Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (June 12, 2019)

Hello there,

This week for guidance, Seneca clarifies that self-deprivation is not virtue in his Moral Letters V 5:

” Just as it is a sign of luxury to seek out dainties, so it is madness to avoid that which is customary and can be purchased at no great price. Philosophy calls for plain living, but not for penance; and we may perfectly well be plain and neat at the same time. This is the mean of which I approve; our life should observe a happy medium between the ways of a sage and the ways of the world at large; all men should admire it, but they should understand it also. “

Unfortunately, the philosophy of Stoicism has been “marketed” in a wrong light in recent years, being associated with machoism, toughness and lack of emotions. The goal of the school of thought is not to teach strength, endurance, or self-deprivation. It is a guide to living a virtuous life, which means using your time, resources and capacities for the betterment of the human community…not learning to endure pains.

Depriving yourself, punishing yourself, unduly discomforting yourself, and self-debasement is NOT self-improvement. Premeditation Malorum has its place and is a very powerful tool. So is recognizing unnecessary luxuries. However, punishing oneself for no good reason (like cold showers) does not make you a better Stoic, a better person or make for a better way of living. All you have to do is hold yourself to a virtuous and higher standard with respect to your action. Do you have to punish yourself first to do this?

So this week ask yourself if you are truly using your time and resources towards the betterment of the human community. Are there any minor luxuries you can give up to make the world around you a little better instead? If this helped you do something (even small) differently, share it with the rest of us to help inspire others.

Much love and have a great week.

Anderson Silver

(Author of “Your User’s Manual” and “Vol 2: Your Duality Within”)