“These are the properties of the rational soul: it sees itself, analyses itself, and makes itself such as it chooses; the fruit which it bears itself enjoys- for the fruits of plants and that in animals which corresponds to fruits others enjoy- it obtains its own end, wherever the limit of life may be fixed. Not as in a dance and in a play and in such like things, where the whole action is incomplete, if anything cuts it short; but in every part and wherever it may be stopped, it makes what has been set before it full and complete, so that it can say, I have what is my own. And further Continue reading
Author Archives: Chris
Consider Your Neighbor’s Character and Motives (Rule #2)
“If any have offended thee…second, consider what kind of men they are at table, in bed, and so forth: and particularly, under what compulsions in respect of opinions they are; and as to their acts, consider with what pride they do what they do.” Marcus Aurelius Book 11
Nobody’s perfect. Some are less perfect than others. Again, my goal as a Stoic is to be above the fray. Continue reading
Nine Rules From Marcus Aurelius
“Remember these nine rules, as if thou hadst received them as a gift from the Muses, and begin at last to be a man while thou livest.” –Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 11
In The Meditations, Book 11, I came upon nine rules that Marcus Aurelius advised himself to follow. I found them to be thoughtful and helpful, in pondering “how to live.” Not really anything fundamental, but some things to think about.
Here’s the first of the nine: Continue reading
A Personal Creed: Do You Have One?
I am a man of action, leading with passionate equanimity, rational self-interest, and never forgetting the power of individual liberty. I will never forget that my wife is my queen, and I her king, and that my children are my gift to humanity. I will respect the dignity of all, but measure the character of each. I will honor my body and mind by taking care of them. I will light a candle in darkness.
The passage above is my creed. This is not some fancy introduction to something I read, it really is mine. I developed it over a period of years. Continue reading
Participating with Your Neighbor
The third question I should answer “yes” to on my deathbed (yes, you should read this first) is “Did you Participate?”
This is a tough one for me to nail down. Is it about giving? Yes. Is it about working? Yes. Doing your best? Sure. I suppose the question could be “Did you share your life with others?” However, that’s not really it either, as sharing implies only giving. Continue reading