Stoic Meditations

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394. Have you taken the easy step yet? Jun 27, 2019

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Seneca says that being able to do without luxuries is but a small and easy step toward virtue. And yet so many of us have much trouble taking that step. Have you?

393. The difference between thinking and worrying Jun 26, 2019

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Seneca advises Lucilius to think, but not to worry, about the future. It is reasonable to plan for things to come and to act in the best way possible. So long as we don't delude ourselves into thinking that we actually control outcomes.

392. In a little time you will be like Hadrian and Augustus Jun 24, 2019

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Marcus Aurelius takes the long view of things in order to remind himself that whatever troubles us so much right now will soon be over, one way or another. This isn't nihilism, but rather the conscious adoption of a healthier perspective on human affairs.

391. Pick your virtue buddy Jun 21, 2019

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Think of practicing philosophy as going to the gym: sure, you can do a lot on your own. But if you choose a good partner to keep you focused on the task, you'll see more steady improvement. So, who's your virtue buddy?

390. Thus the study of wisdom has become the study of words Jun 20, 2019

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Seneca says that some people are interested in studying philosophy not to improve their souls, but to sharpen their wits. Time to reflect on what, exactly, we are doing and why.

389. Consider vegetarianism Jun 19, 2019

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Seneca says that we have enough sustenance without resorting to blood, and that a habit of cruelty is formed whenever butchery is practiced for pleasure. Something to meditate on a bit.

388. On the best way to resist temptation Jun 18, 2019

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Seneca and Epictetus agree: the best way to resist temptation is to avoid it altogether, because it's hard to practice temperance, at least initially. Modern cognitive science agrees.

387. The fortune of everyone is molded by their character Jun 17, 2019

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Cicero explains a classic Stoic paradox: only the wise person is free, while everyone else is a slave. To what? To externals that they think are indispensable for their happiness, and yet lay outside of their control.

386. The true hearer is ravished and stirred by the beauty of the subject matter, not by the jingle of empty words Jun 14, 2019

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Seneca briefly tells us both how to approach philosophy, and how not to. Are you a passive consumer of the stuff, or are you looking to become a better human being?

385. Philosophy rubs off of you Jun 13, 2019

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Seneca says that associating ourselves with a philosopher we cannot help but learning something that may change our lives. So today try to get a friend or relative into philosophy. You'll be doing some good for the whole human cosmopolis.

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