Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are… whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control… whatever are not our own actions. ~The Enchiridion, by Epictetus ____________ Stoicism Stoicism was a popular philosophy in ancient Greece and, later, in Rome. The Stoic Epictetus taught the above dichotomy … Continue reading Stoicism
Philosophy
Assume a Virtue
Let’s look at what we said last week from another angle: Shakespeare. Queen: Oh Hamlet, Thou hast cleft my heart in twain. Hamlet: O throw away the worser part of it, And live the purer with the other half. Good night, but go not to mine Uncle’s bed, Assume a virtue, if you have it not. Refrain … Continue reading Assume a Virtue
Gratitude
Before you set out to own what your heart aches for, before you capture your new desire, before you click the "add to cart” button on Amazon, be sure you are grateful for what you have. Gratitude is having the proper appreciation for each thing. It is a virtue that applies to everything. You ought to be … Continue reading Gratitude
A Grain of Salt
About Me I’m a Catholic, and I strive to make that the source of my life. My faith took a philosophical bent when I chose my college, a Great Books Liberal Arts school in Southern California. Although I wasn’t aware of it, my own desire for a unified understanding of the world, what I call … Continue reading A Grain of Salt
The Signs of Happiness
The girl stared at her father until he looked up. His eyes widened behind his glasses. “What?” She stuck out her pretty red lip. “I’m bored.” He smiled and nodded. “It’s good for you!” Then he went back to his papers. She pouted some more until that, too, was boring. Then she went to stare … Continue reading The Signs of Happiness
The Feeling of the Philosopher
I started to climb because I wanted to see what it was like in the clouds. I reached them long ago, but I kept going. Every step showed more ahead and more behind. How could I stop? When I came to the top, the clouds broke. Only the stars showed down. I lay on my … Continue reading The Feeling of the Philosopher
The Beginning of Wisdom
Edmund yanked George’s little hand as they plodded along the covered walkway. The evening was already dark. Rain dripped off the tiles above them and dulled the patter of their steps. “Come on, George!” he said. “We’ll be late for dinner.” George’s head lowered, but he didn’t speed up. They came to a high gallery. … Continue reading The Beginning of Wisdom
The Unexamined Life
A sizable galleon cut through the waves with hardly a rise and fall of the bow. The Great Cabin below the poop was high enough to have windows that lightened it on the cloudless day. The crows nest had just reported that land was out of sight. After a long stretch in dry-dock for repairs, … Continue reading The Unexamined Life
A Grain of Salt 