is enough to add a drop of pragmatism to your qualities. Just a little bit, so as not to lose joy, but step by step to go towards your goal. The article deals with pragmatism: the origins of the philosophical trend, criticism and practical application.
What is pragmatism
Pragmatism is a philosophical movement that considers any knowledge, action or idea from the point of view of practical benefit or expediency. Translated from the Greek "pragmatism" means "action" or "cause." Other words come from the same word - practice, practicality. The main thesis of pragmatism - bridge the gap between theories and practice.
A pragmatic person is a person of reason. He does not live by the terms "like - like like", and is guided by the criterion "useful, useless". Only what really works is useful for him. His actions and decisions are explained by logic and common sense. A pragmatic person knows what he wants, knows how to abstract from all that is superfluous, sets real goals and consistently achieves results.
In recent years, from pragmatism made to some extent in the cult. But critics consider such an approach narrow, limited and suitable only for extreme cases. Opponents of pragmatism warn about the dangers of an approach that thinks in terms of benefits and dismisses fundamental life values: good, beauty, truth.
Evolution of the concept of pragmatism
The founder of pragmatism is considered an American philosopher. Charles Piercewhich a century and a half ago detailed the ideas of a new philosophical trend in his works. But the teaching of Pierce was too difficult to understand, so this philosophical trend became popular after the publication of works William James.
American philosopher and psychologist W. James rewrote the ideas of his teacher in a simple and understandable general public language. He believed that a philosophical dispute without confirmation in practice simply has no right to exist. And the task of the philosopher is not so much to learn how to change the world around him.
Separate concepts of movement were formulated earlier. Supporters of the practical use of philosophy were Socrates and Aristotle, John Locke, David Hume. But all predecessors used the concepts of pragmatism by chance, in fragments. Whereas after the popularization of the works of famous pragmatic philosophers PIcharda Rorty, John Dewey, Willard Quine the idea has become universal. Thus, theories have become not mysteries without answers, practical tools for obtaining results in the course of practical activity.
The fact that pragmatism is an American idea is not surprising. Americans were and remain practical and realistic people. The time of the appearance of pragmatism coincided with the rapid development of mass production and the technical boom, when it was necessary to solve specific life situations, and not to reflect on global problems.
Who is a pragmatist in the good sense of the word
In the everyday sense, such a character trait as pragmatic causes a dual attitude. On the one hand, a pragmatist is a person devoid of romance who, on the first date, gives useful gifts and is not capable of doing "something such." But, nevertheless, realist pragmatists are successful entrepreneurs with an analytical mindset.
What else are characterized by pragmatists?
- They are interested in the result, not the process. If there is no material result, do not waste time on any business.
- They are alien to prejudice, contemplation, slavery, sentimentality, illusions, empty fantasies and dreams.
- In relationships, they are not familiar with euphoria, which means that there is no phase of disappointment.
- For them, the first thing is important.
- They want the best they have.
Historically and genetically, the pragmatic type of thinking is inherent in men. They are rational, restrained, result oriented. But the trends of the present time show that women with the same success achieve goals, build a career, earn and manage.
Practical view of success: 7 rules of pragmatics
The philosophy of pragmatism echoes the philosophy of success. Then there are 7 rules that can be learned from practical people in order to achieve more in life.
Mark the problems that stand in your way
Most people prefer not to talk or even think about problems. So they do not get the main thing - their decisions. Pragmatists perceive problems as a chance to improve something. They do not avoid problems and harsh reality, recognize their weak points, but do not give up. Pragmatists analyze, communicate with competent people, make up a detailed strategy, and step by step carry out their plans.
Do not concentrate on other people's problems.
We are so dependent on stress that sometimes we invent it ourselves. Not consciously, but because we do not know how to build personal boundaries. Our inability to defend our profit makes us dependent on impressionable friends, emotional colleagues, an unrestrained boss, from everything. Other people's problems become an additional stress: "if a person is ill, I have to listen to him." But a person who is aware of his desires is much more difficult to unsettle. It is in our power to say no to others, limit the flow of negative information and renounce imposed obligations.
Do not be afraid and not worry
We spend time worrying about what will never happen. This is fear. In the 20th century, fear does not protect us from misfortune, but takes away internal forces and clutters our mind. To achieve what you want, you need to be focused every day. Realists don't scare themselves with horrible scenarios. They soberly assess the chances, analyze the benefits of successful business management and think ahead about the steps they will take in case of failure.
Learn to save
The habit of saving is typical for all successful entrepreneurs. It is important to abandon the spontaneous purchases dictated by emotions - unnecessarily expensive things, travel. It is important to develop the habit of putting the money saved in a separate piggy bank. It does not have to be half the salary. This may be 10% of monthly income, an unexpected premium or returned debt.
Invest
Even in a promising position, not everyone is able to "rise to the rank" of a financial director or company president. But the ability to work has a clear limit. Working more and more, competing with young employees over the years, it becomes more difficult. Investment is a passive income that helps you gain financial independence. It is not necessary to invest in something exotic. This can be your own business or find a good broker with a state license.
Care about health
A practical person is hard to entrap into the hall with mythical promises about a beautiful figure. But other arguments will work: a healthy, physically strong person understands better, works effectively, does not spend money on treatment, takes care of himself and helps his loved ones. For example, the cost of health insurance in many countries is determined by the state of health: the better it is, the less it will have to pay. So the love of Americans for sport is a harsh necessity dictated by pragmatism.
Read, watch, learn only useful
If we ate something harmful, there is a radical way to get rid of substandard products. But everything that gets in our brain remains there forever. Our brain is not a cesspool, so for its qualitative development it is worth choosing the most powerful and practical books, films or publications. And most importantly - to communicate with active, purposeful, successful interlocutors.
Findings:
- The theory of pragmatism is based on the principle of utility: only those things that are of practical value are important.
- The philosophy of pragmatism is practiced by successful businessmen: this is the only way to achieve your goals.
- Pragmatists do not commit romantic acts, but they do not complain about life and do not allow others to be depressed.
