Before I have learned about Stoicism and practiced that philosophy in my life, I've been using this quote as a mantra with how I would react in life: pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. And maybe that is why i have been very much enticed with Stoicism and in letting go of things that I do not have control because that's the most sensible thing to do for when we experience challenges in life. The first text that I have read about Stoicism was Enchiridion and it did allow me to have a deep dive on how I may practically choose not to suffer from pain, and that is by the dichotomy of control that you have just presented.
That's excellent, Loreen. And a wonderful Mantra. One I learned from Jules Evans about social anxiety: "I can't control what others think of me, but I can control what I think of myself."
that's quite fitting. i would remember in my teenage years that i used to be so socially anxious, self conscious ... that's a whole lot of work, prettymuch exhausting
What I take from this is identity with the observer to create space. Notice how you are framing "reality". Is this frame in my control? If so what action can I take that aligns with my values? If the frame one is perceiving reality from is out of my control, accept it and let it go.
Thanks, Mike. This post is just the translation of 5 short paragraphs from Epictetus. Shows how much is contained within his seemingly simple writings, and how easily some gems are to overlook.
Loved this post. I learned a lot from it and seems to have sparked something in me. Might have to go and binge all your posts now!
Hey, Mo! Check out the full archive on https://www.stoichandbook.co/ 🙏 😃
Absolutely! I’d love to support your blog
Before I have learned about Stoicism and practiced that philosophy in my life, I've been using this quote as a mantra with how I would react in life: pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. And maybe that is why i have been very much enticed with Stoicism and in letting go of things that I do not have control because that's the most sensible thing to do for when we experience challenges in life. The first text that I have read about Stoicism was Enchiridion and it did allow me to have a deep dive on how I may practically choose not to suffer from pain, and that is by the dichotomy of control that you have just presented.
That's excellent, Loreen. And a wonderful Mantra. One I learned from Jules Evans about social anxiety: "I can't control what others think of me, but I can control what I think of myself."
that's quite fitting. i would remember in my teenage years that i used to be so socially anxious, self conscious ... that's a whole lot of work, prettymuch exhausting
What I take from this is identity with the observer to create space. Notice how you are framing "reality". Is this frame in my control? If so what action can I take that aligns with my values? If the frame one is perceiving reality from is out of my control, accept it and let it go.
Great information. I’m new to Stoicism and have read The Enchiridion but am starting my second read of it. Keep up the good work.
Awesome Romeo. I will try to help you decode it even further with these posts.
This is awesome! Love the diagrams
Thanks, Mike. This post is just the translation of 5 short paragraphs from Epictetus. Shows how much is contained within his seemingly simple writings, and how easily some gems are to overlook.