I sometimes fall into the trap of half-heartedly pursuing many interests at once, producing suboptimal results. Here’s a relevant passage from Epictetus’s Enchiridion. “In every affair consider what precedes and follows, and then undertake it. Otherwise you will begin with spirit; but not having thought of the consequences, when some of them appear you will shamefully desist. “IContinue reading “Stoic Quote of the Day 07/08/2023”
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The Battle of Tollense Valley
A few weeks ago, I went down a rabbit hole reading about battles in the ancient world. From what I could find, the earliest (reliably) recorded battle in history is the Battle of Megiddo, fought between Pharaoh Thutmose III and the Canaanites in 1457 BC. Based on an archaeological site in Tollense Valley, Germany, theContinue reading “The Battle of Tollense Valley”
Stoic quote of the day 07/07/23
Here’s one from Seneca: “The greatest remedy for anger is delay.”
Shall I at least set my lands in order?
Sometimes, when I’m procrastinating, I think of this section from The Waste Land. “I sat upon the shore Fishing, with the arid plain behind me Shall I at least set my lands in order?” As I recall, he’s referencing the Fisher King from Arthurian legend. The Fisher King Perhaps tonight, while I waste my timeContinue reading “Shall I at least set my lands in order?”
Today
Today, I will remember that people act so as to achieve the best outcome as they perceive it to be. If I remember this, if I align my goals with their own, I can achieve the best results for all.
Stoic quote of the day 07/06/23
From Epictetus: “The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.”
Stoic quote of the day 07/05/23
From Marcus Aurelius: “Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
My Great-Aunt
My great-aunt just passed away. She was a special person with an active mind. She was an avid reader, even though she was blind near the end. She was always interested in Native American culture, so here is a quote from Lame Deer for her. “All Creatures exist for a purpose. Even an ant knowsContinue reading “My Great-Aunt”
The meaning of life according to ChatGPT
Here is the meaning of life according to ChatGPT. “The meaning of life is a deep philosophical question that has been debated by thinkers, theologians, and scientists for centuries. Different people and cultures have proposed various interpretations and beliefs regarding the purpose and meaning of life. Here are a few perspectives on the subject: ReligiousContinue reading “The meaning of life according to ChatGPT”
New Koan – Brother John and the tree
Here’s a fresh one for you: John stood next to an old oak. “Master,” he said. “I’ve been pondering this tree. I’ve come to understand that this tree and myself are one and the same.” “I’m afraid you’re mistaken, my son,” the master said. “This tree is my mother-in-law.” And he moonwalked away.
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