Hello comrades. Much like the title suggests, we’re fast approaching the middle of March. Another week is already upon us. If you’re reading this, stop for a moment and be thankful. You’re still here, and willing to read some information. That’s better than most. I’m working through changing how I write and personalise this substack for easier digesting and development. So let’s get stuck into today’s newsletter, starting with some book recommendations - that I consider essential reading.
The Psychology of Money - Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel: My eyes were opened reading this book. Like the majority of things you deal with in life, it’s heavily reliant on your mindset, and well-being. Short chapters, make it a snappy, fun weekend read.
I’ve learned to change my perspective and awareness on other people’s money habits and economic circumstances, focus on my own investment and savings potential - as well as the effects of compounding over time.Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual: Mk1 MOD1 by Jocko Wilink: Not to be scoffed at if you require a kick up the ass. A great book to read if you’re requiring some brutal honesty, and life lessons on building discipline around waking up, fitness and diet.
However, as you’d imagine from an ex navy seal, focuses on the extreme side of living. After reading this I didn’t starting waking up at 4am, although I did start to go to bed earlier, and improve my workout routines.Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday: Another rock solid title from Ryan. A second feature in the series focusing on the Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism. Albeit a topic I’m well versed in, although Ryan’s research team, and writing style give us clear well thought out examples of how to actually practice this Virtue. I read this book around the same time as the Jocko Wilink title above.
The anecdotal leverage this book has (like his other titles) make it well worth a read, if you want to learn more about Stoicism, and how others practiced discipline throughout time.Hybrid Calisthenics - Get Healthy, Fit, and Strong with Just Your Body and Gravity by Hampton Liu: Something a little off the cuff from what I’d normally recommend. I’ve been training Calisthenics for the last three months now, and I wanted to mention that this book from creator, Hampton Liu has changed how I look at exercise and approach routines.
If you have an interest in this kind of training or movement, the book will show you how to complete a range of body movements from beginner to advanced, regardless of age or flexibility. You’re never old to pick up some new range of movements (if you’re fortunate to still have these faculties).Wise Up: Irreverent Enlightenment from a Mother Who's Been Through It by Karen Duffy: One of my favourite books of 2023, and I know it still will be at the end of the year. Karen’s lived a life worth writing about; from Hollywood actress, to MTV VJ, dealing with chronic illness, and raising a family - no detail is spared. The great thing about this book is that it’s written from the perspective of leaving a series of letters to her adolescent son to learn from.
It’s laced with a tonne of funny anecdotes, and most importantly ancient wisdom from Stoicism. The perfect combination of life experience and ancient philosophy combined. My favourite way to learn how to become better. Worth a read!
The Power of Observation & Silence
A wise old owl sat in an oak,
The more he heard, the less he spoke;
The less he spoke, the more he heard;
Why aren't we all like that wise old bird?
Silence and observation seem crucial to learning more about human behaviour, and reacting to situations. The Stoics talk about judgements and impressions all the time. I mentioned this in my previous newsletter with The Discipline of Assent. Not giving into the first irrational thought that comes to your mind is a tough challenge, but nonetheless something I’m working on.
Here’s a brief example of what this means:
The Stoics believed that many of our impressions and judgements are based on false assumptions or biases, and that we should therefore be cautious before accepting them as true. Instead, we should examine our impressions carefully, asking whether they are based on evidence and whether they are consistent with our moral principles.
You don’t need to showcase or illustrate that you’re an expert in everything. In today’s age people have a tendency to focus on the bark, as opposed to the bite. You should never be afraid to speak up for yourself in the right circumstances, but for me there’s too much noise and quite frankly bullshit (particularly online) that’s not worth drawing any attention to. From fast fashion, fitness fads, and now what subset of A.I tool to use next. My question to you is; does it actually pay to always have an opinion about every small subject?
Marcus Aurelius has reminded me that; If you suffer distress because of some external cause, it is not the thing itself that troubles you but your judgement about it, and it is within your power to cancel that judgement at any moment. (Meditations 8.47).
I’m quite happy to focus on myself, and those around me as opposed to being dragged through the mud by every social media post, news broadcast - not following on the impulses that comes to mind after consuming these. You should try focus on these too.
Zeno of Citium, when speaking to a youth that was talking nonsense reminded me that; We have two ears and one mouth, therefore we should listen twice as much as we speak. Active listening, and observation is a serious skill to develop in today’s world. You can learn so much from other people, and the world around you from just shutting up and taking a breath. The Traditional Stoicism blog has an excellent article explaining what this process is from an academic standpoint, but also in terms of examples from real life. It’s old school. but effective.
Am I well versed in this? Not quite yet. Although, I am aiming to get better by reducing my time on social media significantly, not tuning into mass media and even reducing the amount of content I put out online. Not cutting it out completely. Moderation is key. Another thing I’m working toward (where possible) is talking to people over voice notes and phone calls - or in person to help my become a better listener, and focus on the people in front of me.
Here’s what I believe this skillset will build:
Better Communication: Listening and observing are critical components of effective communication. When we listen to others, we show that we value and respect their opinions. Observing nonverbal cues such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can also help us better understand the message being conveyed.
Better Relationships: Good listening and observation skills can help build stronger relationships. By actively listening and observing others, we can better understand their needs, feelings, and perspectives. This can help us build empathy and trust, which are essential for healthy relationships.
Problem-Solving: Listening and observing are critical skills in problem-solving. By actively listening to others, we can understand their perspective and identify potential solutions. Observing situations can also help us identify patterns and make informed decisions.
The judgement of others
I wanted to finish this section with a passage from Morgan Housel that iterates how we should be thinking about others as we go through life:
Some people are born into families that encourage education; others are against it. Some are born into flourishing economies encouraging of entrepreneurship; others are born into war and destitution. We want to be successful, and to earn it. However it’s important to realise that not all success it due to hard work, and not all poverty is due to laziness. Keep this in mind when judging people, including yourself.
Working ahead
I am aiming to keep writing these newsletter’s as much as I possibly can. Changing the style and content structure as we progress through the year (fate permitting). From now on, some of the content you will see from me will be free to read - and other times paid. That’s the nature of this business. I appreciate all of you for subscribing so far, whether it’s free or paid.
If you’re interested here are the next writing projects I’m working on:
1. An essay on the first map of Ireland recorded by the scholar Ptolemy, and its significance. (Irish Philosophy Publication)
2. My e-book is underway: Stoicism Simplified - Illustrated guidance on practicing Stoicism in the 21st Century. I’ll preview some of this in upcoming newsletters.
3. Two book reviews for publishers - Ancient Philosophy related. Always enjoy writing these.
Here’s a example illustration from this e-book:
See you soon,
Enda (The Irish Stoic)
Quote for the week ahead
Whenever externals are more important to you than your own integrity, then be prepared to serve them the remainder of your life.
— Epictetus, The Discourses
Enda, you’re an amazingly interesting and prolific thinker and writer! Many thanks!