I have been studying the Stoic philosophy for about three years. It has really made a difference in my perceptions and acceptance of the world around me. I let myself drop out during the worst of the government tyranny last year, but getting back to Stoicism gave me the incentive to get back to working out, and not waste time yelling at the TV. Maybe this will help someone else to decide on a path and stick with it.
This is the book I am following.
Another good read.
I like this one also.
Disclaimer: I’m not your Supervisor. These are my opinions after reading through these books a few times.
Jan 1
“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own . . .”
—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 2.5.4–5
To me, this is the essential essence of Stoicism. In order to keep yourself from stressing out or worrying about the things you can’t control and focus your energy on the things you can control, it’s vital to know which is which.
I struggled with this for many years and would get mad about things WAY outside of my control. I still do, but have learned to question myself more and try to stop the anger by talking to myself about how stupid it is to be angry over things I cannot change in any way.
Jan 2
“What is the fruit of these teachings? Only the most beautiful and proper harvest of the truly educated—tranquility, fearlessness, and freedom. We should not trust the masses who say only the free can be educated, but rather the lovers of wisdom who say that only the educated are
free.”
—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 2.1.21–23a
Now we get into why I study Stoic philosophy. It has helped a lot with being able to not get upset over little things. It also goes a long way to help me feel better about myself and a provides a framework for analyzing choices I do make and why.
Jan 3
“How many have laid waste to your life when you weren’t aware of what you were losing, how much was wasted in pointless grief, foolish joy, greedy desire, and social amusements—how little of your own was left to you. You will realize you are dying before your time!”
—SENECA, ON THE BREVITY OF LIFE, 3.3b
This goes with knowing what is in your control and what is not. How you spend your time is up to you. Before my surgery I was running 4 times a week, and going to the gym 3 times a week. To do this I would wake up at 5:00 am and either run or workout. After work I would go to the gym on Mondays and Thursdays then go to bed at 10:00pm. The most common reaction I get from people is “I don’t have time for that.” I always wondered how many hours a day they spend watching TV. Not that working out is the best way to spend time, nor should you never waste time by watching TV. You have to find a schedule that works for you and doesn’t leave you regretting how you have spent your day.
Jan 4
“All you need are these: certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment;
and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.”
—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 9.6
Once you’ve made a decision, don’t second guess yourself. Ensure that whatever you are doing is for the best outcome and not a selfish or unhealthy reason. Appreciate any blessing you receive.
All of these concepts are in the present moment here. He’s not talking about past circumstances haunting you, or distracting you from what is happening now.
Jan 5
“Let all your efforts be directed to something, let it keep that end in view. It’s not activity that disturbs people, but false conceptions of things that drive them mad.”
—SENECA, ON TRANQUILITY OF MIND, 12.5
If there is no end goal then it’s easy to get knocked off track and distracted by what all the cool kids are doing.
It doesn’t have to be specific, it can be as simple as “not get out of breath going up stairs” or it can be “I will be debt free in 2 years” with a scheduled plan and specific timeline. If something happens to disrupt that, the goal doesn’t change, just the timeline.
Jan 6
“A person who doesn’t know what the universe is, doesn’t know where they are. A person who doesn’t know their purpose in life doesn’t know who they are or what the universe is. A person
who doesn’t know any one of these things doesn’t know why they are here. So what to make of people who seek or avoid the praise of those who have no knowledge of where or who they are?”
—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 8.52
Who am I? It seems like a simple question, but if you really get into it, is it?
I am a husband and I try to be the best one I can, I am painfully honest and have no patience for dishonest people.
I am also easily angered and frustrated when I can’t do things. I am currently recovering from surgery and have times where I rage at the world because I HATE being couchbound. (this falls under the first lesson, there is nothing I can do about it, so the anger is a waste of time and energy)
Jan 7
“The proper work of the mind is the exercise of choice, refusal, yearning, repulsion, preparation, purpose, and assent. What then can pollute and clog the mind’s proper functioning? Nothing but its own corrupt decisions.”
—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 4.11.6–7
Choose what kind of person you want to be. Refuse to participate in things that go against that. Yearn for proper things, and repulse that which is negative. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for these choices to keep on towards your purpose. Be careful about what you approve of and endorse.
I always tell myself, “That’s what tomorrows are for”
A year ago I was cleaning up the snow, complaining to myself, since no one ever listens to me. I had a thought about all those who can’t get out and clean snow, the handicapped, I began to laugh at myself. Life is good.
“If a man loses anything and goes back and looks carefully for it, he will find it.”
—
Sitting Bull
You may ask yourself, how do I work this?
You may ask yourself, where is that large automobile?
You may tell yourself, this is not my beautiful house
You may tell yourself, this is not my beautiful wife
Heh.
I got that one.
+1 Talking Heads.
My husband’s answer to “How are you?” is “Worse than some, better than others.”
My stock answer is “Too soon to tell.”
Mine is “still above ground.”
OMWC and I share a favorite book, A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe. Its theme is stoicism. That’s where I first learned of the philosophy.
I’ve never read that one, thanks.
Did I miss the what are we reading this month or is Ron’s post the replacement (and an excellent one at that)?
I have not seen a “what are we reading” for dec 2021
I’ve been waiting for that post as I wanted to brag that I finally read a book for the first time in years.
+1 You
+1 You
+2 You
MikeS was reading a book
A nutty kind of a book
The Stoics were right.
I’ve seen people complain about the Stoics and even some “critiques” of them.
I’ve never seen a real, logical takedown of the philosophy that made any sense.
Stoics endorse enduring vax mandates, wearing mask totems, and presenting vax passports since its out of their control. Fuck stoicism.
Source: daily stoic
I used to get the daily stoic email, but dropped it when they jumped on the “kids in cages” bandwagon.
I look at the COVID mandates and think it is in my control not to follow them and I accept the consequences.
It’s kind of freeing and kind of terrifying.
Thank you, Ron, this is very helpful.
I’m new to the philosophy of Stoicism, even though I’ve been aware of it for a long time. Wish I had followed through with studying it years ago. It would have helped deal with some of lifes challenges in a much more productive manner.
I’m going to try to put one of these out weekly to cover the whole book.
I look forward to it.
Nice. I enjoyed today’s article. There is quite a bit of the philosophy I incorporated years ago. I didn’t realize it was stoicism. I can’t say I’m a perfect practitioner. I can say I am happier when I adhere to it.
Thanks for this, Ron. First book purchased, since it’s marked down to $1.99.
I hope your balls are doing better.
This is yet one more reason I love this place.
I hope your balls are doing swell.
I meant Ron. I’m sure slums are well cared for.
There’s nothing quite like a shorn scrotum. It’s breathtaking, really. I suggest you try it yourself.
Pics? Asking for a lady Glib.
Best not to use “swell” in regard to Ron’s boys.
That’s the problem.
“I am also easily angered and frustrated when I can’t do things. I am currently recovering from surgery and have times where I rage at the world because I HATE being couchbound. (this falls under the first lesson, there is nothing I can do about it, so the anger is a waste of time and energy)”
Ron, I fully understand. A few months ago as my ortho doctor was getting ready to leave the exam room he stopped at the door and looked back. He said, “Your life has changed forever, don’t fall down”
My life has changed physically, mentally and spiritually. I don’t want to fall down.
“My life has changed physically, mentally and spiritually. I don’t want to fall down.”
Amen to that Brother.
Gotta do what you can, you are an inspiration for all of us.
My reactio to philosophers is to shout “Get a job!” and chuck an empty wine amphora at thair head.
https://youtu.be/tl4VD8uvgec
I coalesce the vapors of human experience into a viable and meaningful comprehension.
Where did I leave that amphora?
“chuck” and “amphora” in the same sentence is epic
Wherever the pdf’s for book are hidden the TPTB have posted a number of books on Stoic philosophy, plus “Ain’t Nobodies Business: the abusrities of consensual crimes.”
“Downloads”
Hmm…
“Downloads“
If abuserities isn’t a word, it should be.
I friend of mine posts the Daily Stoic on facebook most days. Once a month or so, this triggers some SJW who complains about some version of “blaming the victim”.
Now do the untervaxen.
As I’ve said elsewhere – the reason that we don’t blame the victims is to be kind, not because the victims aren’t usually at fault.
I hate when giving someone practical advice is “victim blaming”.
I started with Epictetus, that was a mistake.
“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself and in no instance bypass the discriminations of reason? You have been given the principles that you ought to endorse, and you have endorsed them. What kind of teacher, then, are you still waiting for in order to refer your self-improvement to him? You are no longer a boy, but a full-grown man. If you are careless and lazy now and keep putting things off and always deferring the day after which you will attend to yourself, you will not notice that you are making no progress, but you will live and die as someone quite ordinary.
From now on, then, resolve to live as a grown-up who is making progress, and make whatever you think best a law that you never set aside. And whenever you encounter anything that is difficult or pleasurable, or highly or lowly regarded, remember that the contest is now: you are at the Olympic Games, you cannot wait any longer, and that your progress is wrecked or preserved by a single day and a single event. That is how Socrates fulfilled himself by attending to nothing except reason in everything he encountered. And you, although you are not yet a Socrates, should live as someone who at least wants to be a Socrates.”
It was hard not to despair at my insufficiency.
“From now on,”
Never too late.
Never too late.
Amen to that.
I started with The Daily Stoic and read through a month a day. Then I read Meditations. I then read The Daily Stoic again, a week a day this time and it started to make more sense. Then I read The Practicing Stoic and went through The Daily Stoic actually one day at a time. This is going to be the first time going through it and actually writing down thoughts for every entry.
I suspect the writing down thoughts will be very valuable.
I’ll find out as I go.
Not stoicism, but similarly encourages not to fret about things outside our control:
Luke 12:
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ – Ephesians 6:5
I can’t do it
A bit more context is in order. Ephesians 6:6 and on:
6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I ran a lot of miles, walked a bunch, lifted heavy things. I’m not sure if I added an hour to my life but I don’t want to be subtracting any either.
Still have more miles that I haven’t walked, waiting for me.
You are an inspiration to us all, 4score.
And now I have that Robert Frost poem in my head…
Thanks HS and Ron, I remember that poem from about 9th Grade.
“which are externals not under my control”
How does a stoic resist fatalism? We’re in control of everything to some degree; the only question is what is possible at what expense, is it not? We could, for example, die storming the Bastille . . . the only question is whether that is worth doing.
The FF took on the greatest military the world had ever known and outlasted them. Syrian grandfathers sit, their hoes and scythes unbloodied, while a tyrant decides which of their family will die; hundreds of thousands perish.
What is external? What is not under my control?
Good question, I don’t really have an answer.
It is in my control whether or on to pay taxes.
Taxes are unjust thievery and corruption.
If I don’t pay I will end up in jail or more likely dead from resisting the immoral arrest.
I pay taxes because the price of not paying is too high.
Is it really in my control?
To me, it’s mentally unhealthy to believe I can’t control my fate to some extent, even if my options don’t seem that great (e.g. paying taxes or being prosecuted).
One example I have found is that when I’m unhappy with my place of employment, doing some job searching with a fresh resume in hand is very good for my well-being. I may choose to remain at my current job, but it feels immensely better knowing that I have other options, whether I choose to act on them or not.
Options are good.
I was so stressed out looking for my first job after retiring from the Marine Corps.
That job sucked, but looking for a better job while I had employment was virtually stress free.
Went through the same situation, easier to get another job when you already have one.
One example I have found is that when I’m unhappy with my place of employment,
The fact that you’re qualified to blow up your place of employment must help. 😉
Well, theoretically yes.
Oh, I thought of you while watching The Expanse – could a railgun theoretically fire from either end? You don’t really need a sealed end, correct?
That’s correct. You don’t need a sealed breech because the projectile is not fired by pressure buildup, as conventional guns/cannons are.
However, in the most basic railgun design (the one that the Navy used in the last several years), all the current is injected at the breech so the projectile can fire only one direction.
In a distributed system, where cables are attached all along the “barrel” to inject further current, in theory if you fired out of order, you’d accelerate the projectile backwards. That would be…bad.
Same danger plagues coil guns and linear induction launcher. Have to be extremely careful of the current triggering scheme.
Thanks. Firing the Roci’s keel-mounted railgun backwards would be handy, vs. having to do a skew-flip to fire at pursuers.
If you deliberately designed it to be 2-way, you’d have to be clever in how you’d load the round; due to the very high current required, the round has to be squeezed in pretty tight, not just tossed in.
For an exciting fiction piece, having the crew rig something up in mid battle would be cool.
(Linear induction launch is vastly superior in that you don’t need close—or indeed any—contact with the barrel; the projectile is not carrying current directly but instead picks up power inductively all along the length of the projectile rather than only through a small armature at the rear. You could have all kinds of fun designing a projectile for such an environment.)
Congress funded the Navy rail gun project for 2022 and is demanding info from the Navy on how well the program is going.
(Yes, I know the Navy dropped the program in 2021.)
Why come does USG debt get biggerer?
WHAAAT??!
The railgun needs to be on ice for a while until there are significant program goal and management changes
Putting more money in without a course correction just prolongs the agony!
Beaks need wetting.
Serenity prayer, baby.
If you have the wisdom to know the difference, it makes everything else easier.
Externals not under my control = Hurricanes, tidal waves, Biden’s executive orders, etc.
Under your control = not living in a hurricane or tidal wave zone, defying Biden, etc.
Recognizing something as under your control and taking action are two different things. Yes, you could theoretically try to defy and fight juggernauts but a key part of Stoicism, as I understand it, is accepting the consequences of your actions with fortitude. The FF were putting their “lives, fortunes and sacred honor” on the line and if they failed, they were up to be drawn and quartered. They knew this going in, accepted it and pushed forward anyway.
Sitting and waiting on new tires for the past nearly 2 hours, and this place is crazy busy.
Are all these hillbilly’s smart enough to try to make and end-of-year expense at the last moment for the tax deduction?
Other than me I mean.
So you’re creating a SUPER-SPREADER !!?!?! Event at a Tires Plus!
Run away! Run away!
My naturally-acquired immunity and toxic 80-proof bloodstream is no place this ho’ ass virus can exist.
I’ve already proven it. Bunch of ChiCom bitches.
This time next year, if I maintain my current financial circumstance, I will have paid off my house and have one car payment left.
The predicate that New York not switch to shot or sack mandate for employees is the biggest thing hanging over my head.
It’s maddening isn’t it?
It has caused quite the strain on my mental health.
I’ve been reviewing my finances and purchases under the presumption that I’ll end up unemployed, just in case.
#metoo
I don’t recall where you work and which sword of damocles it is that hangs above you.
For both of your sakes, if you get down to being forced to take the shot, get the J&J before Pfizer succeeds in getting it banned.
I’ve already decided I will not comply.
Fuck them. It’ll be the kick in the ass I need to move out of state.
My employer is a pastor and an anti-vaxxer, So I’m welcome to behave normally at work.
Excellent, Yusef! May it ever be thus.
This mindset strikes me as consistent with Stoicism, UCS. Turning adversity into progress.
^^^This.
At least the J&J doesn’t have the mRNA spike protein bullshit. It’s a semi-understood technology so you’re a little less of a lab rat.
I am a Navy Contractor and took the J&J fairly early.
I’m 50 and in good health, so I wasn’t too concerned about the virus.
It was required to go on the Navy ships as part of my job.
My employer offered to move me over to the instructor side, but I took the jab instead.
After 20 years in the Marines,it was “what’s one more shot?”
That being said I will not take a booster.
If I have to apprentice at a repair shop, so be it.
That is the biggest thing fellow veterans say to me “you let them jab you all over when you were in, why not this one?” Man has to have a line somewhere.
Exactly
Go ahead and add me to the list as well.
At least I’ve gotten the girlfriend to stop trying to plan big vacations for next year as I kept pointing out we have no fscking idea what’s going to be open or allowed.
Good job, UCS, life gets a lot easier with out a house payment.
Local factoid- I have yet to hear one of these white-trash hilljacks NOT say “BF Good-wrench”.
Go BF a good wench.
When I was little I thought it was BF Goodrelish. I think that was before my first trip to the eye doctor.
Also heard often in these parts is the “Cadillac Converter”.
I guess I’m a hilljack.
I had to look it up to see what was wrong with Good Wrench.
Fun fact- in this part of Ohio, a set of middle-of-the-road BF GoodWrench will set you back about $1,600 after install, mount, balance, align for your 2016 Camaro.
Im glad Jugsy didnt insist on a Corvette.
It was just announced that Betty White will be attending the Lew Reed NYE concert.
?
Bummer, no world domination with Keith I guess,
She was one of the funniest people on the planet.
I was hoping top see her perform with Bowie.
It was the Rona, wasn’t it?
?
Fuck 2021
Aw nuts.
Advise and Consent
Not one of Betty’s more remembered roles.
99 is a hell of a run.
A glass of mead for her as she brings on Ragnorok or the Apocolypse or turns into a murder hornet or rides in slaying the Horsemen.
Oh, and Ron, this is an excellent idea for a weekly post.
Thanks, hope people like it.
how much was wasted in pointless grief, foolish joy, greedy desire, and social amusements
This is the problem with stoics, they’re no fun at parties.
I usually find myself somewhere in the middle ground between stoicism and epicureanism.
Gotta find a balance.
I still enjoy drinking beer and listening to music on a weekend.
Is that foolish joy? Maybe, or maybe it’s relaxation and good for me.
Due to poor planning, I just realized I had no steaks for dinner. Went to the locally raised Angus place.
Picked up two filets and two strips. Damn, those filets feel tender.
TPTB, why is the tagline for this I am lame?
Truth in advertising.
I think it’s the default in case you don’t choose any yourself.
Hey!
*raises finger in objection*
Accurate, I guess.
It is the default tag. Some of us just add it to our posts as self mockery.
RIP, Betty White. You were an inspiration.
A filthy, slutty, hilarious inspiration.
She was America’s Golden Girl.
I believe the only white woman to call every ethnicity and race a slur and people laugh.
Tres gets a Syfy show.
https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/astrid-lilly-save-the-world-premiere-date-syfy
Oh hell yeah.
You see that FUPA testing the burst pressure of the front of those mom jeans?
If it wasn’t so close to bedtime, Id be in my bunk for other bunk-related stuff.
LOL seen the commercial several times and thought wut.
That sounds like it was written in high school.
“Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to your ability to choose, unless that is your choice. Lameness is a hindrance to the leg, but not to your ability to choose. Say this to yourself with regard to everything that happens, then you will see such obstacles as hindrances to something else, but not to yourself.”
-Epictetus
Stoicism is the antithesis of Firsting. A Firster makes reality bend to his will. A Firster controls everything via Firsts.
Go sit down 24th!
This story is coocoo bananas.
How A NYTimes Reporter Collects Royalties From Hundreds of Musicians
A patent troll….another great episode of Silicon Valley.
OT, so I’m just gonna power through it. After my serialization of a few old Bob Dylan tunes as stories, a couple of people have asked for one based on Girl From The North Country. I couldn’t come up with anything good on that until the other day, when the entire storyline just sprang into my head. It’s funny how that happens.
I’m working on it now. Stay tuned.
Looking forward to it.
I’ve enjoyed all of your stories.
Also, I request permission to do a Profiles in Maculinity on Frederick Douglass.
Well, you sure don’t need my permission, I don’t own the franchise or anything. I think Douglass would be a hell of a great pick.
I’m working on it, he’s a personal hero of mine.
Mine too. We could use a few more like him today.
Douglass would be pilloried today
For some reason, he is never mentioned during African American history celebrations.
I have recently become enthralled by US Grant, his humble beginnings, his faults, his habits, his triumphs.
I admit I was even silly enough to acquire the GI Joe figure of General Grant. I have no use for it but it makes me happy.
Then you have a use for it.
I can’t argue with that.
The Old Man read almost everything ever written about Grant. He figured out early on that logistics would win the war for him, and that unlike his predecessors that the Union Army should ignore Richmond, instead find Lee’s army and destroy it.
After one battle, I think it was Second Wilderness, the press generally reported it as a loss to Grant. Grant told one such reporter, when asked if he thought Lee had won the battle, “…it doesn’t matter if he wins a battle. Even when he wins he loses. He can’t keep winning with what he has left.”
Yes, he had a keen understanding of the big picture.
I’ve linked it before but again I recommend this three part documentary of Grant (History channel or Amazon):
https://www.amazon.com/Grant-Season-1/dp/B08BY3H3DQ
Grrrr..range hood is 6″ vent and house vent hole is 7″. Back to Lowes it is….OR….fib to my wife and find that out ‘later’.
Sounds like something that could be solved with duct tape and plenty of it.
I could just seal it with HVAC tape…which I do have. It is just range venting after all.
7-6 reducer, done deal
That would seem to work too.
Mind you there are damn few problems that cannot be solved with duct tape and plenty of it. The few that cannot, can be instead solved with a suitable application of high explosives.
I suggest you buy thousands of dollars of metalworking equipment (which you have always wanted anyway) and handcraft a custom adapter.
This is the correct answer
Ozy linked to this video yesterday:
https://www.canadiancovidcarealliance.org/media-resources/the-pfizer-inoculations-for-covid-19-more-harm-than-good-2/
You need to watch it. It’s not tinfoil hat territory. It’s numbers, Pfizer’s own numbers, and they’re ugly.
There was a quiet article or maybe some talking head that said something to the effect of “the unvaccinated are not dumb rubes, but rather very educated on the matter”. Seems this is all becoming true.
Same as the group of doctors who “infiltrated” an anti mask group.
They determined that the group was very educated, but the doctors still pretzeled themselves into anti mask=anti science.
Thanks Ron. I haven’t read anything on the Stoics. But when I find myself getting upset, I try to ask myself if this is something I can control. When the answer is no, I try to let it go. I find this to be good for my mental health. Based on this article, I think I may start reading up on the subject.
All three books I highlighted in the beginning are excellent starting points.
Glad you liked it.
For a take on modern Stoicism, you might try Massimo Pigliucci’s How To Be A Stoic. Very readable and he makes some cogent points.
Bought, thanks
I have an article in the hopper that may overlap with what you’ve written here, Ron.
I consider myself a Stoic-Christian (among other hyphens that includes Buddhism), and I’ve been through that Daily Stoic book twice.
The Meditations are fantastic; Epictetus is great. Stoicism sits in the sweet spot (IMO) of this eclectic intersection of elements of Zen buddhism, Christianity, and Reason.
The Stoics knew what was up. And I can vouch for “Man in Full” as well holy shit, that’s a good book. Tom Wolfe can write.