210622 What I learned in my studies this morning

My father taught me

Strength, patience, love, wisdom, care,

Devotion. And love.

Daily Stoic:

Change or do not change.  Those are my choices.  If I fail and keep on keeping on, why would I expect a different outcome?

If it doesn't work, try, try again . . . but differently.

Today's Meditation:

From A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy

From A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine:

Chapter 19: On Becoming a Stoic — Start Now and Prepare to be Mocked

Philosophy also abandoned Stoicism in the 20th century.  Upon discovering that many philosophical conundrums originate in the imprecise use of language, academic philosophy shifted from examining life to examining words.  If we can just define our terms properly, then we can understand the question "What is the good life?"  Only after that can we try to find an answer.

One problem with this is that they never stopped defining their terms.  Answers were never produced because they never completed step 1.

And one final reason to expect resistance to your shift toward Stoicism: it isn't easy.

Which sounds like an easier path to take: 

1. See something you want and pursue it.
2. See something you want and work on your desires until you no longer want it.

One is the obvious choice for most people. Unfortunately, it is also the choice which is most likely to lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and an unfulfilled life.

Daily Shakespeare: