Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (August 28, 2019)
Hello there,
I was re-reading Epictetus’ Discourses as research for my next book, and had this idea I have been toying with for a while. Since we’re on the 30th week of the PEotW now (yes already 30 weeks guys!), I would like to begin a new routine of an exercise. We will do the same thing every 10th week going forward. For the exercise itself, let us look to one of Epictetus’ MANY reminders of what Stoicism is about, what philosophy is about and what we are actually trying to achieve. Epictetus Discourses II 19-21/24:
“Show me a Stoic, if you have one. Of course, you can produce thousands who talk the Stoic talk. Well, who is a Stoic, then? Show me someone characterized by the beliefs that he espouses. Show me someone untroubled with disturbing thoughts about illness, danger, death, exile or loss of reputation. By all the gods, I want to see a Stoic!”
We are very lucky to have this electronic Stoa in the form of r/Stoicism to hang around in and chat. We discuss ideas, support each other and find new ways to improve our volition for a virtuous life. But everything we do here is ultimately “words” and ideas. Philosophy, the way we study it (as in not academic) is the knowledge of life – as in how to live a good life. So we must, at the end of the day apply what we are discussing here in real life.
Going forward, every 10th week of exercise will be a “carte-blanche” (if you will) for participants to chose a previous lesson that resonated with them and to apply it as rigorously as possible (note that all lessons have been archived in r/Practicingstoicism). Pick something you wish to truly improve on in life, and go apply the lessons and exercises as much, as often and as rigorously as you can! And let the group know which one you chose, and how, when, how often you were able to do it. Go BE a Stoic!
As always, much love to you all and I wish you a wise, tranquil and productive week.
Anderson Silver
(Author of “Your User’s Manual” and “Vol 2: Your Duality Within”)