Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (January 30, 2019)

Hello there,

Welcome to the PEotW thread for the period of January 30 to February 6, 2019. If you are new to the thread (as we all are given this is the first of many to come I hope) please take the time to read the FAQ and How To notes below in order to ensure an organized flow of our personal experiences.

This week let us draw inspiration from Seneca XIX 10:

“I shall draw on the account of Epicurus. He says: ‘You must reflect carefully beforehand with whom you are to eat and drink, rather than what you are to eat and drink. For a dinner of meats without the company of a friend is like the life of a lion or a wolf.’ “

We know that humans are inherently social. Friendship is central to Stoic philosophy, and quality over quantity is the objective. So this week as a practical exercise, try not to whip out your phone at all when you sit down to share a meal with friends and family. Don’t answer your phone or texts, don’t check your social media, don’t even put the phone next to you on the table and see if your conversations and interactions bear more fruit with your friends and family!

Good luck to you all and we all look forward to hearing each others’ stories.

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