Some core ideas applicable to counselling appear here (funny how often that happens in the thoughts and writings of great science thinkers!) 1) Find an idea that motivates you to freely choose it. An idea given by someone else's decision can be useful but may not ultimately sustain us over the long term. Worse - doing something for someone else can build resentment and suck the joy form any endeavour. 2)Break things down into smaller, actionable parts. The feeling of something that is too big to influence or understand is profoundly demoralising. 3) Remaining in this mindset can lead to a complete breakdown of self-worth (becoming "a nameless man"). Another important anchor is the relationships in our lives. Love it.

One of my favourite letters, insightful & humane, from Richard Feynman to a former student who was having a rough time I was reflecting on it as an argument in favour of scope insensitivity, or even in favour of smaller problems: