This stream of consciousness essay sent me down a path contemplating “cheating”. Of course this article was in reference to sex and relationship, certain to get clicks as these are two things humans are obsessed with. But it sparked a different question in me, one in the abstract.

If I don’t confine myself to the exact correct form of the strength training exercise I am doing at a given moment then I am “cheating” myself of resistance training benefits. If I grab a Snickers candy bar I am “cheating” on my commitment to reduce sugar consumption. If I don’t get enough sleep, spend enough time meditating or pace myself to be mindful and do one thing at a time more methodically then I am “cheating” myself in regards to an important aspirational objective for my life. Any lie, excuse, blame or rationalization is cheating myself from an honest relationship with my own life.

Why don’t I do the optimal, completely honest, fully responsible, moral, rational, consistent and disciplined behavior at all times? I’ve read the New Testament Bible and Plato’s Republic (both in English translation). Montague, Hobbs, Descartes, Nietzsche, Foucault (also all in English). I think the famously adulterous cheater C.G. Jung may be my touchstone — we seem to have freewill and to be pulled along, both admirable and disappointing.

I believe there is credibility to Malcom Gladwell’s book “Blink” — we actually probably know each other better than we can admit within seconds of our interaction. I don’t think we have a very good idea of what we really are or what this experience is.