Have you ever yearned for a life untouched by trials? To glide through it effortlessly, always choosing the right path? Regrettably, the world isn't that straightforward. At some juncture, we all err or rue our deeds. This is where Stoicism takes center stage. Beyond being a mere theoretical philosophy, Stoicism provides pragmatic principles for a meaningful life.
The Stoics recognized that life is complex and full of challenges that test our character. For this reason, they developed a set of rules to help us stay on the right path. In this video, I will share with you six historical rules that I've adopted to become the best version of myself. These rules were conceived by historical philosophers over two thousand years ago and have been valuable to countless people throughout history. So, get ready to embark on this philosophical journey that will lead us to a more meaningful and balanced life.
Rule number one: Don't seek the easy path. Whenever you want to achieve something, remember that there's no easy way to attain it. In life, things worth achieving require effort. Think about anyone you consider successful and read their biographies. You'll see that everything they achieved wasn't gained without effort and discipline. In fact, that's the key to their success. The hard paths build your character, make you learn from your mistakes, and encourage you to persevere. The difference between someone who achieves great goals and someone who doesn't often lies in their tolerance for effort and sacrifice. Anyone can choose the easy path, which is why so few consistently reach their goals.
Rule number two: Ask yourself if it's necessary. Take a moment to reflect on the things you do in life. Ask yourself, 'Is what I'm doing necessary?' You'll realize how many things we do and desire in our lives that are entirely dispensable. The amount of time we waste on these things that don't truly add value is staggering. How do you know if what you're doing is necessary? Ask yourself why you're doing it. Find a valuable reason, something worth your while. If you can't find that valuable reason, what you're doing is unnecessary in your life.
Rule number three: Love your fate. Things don't always go as we wish. It's a fact of life. As Seneca said, 'Fortune behaves as she pleases.' His own life was proof of that. Health issues interrupted his political career, and an Emperor exiled him. He managed to return, only to face similar situations. Almost everything was beyond Seneca's control. The only part that depended on him was how he chose to view these events and what he decided to do with them. He chose to see them as something good, to use them. Life will put us in both good and bad situations. It's in your hands to decide how to face them. Seek the positive side of things that happen, or live constantly lamenting.
Rule number four: Speak with the dead. The founder of Stoicism, Zeno of Citium, visited the Oracle after losing all his wealth in search of inspiration for his future. The Oracle told him to live a good life; he must speak with the dead. The Oracle was referring to reading, urging Zeno to read the books of philosophers who lived before him. Reading is an incredible tool because it grants us the ability to read the thoughts and opinions of people who lived thousands of years ago. We live in a world where we seek what's newer, what makes us forget the old. However, there's nothing wrong with new things coming up. But we shouldn't forget the amount of vital knowledge written in books. We have the power to converse with the greatest minds of the past, who, with their experience, can guide and help us in our lives. Sadly, millions of people in the world decide to reject this superpower. Seize it; it has never been so easy to access so much ancient knowledge.
Rule number five: Be tough on yourself and understanding of others. It's important to remember that the Stoics had strict rules and firm opinions about what's right and wrong. They believed in holding themselves to the highest standards of virtue and moral excellence, constantly striving to improve their own character. However, this rigorous self-assessment and discipline didn't mean they should be judgmental or harsh towards others.
Rule number six: Remember that you die every day. In Seneca's words, 'This is the great mistake: to be in the grip of death before it comes.' We often think of death as something distant, an event that happens to us at some point in life, something stationary, regardless of the date it occurs. But the truth is, we approach it every day, slowly or quickly, depending on our age and health. A mistaken view often leads to bad habits and a bad life. On the contrary, he said that death is a process that is happening to us at this very moment. We die every day. In his words,
Subscribe to the channel.
5 сен 2024
