201120 — What I learned in my studies this morning

From Huang Po: the paths we are taught to achieve Buddha are themselves distractions from achieving Buddha. (The Chun Chou Record, 13)

From Eric Hoffer: the newly poor are frustrated because they have tasted freedom. For those where freedom has never been an option, but who have a community of similar people in similar straights, the rise of mass movements is rare. Talentless people find freedom a burden and look to the mass movement to both give them structure and relive them of responsibility. (The True Believer, V-26)

From Cleanthes: accept ridicule and insults as an opportunity to practice Stoic virtue. Accept apology graciously and readily. When examining your faults, be strict but not abusive. Self-criticism is necessary; self-abuse is not. (Lives of the Stoics, pp. 20-21)