210724 What I learned in my studies this morning

Birthday boys raucous 

Celebration of the day

We were doubly blessed.

Daily Stoic:

I am the master of my world. Not the externals, the idiosyncrasies of the world, but of my mental contents and habits. What I think is my own, regardless of what happens or what others do. 

Which is why I am continually astounded by how much illness I see in my approach to others. 

Too often I see people as means rather than as ends in themselves. I treat them as a tool to accomplish my goals when I should recognize their sonder, their complete and independent personhood, distinct from my own. 

How often am I unkind? Or thoughtless? Or ignorant? Or just don't care that the fully human person I am interacting with is worthy of my respect and care? 

My world is my own. I am responsible for myself. Others are responsible for their worlds. Even so, part of my duty is to treat people well and be a cause of joy and felicity in their lives rather than the negative emotions I too often cause. 

Today's Meditation:

Daily Shakespeare: