Ancient Stoicism in Plain English

July 29, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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Actions Are More Important Than Words

Each person or thing is strengthened and preserved by actions that reflect its nature: Modesty is preserved by modest actions, and trustworthiness is preserved by trustworthy behaviour.

July 29, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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The true nature of God is helpful

The true nature of God is helpful. What is good is also helpful. It seems then that where there is the true nature of God, there is also is the true nature of good.

July 26, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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God Is Knowledge And Reason (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English II.8)

The nature of God is in knowledge and right reason. Plants and animals cannot interpret the impressions they receive. So, we cannot apply the terms “good” and “bad” to them.

July 22, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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Don’t Fear The Future (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English II.7)

Because we are anxious about the future we go to people like fortune-tellers. Even if they can predict the future, they really don’t know what is good for us.

July 19, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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Learn To Handle Things That Are Indifferent (Epictetus Discourses In Plain English II.6)

Life is indifferent. The way we use it is not. When you know less about something, yield to those who know more.

July 15, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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Deal With The Cards You Are Handed (Epictetus Discourses In Plain English II.5)

We have no choice about what happens. But we can choose how to deal with what happens. We can be obstructed only in things we don’t control.

July 13, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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Gain Real Life Experience And Expertise (Epictetus’ In Plain English. Discourses II.4)

We don’t need to seek other people’s recommendations. If others are capable of judging us they will do so. If they are not, recommendations won’t help anyway. We are not able judge life situations correctly because we lack knowledge and experience.

July 8, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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Be Faithful (Epictetus In Plain English II.3)

We are born to be faithful to one another. Denying this is denying our humanity. Even if you are a scholar, if you are not faithful, your humanity is diminished.

July 5, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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Achieve Tranquility By Avoiding Externals (Epictetus’ Discourses II.2)

When you are the master of your desires and emotions, you win. Going after externals makes you a slave. Do not provoke others unnecessarily.

July 1, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
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You Can Be Confident As Well As Cautious (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English II.1)

We should be confident in what does not depend on our choice and be cautious in what does. But we do the opposite.