Wellbeing is attained by little and little, and nevertheless is no little thing itself.
— Attributed to Zeno of Citium
Hello comrades. I’m reposting this newsletter from my Medium article on the same subject. Today I find myself sitting in the British Museum with its vast collection of acquired artefact’s, watching thousands of people pass through its corridors. It’s given me the opportunity to think about the joys of observation and travel. It also led me to share this message to you about living your life by a series of principles or doctrines. Whether that’s Stoicism, a chosen religion or something else entirely.
The truth of the situation is; there’s no short term solution or quick fix via a YouTube video, or blog post. The sophist approach to modern living as Donald Robertson puts it in his recent newsletter seems to belittle the actual effort required to psychologically rewire your brain for critical thinking amongst other factors.
It’s going to take a long time to master the art of exercising the principle of for topic sake Stoicism, and ability to transform your thought processes. Constant practice, and reading. Daily in fact. Just like any true disciplined art form, like painting or martial arts.
After eight years of practicing Stoicism, I’ve found that there are significant improvements on my mental health. Processing all kind of emotions and enhancing my ability to critically think has pretty much changed my viewpoint of the world around me. I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to books, libraries, traveling and the internet of course! But what has really helped me above everything else? Consistency.
Even though I write about Stoicism online and in print. I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what I can learn or write about. I consider myself a true student of this game. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share knowledge, and learn from others around me in the real world and through reading and video resources, but I feel like without the consistency and willpower to learn more, I certainly wouldn’t be in the headspace to even consider writing this newsletter.
It doesn’t have to be Stoicism, or any Philosophy. It could be a religion for you, or a sport. What I want to reiterate in this is that if you want to do what’s right and it feels like it’s the right choice for you, put in the hours. Use the resources you have at your disposal and make the necessary steps towards where you want to be.
Don’t be lured in by the self-acclaimed gurus or watered-down channels who seemingly haven’t got a grasp on their own lives, let alone helping you with yours. Do your own research, forge your own path and take things you see online with a pinch of salt. The Stoics reminds us that; If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favourable.
It’s not my aim to throw negativity at anyone in particular, it comes from experience and seeing complete nonsense online over the last number of years. Suddenly it’s all about being an “expert”. What’s wrong with being a student of life? You’ve heard the saying ‘everyday is a school day’. Why not treat it like this?
The cold reality of it is, it takes patience to learn, practice and apply the principles of any Philosophy or way of living to your life. Stoicism being a prime example of this. Some of you will already know this, and be self aware. Years of willingness, and discipline. A phrase coined by some of the Roman Stoics is a good way to encapsulate this; Vivere militare! (Life is being a soldier).
That’s what it all boils down to. Get after it. Put the hours in, so you can reap the benefits. Remember you’re doing it for you. No one else. We’re all works in progress.
Recommendations for advanced learning
I feel obligated to share the people on this platform that I’m learning from on a regular basis; without them my progress would be significantly less meaningful.