Zeno of Citium was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy

Let Stoicism be my Calming Influence Amid a Troubled World

This rather lengthy post (so get your printer ready) is about a branch of philosophy which is close to my heart and mind, and is what I have applied practically to my life with positive results thus far – namely the philosophy of Stoicism.

For example, certain people who have been in my presence (especially at my workplace), seem to think that I don’t have a care in the world.  They usually mention to me that judging by my demeanor I seem completely at ease and stress-free, despite others around me being totally anxiety-ridden and suffering from panic attacks whenever there is a slight (and I mean slight) sign of trouble in the air.

Don’t get me wrong, I too can suffer from stress and anxiety like the next person, and admittedly, can also be most impatient in certain situations and with people  – this obviously, can lead up to me becoming angry which, I know, can be detrimental to my health and character.  Yes, I have a few faults which I hope to address by using stoic techniques, which is up to now, helping to improve my temperament.  Obviously, there are times when I do slip into error, but I’m not going to punish myself over the odd indiscretion – I am only human after all. Read more…

Is this man actually mature despite looking like he should be put in a museum?

The following precepts of wisdom that I am about to share with you was devised by fellow Blogger ThoughtBubble of Rooms for the Soul blog.  These 10 Commandments for the 21st Century should, I feel, be adopted by everyone who wishes to mature in mind and live a fuller life:

“Signs of maturity:
1. A desire to explore a point rather than make or prove it
2. A tendency not to take things personally
3. A refusal to be judgmental
4. A willingness to admit “I don’t know”
5. An acceptance of people and things as they are rather than demand that they conform to one’s expectations, needs and beliefs
6. A realization that one’s happiness is entirely self and not other-determined
7. An ability to enjoy all the colors of the rainbow rather than be confined to the extreme positions of black and white, right and wrong
8. A readiness to honor every being as an equal and unique expression of the one, universal source
9. The ability and willingness to have as much fun as possible
10. The ability to live a life of gentle, humorous self-enquiry which often means self-acceptance, self-realization and self-liberation”

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Inspirational Words from Two Men of Wisdom and Peace

Two courageous and wise men.

Two great minds with a vision to overcome racial bigotry, social divisions and worldwide conflict.

Their ultimate goal was to unite all people of different race, religion and nationality.

They sought to inspire millions to turn their backs on ignorance and war, and to instead, walk towards “the promised land” of wisdom and non-violent protest.

They enlightened the world with their insights into Man’s problem with conflict and his continuing folly towards self-destruction.

Both became martyrs for peace when they were violently struck down by an assassin’s bullet.

Unfortunately, despite their noble efforts before their passing, the world, as of today, still remains tightly gripped by the Dark Spectres of ignorance and violence.

As these two great human beings continue to turn in their graves, this post will hope to both provoke our conscience and elevate our consciousness with their resonant message to us all.

Let us now remember their pacifistic efforts and learn a very important lesson, which is to improve ourselves with wisdom towards a peaceful existence and unity so that we can make this a better world for future generations to come.

The two men in question, if you didn’t know by now, were Mohandas Gandhi (1969-1948) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968).

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Here I bring you once again 3 of the greatest Stoic philosophers of ancient times.

Watch the following  video of wise quotations from my personal favourites, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca:

The following video contains some inspirational wisdom to reflect upon, so that with application you can change your life for the better.

I would just like to warn you men out there to restrain your lust and try not to get too distracted by the rather attractive female reciting the quotes, or you will miss something of greater value than just satisfying your desires.

If you are a man who is easily distracted by the opposite sex I recommend you to close your eyes and let your ears absorb the enlightening words for your mind and soul…just don’t fall in love with her seductive voice like I did.

“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common – this is my symphony.”

~ William Henry Channing

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