Temptation:Reasoning:Resolve, originally uploaded by Thorsten Becker.

According to Wikipedia temptation is defined as following:

"A temptation is an act that looks appealing to an individual. It is usually used to describe acts with negative connotations and as such, tends to lead a person to regret such actions, for various reasons: legal, social, psychological (including feeling guilt), health, economic, etc. Temptation also describes the coaxing or inducing a person into committing such an act, by manipulation or otherwise of curiosity, desire or fear of loss."

Temptation is a word that has changed considerably in impact and meaning over the centuries. Today a chocolate cake may be tempting to someone on a diet. While this agreeably could have a negative effect on the dieter’s goal the actual cause is more of a lure or a lack of self control. ‘Temptation’ has been and should be used in more far reaching implications. Take the current credit crisis. The underlying problem is the human factor of greed coupled with a lack of self-control and the resulting temptation – on the part of the tempter and the one being tempted – with far reaching consequences for individuals as well as the entire economy. We’re used to, or even conditioned to, be tempted in many different ways that all can affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being, as well as our financial means. Living beyond one’s means has become common place. Spending more money than we have is a result of temptation by the financial institutions, opinion makers and marketing industry, misleading people to give in to their own desires, regardless of the consequences. Being tempted, being exposed to temptation should be a concept each of us need to be aware of in order to live a satisfactory life.

Temptation has always had a very religious meaning reoccurring throughout history in many different religions, predominantly Christianity and the fall of mankind through temptation – eating from the forbidden fruit. But traditional religious believes are diminishing in the western world. A more egocentric view has emerged where everyone is the master of his/her own fate and desire following the motto “take what you can get, you deserve it.” In that sense temptation may be looked upon as old fashioned, antique, no longer fitting. This form of reasoning however has proven fatal, as the current state of world affairs attest again.

This leads to the means of combating temptation: reasoning. Referring back to Wikipedia reasoning is defined as:

“Reasoning is the mental (cognitive) process of looking for reasons for beliefs, conclusions, actions or feelings. Humans have the ability to engage in reasoning about their own reasoning using introspection.”

Depending on our life experience, knowledge and education we can reason on many different ideas and ideologies. The extent of our reasoning capabilities dictates our actions and their outcome. False reasoning based on misinformation and personal deception will lead to negative results, albeit not necessarily immediately. Good reasoning is based on gathering information, learning, being open minded and accepting one’s shortcomings and potentially injurious desires. An exchange of wisdom is needed, wisdom equating to practicing and acting on knowledge. Much wisdom can be found by focusing on spiritual matters rather than physical needs. What we learn, and consequently what we teach, will enable us and others to reason more effectively therefore opposing temptation.

Though reasoning alone is not enough to overcome temptation. Resolve is needed. According to Merriam-Webster resolve can mean:

4 a: to deal with successfully : clear up : resolve doubts, resolve a dispute
b: to find an answer to -
c: to make clear or understandable
d: to find a mathematical solution of
e: to split up (as a vector) into two or more components especially in assigned directions

5: to reach a firm decision about resolve to get more sleep, resolve disputed points in a text

We may know perfectly well that certain actions are not beneficial for us but we are not resolved enough to act on that reasoning. Resolve requires self-control. Self-control requires self-denial, not denial of who we are but of what we want and think we need. Denying ourselves pleasures and belongings we either think we need or others try to convince us we need/want (tempters) will lead to an increase in self-respect. How so? I respect people who make good decisions, I trust them. If I can trust myself to make good decisions on my behalf I will respect myself. Trust in myself alone is not enough though as this would contribute to an egocentric view. I need to be able to trust others as well, those who make good decisions, who are able to reason and show resolve.

Now, why use toys to illustrate this concept? Toys enabled us as children to develop our creativity and play out ideas and concepts. A playful, almost childlike approach can often lead to seeing things from a different perspective. A physical representation of an issue or a problem may enable us to better understand its cause and effect and help us find creative solutions.

If you have another moment to spare I also recommend reading Laura Rowley’s article on Yahoo Finance titled Money and Happiness Under the Microscope.