Epictetus (#14): We are the source of good & bad. Actions. Live your ideals!
This finishes "The Manual," the first 2/3 of The Art of Living. I think this advice is highly practical. Please let me know what you think of it!
The Art of Living is a paraphrase of the ideas of Epictetus, the ancient Greek philosopher of Stoicism. It's not an exact translation, but it's been rewritten to be more modern. It was one of the first "self-help books"!
I organize all my blog posts by tags, like "philosophy" or "epictetus."
Read all Epictetus posts here:
http://tri-blog.livejournal.com/tag/epictetus
This book has truly excellent, valuable, and practical advice that applies to some of the problems I have with my family, etc. and in general! The whole book is short---only about 120 pages.
Some of you may have also had family or relationship problems during the holidays. Please read this excellent advice! It may help you better manage your emotions and thoughts, to achieve inner peace.
Let me know what you think! I need feedback.
I will post the last 1/3 of the book soon.
Wisdom Depends on Vigilance (p. 76)
Most people don't realize that both help and harm come from within ourselves. Instead they look to externals, mesmerized by appearances.
Wise people, on the other hand, realize that we are the source of everything good or bad for us. They therefore don't resort to blaming and accusing others. They aren't driven to convince people they are worthy or special or distinguished.
If wise people experience challenges, they look to themselves; if they are commended by others, they quietly smile to themselves, unmoved; if they are slandered, they don't feel the need to defend their name.
But they go about their actions with vigilance, assuming that all is well, yet not perfectly secure. They harmonize their desires with life as it is, and seek to avoid only the things that would prevent their ability to exercise their will properly. They exercise moderation in all their affairs....They know that they only have to watch out for themselves and the direction of their own desires.
Living Wisdom Is More Important Than Knowing About It (p. 77)
What is essential is to understand nature and align your intentions and actions with the way things are. The person who truly understands...the precepts of any great mind is the person who actually applies the philosopher's teachings. There is a big difference between saying valuable things and doing valuable things.
Don't give too much weight to erudition alone. Look to the example of people whose actions are consistent with their professed principles.
Practicing Principles Matters More Than Proving Them (p. 78)
The life of wisdom begins with learning how to put principles, such as "We ought not to lie," into practice. The second step is to demonstrate the truth of the principles...The third step...is to indicate why the explanations suffice to justify the principles....[I]t is the first step that matters most. For it is all too easy and common to lie while cleverly demonstrating that lying is wrong.
Start Living Your Ideals (p. 79)
Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. Once you have determined the spiritual principles you wish to exemplify, abide by their rules as if they were laws, as if it were indeed sinful to compromise them.
Don't mind if others don't share your convictions. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer.
Put your principles into practice---now. Stop the excuses and the procrastination. This is your life! You aren't a child anymore. The sooner you set yourself to your spiritual program, the happier you will be. The longer you wait, the more you will be vulnerable to mediocrity and feel filled with shame and regret, because you know you are capable of better.
From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do---now.
[From The Art of Living by Sharon Lebell. Buy ($9) and listen to an abridged version of Sharon's book (90 min.)
It's a loose paraphrase of The Enchiridion and The Discourses, by Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Listen free to full Enchiridion, read aloud (52 min).
Read all my Epictetus posts.]
The Art of Living is a paraphrase of the ideas of Epictetus, the ancient Greek philosopher of Stoicism. It's not an exact translation, but it's been rewritten to be more modern. It was one of the first "self-help books"!
I organize all my blog posts by tags, like "philosophy" or "epictetus."
Read all Epictetus posts here:
http://tri-blog.livejournal.com/tag/epictetus
This book has truly excellent, valuable, and practical advice that applies to some of the problems I have with my family, etc. and in general! The whole book is short---only about 120 pages.
Some of you may have also had family or relationship problems during the holidays. Please read this excellent advice! It may help you better manage your emotions and thoughts, to achieve inner peace.
Let me know what you think! I need feedback.
I will post the last 1/3 of the book soon.
Wisdom Depends on Vigilance (p. 76)
Most people don't realize that both help and harm come from within ourselves. Instead they look to externals, mesmerized by appearances.
Wise people, on the other hand, realize that we are the source of everything good or bad for us. They therefore don't resort to blaming and accusing others. They aren't driven to convince people they are worthy or special or distinguished.
If wise people experience challenges, they look to themselves; if they are commended by others, they quietly smile to themselves, unmoved; if they are slandered, they don't feel the need to defend their name.
But they go about their actions with vigilance, assuming that all is well, yet not perfectly secure. They harmonize their desires with life as it is, and seek to avoid only the things that would prevent their ability to exercise their will properly. They exercise moderation in all their affairs....They know that they only have to watch out for themselves and the direction of their own desires.
Living Wisdom Is More Important Than Knowing About It (p. 77)
What is essential is to understand nature and align your intentions and actions with the way things are. The person who truly understands...the precepts of any great mind is the person who actually applies the philosopher's teachings. There is a big difference between saying valuable things and doing valuable things.
Don't give too much weight to erudition alone. Look to the example of people whose actions are consistent with their professed principles.
Practicing Principles Matters More Than Proving Them (p. 78)
The life of wisdom begins with learning how to put principles, such as "We ought not to lie," into practice. The second step is to demonstrate the truth of the principles...The third step...is to indicate why the explanations suffice to justify the principles....[I]t is the first step that matters most. For it is all too easy and common to lie while cleverly demonstrating that lying is wrong.
Start Living Your Ideals (p. 79)
Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. Once you have determined the spiritual principles you wish to exemplify, abide by their rules as if they were laws, as if it were indeed sinful to compromise them.
Don't mind if others don't share your convictions. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer.
Put your principles into practice---now. Stop the excuses and the procrastination. This is your life! You aren't a child anymore. The sooner you set yourself to your spiritual program, the happier you will be. The longer you wait, the more you will be vulnerable to mediocrity and feel filled with shame and regret, because you know you are capable of better.
From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do---now.
[From The Art of Living by Sharon Lebell. Buy ($9) and listen to an abridged version of Sharon's book (90 min.)
It's a loose paraphrase of The Enchiridion and The Discourses, by Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Listen free to full Enchiridion, read aloud (52 min).
Read all my Epictetus posts.]