230727 What I learned in my studies this morning 3

Learn it all. ¡Todo!

All is at my beck and call. 

I needed still more.

Thoughts:

Knowledge. Intelligence. Study. The common theme to today's Meditations.

There's nothing wrong with knowledge per se — there's a lot to be said in it's favor, obviously — but sometimes I placed too much importance on it.  The very thing these aphorisms warn against.

I was always the smart kid. I remembered things easily. I understood new concepts quickly. I puzzled my way through complicated ideas without too much trouble.  I was often praised by family and teachers  for being sharp and quick-witted.

Like many people with these gifts and this motivation, I leaned into it. I emphasized it. (And, of course, wasted it all too often.)

I was proud of my mind and capabilities and, though I like to believe I avoided being too proud, I made it a large part of my personality.  I always knew that, while I might not be the smartest person in the room, I was usually near the top.

So what? What's the problem with accepting my talents and using them? Absolutely nothing . . . if I bothered to use them wisely.

Sadly, I spent far too many decades on unimportant, foolish pursuits. I did nothing to improve my soul, to build wisdom, to be a good person in anything more than a I'm-following-the-rules-so-I-must-be-good sort of way.

This changed a few years ago when my friend sent me a copy of Seneca's Letters from a Stoic. I was smitten.

It was only then that I took the path less traveled. And it has made all the difference.

Today's Meditation:

Today's Meditation II:

Today's Meditation III: