Frank
Hello, this is Frank.
Today, I want to address a common concern:
QUESTION
I recently started a YouTube and X (Twitter) account, but I get hardly any likes, and my followers aren’t growing. It’s becoming frustrating, and I’m thinking about quitting. I’m unsure if I’m doing something wrong or if social media just isn’t for me. Can you advise me on how to approach social media? (From a pharmaceutical researcher)
ANSWER
Before answering your question directly, let’s first consider the concept of the “Parmenides Lifestyle.” Take a moment to reflect: in your daily life, do you sometimes feel swept away by trends and fleeting sensations, or do you find deep, steady values within yourself that guide your choices and bring peace? Ancient Greek philosopher Parmenides clearly distinguished between these ways of living.
Parmenides (5th century BCE) of the Eleatic school taught that “being is one, and change is mere illusion.” He presented two life paths: the Path of Truth and the Path of Opinion.
1. Path of Truth – Living with Reason and Timeless Values
The Path of Truth prioritizes reason and the pursuit of unchanging values. I personally follow this path. Instead of reacting to fleeting trends or short-term gains, I devote myself to reading, philosophical reflection, and cultivating inner calm.
For example:
> “I dedicate time to reading and contemplation, resisting the pull of daily trends. By sensing the unchanging nature of being itself, I find peace in stillness.”
Living this way allows you to remain unaffected by external changes, centering your life around enduring values such as wisdom and truth rather than wealth, status, or popularity.
2. Path of Opinion – Being Swept by Senses and Trends
On the other hand, the Path of Opinion depends on sensory experience and visible change. Living according to social media validation, trends, or short-term pleasures falls under this category.
For example:
> “Feeling down today, I went shopping for a new outfit to cheer myself up. Enjoying the moment is enough.”
While this might seem liberating, it is actually guided by emotions and trends rather than reason, limiting true freedom and self-governance.
3. Why the Path of Truth Was Possible
Parmenides was born into a wealthy aristocratic family, free from financial anxiety, which allowed him to pursue reason and timeless values. Had he been born into poverty, he might have needed to respond to daily survival, following the Path of Opinion instead. Economic and social security enabled his philosophical reflection.
I am not wealthy, yet I find calm and satisfaction by prioritizing universal values over transient pleasures. This does not imply superiority. Those on the Path of Opinion cultivate meaningful relationships and joy in their own way.
4. Applying This to Social Media
Returning to your question: regardless of wealth or status, consciously choosing the Path of Truth allows you to remain composed and fulfilled. Instead of obsessing over likes or followers, clarify your purpose for using social media and your ultimate goal. Focusing too much on tactical maneuvers can be a waste of time—sometimes reading a good book provides more meaningful value.
[Reference Book]
 |
眠れないほどおもしろい哲学の本: もう一歩「前向き」に生きるヒント (王様文庫) 新品価格 |
Check out my published books here.
Thank you for reading today.
Back to Genre：>Here
Need a break? Why not check out my daughter’s YouTube channel,
O-Hana Fantasia. We’d be so happy if you subscribed!
Currently, I’m participating in the popular blog rankings.
Today’s ranking for [AMISTAD] is?
