220709 What I learned in my studies this morning 2

Wherefore shall I go? 

Floods bearing all before them? 

My course is my own. 

Daily Stoic:

I've never had a leader. Never needed one. 

I've had mentors — my parents, for example, and my friend — those after whom I've patterned parts of my life. 

I've had managers and supervisors — pointing me toward whatever goal is appropriate at the time — those whom I allow to direct the small portion of my life within their purview. 

But I've never truly had a leader. Someone to whom I dedicate myself to achieve their goals rather than my own.* 

I guess I've never needed one. Even when my life seemed to have no purpose at all, I knew my purpose was still my own. I need not adopt someone else's vision to give my life meaning. 

Another factor: I don't recognize any authority over my own. 

Does that mean I cannot be coerc?  By brute force or vicious threat, others may impose their will on my body, putting me in a cage or endangering those I hold dear to enforce compliance. No, I mean that such actions are invalid. They stem not from any true moral claim over my life but from mere physics. 

I do not permit anyone the right to command me. 

Maybe someday I'll feel the need for a leader. Maybe I'll meet someone who sweeps me off my intellectual and spiritual feet and I'll choose to follow. 

Today is not that day. Tomorrow's not looking good, either. 

Today's Meditation:

Today's Meditation II:

Today's Music:

Cello Concerto in E minor, op. 85 3: Adagio by Edward Elgar

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* Or whose goals are so in line with my own that there is no effective difference.