The Freedom to Act

Developing the element of Fire within one’s StarDust is certainly one of the most counterintuitive things to do.

Why?

Because it requires us to do things that frustrate us or that we simply do not feel like doing.

It means holding back from eating or drinking too much, even during a truly delicious meal.

It means pushing ourselves to exercise, even though it would feel so much nicer to sink into the comfort of the sofa.

It means taking the time to read a book instead of letting ourselves be distracted by whatever the algorithms choose to show us.

It means thinking about the future of the generations to come and trying to leave them the very best that is still within our power to offer.

But this also comes at a cost, because, like all the elements, it has its own balance.

Trying to develop the element of Fire too much can also become counterproductive.

By “wearing ourselves out” with constant effort, we may lose sight of what truly matters, set aside the time we spend with those we love, or ignore the present, which also deserves our attention.

So, doesn’t enjoying our freedom also mean accepting our responsibilities?

Many of us still have that freedom.

The freedom to act.


Our latest tales

  • Changing Mindsets

    Changing Mindsets

    Regretting the past does not change the world. But it can help prevent us from repeating the mistakes made before. It was with this mindset that the Seven Shapes had decided to try to change mindsets for a better world, fairer for everyone and finally in harmony. This task, which had once seemed completely utopian,…

    Read more

  • Fujimi, the Immortal Emperor

    Fujimi, the Immortal Emperor

    At the dawn of the War of Chaos, each element was ruled by an Emperor who enforced his law with an iron fist. Fujimi had become the Emperor of the Earth element. He possessed immeasurable resources and used not only his own magic, but also that of the population, striving at all costs to become…

    Read more

  • We Only See What We Choose to See

    We Only See What We Choose to See

    For centuries, inequalities had endured. For years, the reality of the harmful effects that the use of magic had on the environment had been well known and understood. Yet despite this, no matter where they lived, the Espers lived as though the borders of their region created a filter that allowed them to tell themselves:…

    Read more

  • Mutual Support

    Mutual Support

    Now cornered by the risk of Aether’s disappearance, the Espers finally had before their eyes a common goal, one that forced them to unite, regardless of their element or social status. Nevertheless, it was not something that came naturally, and some still continued to ignore the problem. After all, thousands of years of a hierarchical…

    Read more

  • Humility and Awe

    Humility and Awe

    Lune Lune was a little cat of the Water element. His adorable appearance contrasted with his personality, for he was very full of himself. Having gradually lost his curiosity, he had also lost that gentle feeling of being amazed by everything nature has to offer. But an encounter changed his mindset forever and helped him…

    Read more

  • Why This Need for More and More?

    Why This Need for More and More?

    One thing was certain. The behavioral instincts linked to the need to meet one’s basic needs were deeply rooted. The use of magic on Esperia had allowed the wealthiest to overcome those necessities, leaving room for a way around those instincts. We want more. Always more. No longer out of necessity or precaution. But often…

    Read more

  • Thinking Long Term

    Thinking Long Term

    Shala’s presence had made something wonderful possible for Esperia: thinking long term. Does that sound insignificant? The Espers were not creatures naturally inclined to think across long periods of time, spanning decades or even centuries. But one thing was clear to the Seven Shapes: if they were finally going to create a civilization united in…

    Read more

  • Synergistic Cooperation

    Synergistic Cooperation

    The Seven Shapes had clearly understood that while ideas could give birth to utopias, addressing the reality of a problem obviously required practical implementation, a plan, and achievable concrete actions. “It is necessary to involve the Five Elements. If nothing has truly been done in that direction until now, then it is indeed time to…

    Read more