Stoic wisdom for everyday life.
Joined February 2016
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"Set yourself free for your own sake; gather and save your time, which till lately has been forced from you, or filched away, or has merely slipped from your hands." – Seneca
Some Stoic Tips For 'Taming Your Temper':
-Think about angry people from the past, where are they now?
-Recite the alphabet before saying anything
-See what you look like when angry
-Paper is more patient than people
-Find the good in people and situations
-Zoom out...and laugh
Stoicism is not…
…a parlor trick
…a bunch of old dead white guys talking
…homework
It is…
…a way of living
…a guide to the good life
…something that calls you to be better
What does philosophy offer? Seneca asks. Philosophy offers counsel.
"Counter temptation by remembering how much better will be the knowledge that you resisted." - Epictetus
Things Stoicism can teach parents and kids:
- It’s not what happens, it’s how you respond
- Count the letters of the alphabet before saying things in anger (Athenodorus)
- Lead by example, not by words (Don’t talk about philosophy, embody it - Epictetus)
The four Stoic virtues in daily life…
Courage: speak up, stand up, have skin in the game
Temperance: fasting, exercise, get up early
Justice: vote, give, leave this place better than you found it
Wisdom: always stay a student, always be reading
Why Do the Stoics Journal?
The art of journaling is more than some simple diary – daily practice is the philosophy. Preparing for the day ahead. Reflecting on the day that has passed. Reminding oneself of the wisdom we have learned from our reading and from our own experiences.
Think about the qualities which make up the ideal person.
Now, focus on what that ideal person does in any given situation. Then you can try and determine their inner qualities and, hopefully, begin to emulate them. Just remember that the ideal person does not exist…