“What is more, you may reflect on this thought: No one dies except on his own day. You are throwing away none of your own time; for what you leave behind does not belong to you. Farewell.” Seneca Book II, #49.
On Death
Quote
Reply
“Stoically” Enduring Decline
“Nor am I so mad as to crave illness; but if I must suffer illness, I shall desire that I may do nothing which shows lack of restraint, and nothing that is unmanly. The conclusion is, not that hardships are desirable, but that virtue is desirable, which enables us patiently to endure hardships.” –Seneca’s letters to Lucillius LXVII (47)
This line goes straight to what is thought of as “stoic” in the neo-modern interpretation, no? Continue reading
A Short Note on Grief
“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
Rule Nine: A Kind Disposition
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!
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