“There is an element of self-seeking even in our sorrow.” Seneca’s Epistles
Some might ask me why I spend so much time on such gloomy things: death, disease, loss of a friend, poverty, failure? Well, it is in these times of grief or despair, challenge and trial that we need our philosophy the most. During good times, we hardly look for guidance at all. Everything feels free and good, life just flows before us.
It is during these good times that we should reflect, Continue reading
The final rule from Meditations Chapter 11 is here!
“Ninth, consider that a good disposition is invincible, if it be genuine, and not an affected smile and acting a part.”
One of my all-time favorite books is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. It’s title Continue reading
To continue the series of the Nine Rules from Meditations Chapter 11:
“Fifth, consider that thou dost not even understand whether men are doing wrong or not, for many things are done with a certain reference to circumstances. And in short, a man must learn a great deal to enable him to pass a correct judgement on another man’s acts.”
Consider this. You see a man entering a window in a house Continue reading
This is fourth in a series of nine. The first is here.
“Fourth, consider that thou also doest many things wrong, and that thou art a man like others; and even if thou dost abstain from certain faults, still thou hast the disposition to commit them, though either through cowardice, or concern about reputation, or some such mean motive, thou dost abstain from such faults.” Marcus Aurelius Meditations Book 11
Why am I good? Why do I tell the truth, refrain from stealing, act polite with those I can’t stand. Why am I faithful to my wife? Is it primarily because I fear the consequences? Continue reading
In general, I think we are still a people who value individual liberty, responsibility and independence. There is still a sub-culture of people who think that they should be left alone, while trying to individually live a life of virtue. At the same time, there is still a large contingent of people who trust that their fellow man is doing the same. The old adage of “Trust your neighbor, lock your doors” still holds. I guess I have faith that Continue reading