About Chris

Navigating through life by learning. Sharing my thoughts and experiences, hoping that it might help as many as possible live the good life.

Rule Nine: A Kind Disposition

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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

Don’t Make it Worse!

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Eighth, consider how much more pain is brought on us by the anger and vexation caused by such acts than by the acts themselves, at which we are angry and vexed. Marcus Aurelius Meditations Chapter 11

Events happen.  Our impressions determine how good or bad they are, right?  If this be true, then certainly our reaction, or worse our over-reaction to something that disturbs us cannot possibly make it better. Continue reading

What if Things are Great?

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“…it is not men’s acts which disturb us, for those acts have their foundation in men’s ruling principles, but it is our own opinions which disturb us.” Marcus Aurelius Meditations Chapter 11

Yes, this is the very same quote from my last post. You know, the post where I talked about all the terrible things that can happen to you, and how Continue reading

Marcus Aurelius, Christmas, and Death

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“Sixth, consider when thou art much vexed or grieved, that man’s life is only a moment, and after a short time we are all laid out dead.”  Meditations Chapter 11 Rule #6

Nothing says Merry Christmas like contemplating my death. Continue reading