Time to think…about handling setbacks
“If I would so prepare myself to endure, then let anything happen that will. Otherwise, it would be like a boxer who leaves the ring because he took some punches. You can leave the boxing ring without consequence, but what advantage would come from abandoning the pursuit of wisdom? What should each of us say […]
Time to think…about being focused, not scattered
“What’s the point of having countless books and libraries, whose titles could hardly be read through in a lifetime? The learner is not taught, but burdened by the sheer volume, and it’s better to plant the seeds of a few authors than to be scattered about by many.” Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind. The concept […]
Time to think…about practice
“That’s why the philosophers warn us not to be satisfied with mere learning, but to add practice and then training. For as time passes we forget what we learned and end up doing the opposite, and hold opinions the opposite of what we should.” Epictetus, Discourses. Forming a habit takes place over a period of time, […]
Time to think…about now
“Pay attention to what’s in front of you – the principle, the task, or what’s being portrayed.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Allowing your mind to wander unrestrained to thoughts about a future that has not yet happened or to a past that cannot be regained deprives you of the wisdom of now. Keep in front of mind […]
Time to think…about one thing leading to another
“If you don’t want to be a hot-head, don’t feed your habit. Try as a first step to remain calm and count the days you haven’t been angry. I used to be angry every day, now every other day, then every third, fourth…if you make it as far as 30 days, thank God! For habit […]
Time to think…about counting your blessings
“Don’t set your mind on things you don’t possess as if they were yours, but count the blessings you actually possess and think how much you would desire them if they weren’t already yours. But watch yourself, that you don’t value these things to the point of being troubled if you should lose them.” Marcus […]
Time to think…about well-being and action
“Those obsessed with glory attach their well-being to the regard of others. Those who love pleasure tie it to feelings, but the one with true understanding seeks it only in their own actions. Think about the character of the people one wishes to please, the possessions one means to gain, and the tactics one employs […]
Time to think…about habit and discipline
“Those obsessed with glory attach their well-being to the regard of others. Those who love pleasure tie it to feelings, but the one with true understanding seeks it only in their own actions. Think about the character of the people one wishes to please, the possessions one means to gain, and the tactics one employs […]