Temptation
04-15-17, 10:53 AM
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Temptation
I’d like to suggest an alternative viewpoint to desirable living by surrendering, or chasing temptation, which I think in this thread is meant as a significant goal, e.g. a new bike, visiting Paris, etc.
On a few Forums, I have posted my most existential reason to cycle:
IMO, while having a significant goal (Temptation) can be a good thing, for me, it’s more important to focus on life as it happens. Working towards satisfying a Temptation certainly can be a worthwhile, although mundane activity in its own right.
As an example for me, when I go away on an often long-planned vacation, I don’t enjoy the hard effort I must put in to finish up work-related activities. Yet once we are en route, I often look back on that flurry as having been interesting in its own right. I really should learn to enjoy it more, but fortunately the vacation is as, or more enjoyable than I anticipate.
So I’m just sayin,’"to live in the moment." I once heard this enunciated as a virtual theological principle:
PS: Lest I seem lackadaisical, I had definite goals (not quite “temptations”) in my professional / personal life,that I have attained, much to my satisfaction. Maybe temptations are better suited to the “under Fifty-Plus crowd,” and the Fifty-Plus should be more satisfied living in the moment. 
The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself. - Oscar Wilde
Go get that bike that you have been longing for, or take that trip that youhave always wanted to take; undertake the adventure of your life before time runs out
Go get that bike that you have been longing for, or take that trip that youhave always wanted to take; undertake the adventure of your life before time runs out
By temptation do we mean it in the colloquial sense as a choice which is not particularly harmful? Or in the literal sense ofan urge to a wrongful action?
If the latter, I strongly agree with @TimothyH that Oscar Wilde's quote, while clever, was superficial and wrong-headed. Character is strengthened when exercised, and the sad reality is that those who succumb become weaker withevery failure.
If we're talking about the former however, I am reminded of Robert Herrick "To the Virgins" - gather your rosebuds while you may. Don't waste time, grab life with both hands and wring every dropout of it.
If the latter, I strongly agree with @TimothyH that Oscar Wilde's quote, while clever, was superficial and wrong-headed. Character is strengthened when exercised, and the sad reality is that those who succumb become weaker withevery failure.
If we're talking about the former however, I am reminded of Robert Herrick "To the Virgins" - gather your rosebuds while you may. Don't waste time, grab life with both hands and wring every dropout of it.
On a few Forums, I have posted my most existential reason to cycle:
Several years ago, I had lunch with a couple of MD's andthe discussion turned to the vissicitudes of life, such as sudden death, andtrivial symptoms that are a harbinger of a serious disease. The conclusion ofour conversation was that old chestnut to live life everyday to the fullest.
As we were leaving, the surgeon, a marathon runner said, "Well, any daywith a run in it is a good day for me." I was already a serious cyclist for many years, but it suddenly clicked for me; any day with a ride in it is a good day for me.
Ever since then, I make a definite effort to ride my bike every day and I'm lucky to have a nice year-round cycle commute.….
As we were leaving, the surgeon, a marathon runner said, "Well, any daywith a run in it is a good day for me." I was already a serious cyclist for many years, but it suddenly clicked for me; any day with a ride in it is a good day for me.
Ever since then, I make a definite effort to ride my bike every day and I'm lucky to have a nice year-round cycle commute.….
As an example for me, when I go away on an often long-planned vacation, I don’t enjoy the hard effort I must put in to finish up work-related activities. Yet once we are en route, I often look back on that flurry as having been interesting in its own right. I really should learn to enjoy it more, but fortunately the vacation is as, or more enjoyable than I anticipate.
So I’m just sayin,’"to live in the moment." I once heard this enunciated as a virtual theological principle:
Originally Posted by Woody Allen
If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans. 
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 04-15-17 at 02:42 PM. Reason: added PS
04-15-17, 05:05 PM
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I love this thread!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
04-17-17, 09:01 AM
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@Jim from Boston, I agree with most of what you wrote, except for one notable exception.
When I was younger, building a career and family life, it was very easy to resist temptation.
Now that I am older, with family and career "struggles" behind, I find that temptation is an easy, and often welcome companion. The closer that I get to the final lap, the less inclined I become to needlessly deny myself the things that my heart yearns for.
When I was younger, building a career and family life, it was very easy to resist temptation.
Now that I am older, with family and career "struggles" behind, I find that temptation is an easy, and often welcome companion. The closer that I get to the final lap, the less inclined I become to needlessly deny myself the things that my heart yearns for.
04-17-17, 09:02 AM
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I love this thread!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
04-17-17, 09:27 AM
#33
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I love this thread!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
This is exactly the kind of temptation EJ was talking about. If you can afford it, Go for It! What are you waiting for?
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04-17-17, 11:20 AM
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Temptation…I’d like to suggest an alternative viewpoint to desirable living by surrendering,or chasing temptation, which I think in this thread is meant as a significant goal, e.g. a new bike, visiting Paris, etc…
IMO, while having a significant goal (Temptation) can be a good thing, for me, it’s more important to focus on life as it happens. Working towards satisfying a Temptation certainly can be a worthwhile,although mundane activity in its own right.
So I’m just sayin,’"to live in the moment."… Lest I seem lackadaisical, I had definite goals (not quite “temptations”) in my professional / personal life,that I have attained, much to my satisfaction. Maybe temptations are better suited to the “under Fifty-Plus crowd,”and the Fifty-Plus should be more satisfied living in the moment.
IMO, while having a significant goal (Temptation) can be a good thing, for me, it’s more important to focus on life as it happens. Working towards satisfying a Temptation certainly can be a worthwhile,although mundane activity in its own right.
So I’m just sayin,’"to live in the moment."… Lest I seem lackadaisical, I had definite goals (not quite “temptations”) in my professional / personal life,that I have attained, much to my satisfaction. Maybe temptations are better suited to the “under Fifty-Plus crowd,”and the Fifty-Plus should be more satisfied living in the moment.
@Jim from Boston, I agree with most of what you wrote, except for one notable exception.
When I was younger, building a career and family life, it was very easy to resist temptation.
Now that I am older, with family and career "struggles" behind, I find that temptation is an easy, and often welcome companion. The closer that I get to the final lap, the less inclined I become to needlessly deny myself the things that my heart yearns for.
When I was younger, building a career and family life, it was very easy to resist temptation.
Now that I am older, with family and career "struggles" behind, I find that temptation is an easy, and often welcome companion. The closer that I get to the final lap, the less inclined I become to needlessly deny myself the things that my heart yearns for.
Thanks for your reply. Not to be argumentative, but FYA, this contrapunctal thread appeared yesterday on Fifty-Plus, “N-2”:
OK ,at 70+ I've been trying lately to simplify my life because it's getting harder these days for me to keep track of everything like I used to. After buying a new bike last September I was up to four bikes plus my wife's, and it's become difficult to find the time to maintain that many bikes at my accustomed level of quality.
Things are already getting simpler for me, as even deciding which bike to ride on a particular day is now pretty much a no-brainer! I'm looking forward to the new season with my smaller but more practical stable.
Things are already getting simpler for me, as even deciding which bike to ride on a particular day is now pretty much a no-brainer! I'm looking forward to the new season with my smaller but more practical stable.
I have just gotten to the place in life where I have all the toys a man could want. Now I am thinking about selling most of them.....life.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 04-17-17 at 02:05 PM. Reason: added quote by Kindaslow
04-17-17, 02:23 PM
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If you want a new bike get it. As far as dreams... reality rarely meets the expectation of our dreams. More so with lifelong dreams as they have been built up over the years to the point where it is impossible for the event to come close to the anticipation.
Much better, at least for me, to make rational considerations and then go for it. I've done both, and at times the former ended up as, well that was nice, but not everything I excepted.
John
Much better, at least for me, to make rational considerations and then go for it. I've done both, and at times the former ended up as, well that was nice, but not everything I excepted.
John
04-17-17, 02:30 PM
#36
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I love this thread!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
04-17-17, 03:52 PM
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04-17-17, 06:14 PM
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Thanks everyone!
I am hoping to have enough saved up by next year to pay cash for a certified Boxster or Cayman. And, I believe I will do it!
I am hoping to have enough saved up by next year to pay cash for a certified Boxster or Cayman. And, I believe I will do it!
04-17-17, 09:13 PM
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I love this thread!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
I have been dreaming about a Porsche for as long as I can remember. I am at a stage in life where everything is paid for and I have been saving for my Porsche. But, I have mostly been a sensible Toyota kind of guy. I test drove two Porsches and two Audis (lo no story as to why) this week. I do not know if I will be able to get myself to take the leap. But, there are certified used Boxsters and Caymans for about $45,000 with really low miles that are perfect (and some Toyotas and Hndas are now mid 40's).
Oh, temptation!!!
Personally, I'm not at all tempted by expensive cars. I want something reliable and basic, so I'm a Toyota-Honda kind of guy. Now expensive bicycles (and expensive vacations!), that's another matter.
04-18-17, 05:19 AM
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As Mae West famously said, "I can resist anything but temptation."
04-18-17, 06:12 AM
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My greatest "temptation" is to learn to have more self-discipline and to clearly distinguish the difference between what I need and what I want. However, in regards to being compelled by an outer directive, ie; something "tempting" me, I feel it important to respond primarily to rather inner formulations, which are more like awakenings or even revelations. The word "tempt" suggests some kind of psychological conflict. I like to be on the same page as my soul.
04-18-17, 06:36 AM
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Temptation for me is to retire at the minimum retirement age, buy a classic steel bike, stop shaving, and ride round the city all day mumbling and randomly yelling out at no one in particular. Ive been a conformist all my life and I need a change.
04-18-17, 07:27 AM
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I've had cancer twice and I tell people that I determined, "Here is your second chance. Life is precious. Don't waste it."
The second time, I tell people that I felt I had been hit with a hammer and thought, "You weren't listening. See if you can do it right this time."
Since then, my wife and I have traveled considerably and yes, we have given in to several temptations like a new high-end tandem and a fancy car for her to name a few.
My wife developed breast cancer this year (seems to have been handled) and the message has been driven home even more.
My Road ID is engraved, "Life is precious, don't waste it."
The second time, I tell people that I felt I had been hit with a hammer and thought, "You weren't listening. See if you can do it right this time."
Since then, my wife and I have traveled considerably and yes, we have given in to several temptations like a new high-end tandem and a fancy car for her to name a few.
My wife developed breast cancer this year (seems to have been handled) and the message has been driven home even more.
My Road ID is engraved, "Life is precious, don't waste it."
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Last edited by Trsnrtr; 04-18-17 at 07:54 AM.
04-18-17, 07:34 AM
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Sounds good to me. I also was an uptight black&white type of guy. My life has a lot more color in it since I retired the second time at 58 (first time at 54).
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04-18-17, 07:42 AM
#46
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I am no longer tempted by things in life. I just live it. My watch does not tell time, it only says "NOW".
04-18-17, 01:02 PM
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04-18-17, 02:08 PM
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An explanation might be helpful.
This weekend I turn 61. Except for a couple of health scares I am in generally good health, my mind is still sharp (some might argue the point) and physically I can do some things better than I did 20 years ago (others not so good, regrettably).
My parents both worked very hard to build a business and they were more successful than they expected, especially considering that they got a late start at it (we are immigrants).
My Mom always spoke about traveling to France and Spain, especially Paris.
My Mom passed away a few years ago, at age seventy-five, from complications resulting from diabetes. She never got to see Spain, or France or her beloved (at least in her heart) Paris. In the days before she passed on, when she knew the end was coming, she made me promise that I would take that trip that she was never able to take.
The take away from this, and the lesson to be learned, is that sometimes it is OK to yield to temptation and treat yourself to that one thing you heart yearns for.
This weekend I turn 61. Except for a couple of health scares I am in generally good health, my mind is still sharp (some might argue the point) and physically I can do some things better than I did 20 years ago (others not so good, regrettably).
My parents both worked very hard to build a business and they were more successful than they expected, especially considering that they got a late start at it (we are immigrants).
My Mom always spoke about traveling to France and Spain, especially Paris.
My Mom passed away a few years ago, at age seventy-five, from complications resulting from diabetes. She never got to see Spain, or France or her beloved (at least in her heart) Paris. In the days before she passed on, when she knew the end was coming, she made me promise that I would take that trip that she was never able to take.
The take away from this, and the lesson to be learned, is that sometimes it is OK to yield to temptation and treat yourself to that one thing you heart yearns for.
04-18-17, 09:08 PM
#49
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The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself. - Oscar Wilde
A beautiful modern take on the Ancient Greek aphorism "know thyself"
A beautiful modern take on the Ancient Greek aphorism "know thyself"
04-18-17, 09:30 PM
#50
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I had a heart attack at 48. I have seen death with my own eyes. We are not immortal. We all will go some day. Until then I live every day to its fullest. I don't miss a sun rise and I don't miss a sun set. I don't get tempted by anything. If I want it I get it, within means of course. After I had my heart attack I paid everything I owned off, I am now debt free to LIVE.