The Best Skill

What do you say when someone asks how you are doing? It depends on the person you are talking to. We would tell those we party with that we're having fun, those we work with that things are going smooth and those we are dependent on that we are being obedient. But to a person we are close to, we will say what comes out of our contemplative nature. It is in that area that happiness is found. That is why there is such a draw between those who have similarities in the soul arena. We say that it is nice to find someone who thinks the same way.
Some would like to say that happiness is a disposition. But that would make us static like a plant. It would mean that it is due to fate and we are helpless. Thankfully happiness belongs to the activity realm. As we said before, it isn't based in amusement although having fun contributes to happiness. Happiness is an activity of the contemplative part of our being. We mistake amusement for happiness but what amuses some people doesn't always bring happiness. A cruel ruler or an immature child might amuse themselves with things that aren't good. We have to conclude that the things a good person would do for amusement would also be the things that preserve happiness. And the things that relate to the disposition of the individual also come into play, talents and interests can have their fullest expression when turmoil from vice is avoided. This gives us the greatest pleasure which contributes to our happiness. But notice that without virtue, our accomplishments and outside pleasures control us, which leads to a miserable life, especially when the pleasure they give fades away such is the case with wealth or old age.
So when we discuss virtue, we are talking about excellence; the best application of the particular passion or talent. If we want to excel, what is common to everyone is in the ethical part of our being. It doesn't matter what our particular interests are, it is what that we think about when we lay our heads down at night that brings us the most joy. And through out the day if we think about what is good, our countenance changes. This is the area everyone should focus on to create a good environment inside themselves and when they interact with others.
To be wise is something that doesn't have to depend on outside sources. Wisdom keeps our hearts serene and removes anxiety. That is why it should be everyone's goal to acquire it. It is exercised in our inner being and should be kept in shape by our contemplation. Practical wisdom, that which has a goal, such as how to operate equipment or make a piece of art, are dependent upon the outcome. But philosophical wisdom, that which is according to truths in our inner being, isn't dependent on what happens externally. We should, with all our being, work on having peace within, resolving the conflicts of our soul so that we can be happy. Let external things be the dessert while our inner thoughts become what sustains us. This is much harder than it looks but to have this area mastered is more important than any other skill we can acquire.