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…

This particular post is dedicated to my good friend, Mr Blobby of The Wisekick Electronic Cigarette, who is a fellow Truth-Seeker.

We are both on a Mission Impossible to avoid being distracted by the very tools of propaganda wielded by those in power, and to relieve our conditioned minds so that it has the freedom to perceive the truth which has been conveniently obscured from our view up to now.

So why don’t you join us?

Your mission should you choose to accept it, is to:

• turn off the TV and radio
• dispose of the newspapers
• question everything you have been told and taught to be true
• inquire for yourself to discern what the truth may be – in other words, educate yourselves
• Seek and gain the practical and beneficial knowledge that can actually help you to become conscious beings, self-reliant, self-determined, pragmatic and wise
• Look within yourselves for the true answers towards achieving your aims in life – the truth and wisdom is within you to use to your advantage
• Take responsibility for your own health, income, and general well-being

This illusory existence that has been conditioned into all our minds must be dealt with by us making an effort to destroy these false images which are destroying us – so emancipate yourselves and see what is.

Once we can see, there then maybe a realistic possibility that we can make this world a paradise that it’s capable of becoming – and that’s no frivolous statement that I’m making here…it can be done…it will be done.

This message will self-destruct in five seconds…

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“Virtue makes the goal right, practical wisdom the things leading to it”

~ Aristotle

Is wisdom really the key for our world to progress? Maybe. Although I have created this blog encouraging everyone to embrace this seemingly rare thing, I have to remain realistic to the fact that it cannot be easily taught. One must discover wisdom for themselves and put it to good use whenever they come across any obstacles that threatens their own awareness and progress in life.

Maybe if one had common sense to begin with, it would help one to become wise. But unfortunately, as is most obviously the case, “common sense is the most uncommon thing in this world.”

In the following video, Barry Schwartz sheds some light on the problem of permeating a society with “practical wisdom”.  Schwartz offers solutions on the teaching of wisdom and for institutions to revolutionise themselves towards embracing “practical wisdom” instead of “impractical bureaucracy”.  This will more than likely sound somewhat Utopian to most people in the cold light of day.

‘Barry Schwartz makes a passionate call for “practical wisdom” as an antidote to a society gone mad with bureaucracy. He argues powerfully that rules often fail us, incentives often backfire, and practical, everyday wisdom will help rebuild our world.’

~ ‘Barry Schwartz on our loss of wisdom’ appearing on TED Talks

Please watch the following insightful talk by Barry Schwartz:

As I’ve kept on saying incessantly since starting this blog, I think that the only way for progress and a change for the better to happen globally, is if we all, through self-knowledge, develop wisdom within first – which unwittingly sounds more Utopian than Schwartz’s suggestions.

I do love a challenge…any suggestions on this “imparting wisdom” conundrum?

What can we learn from Bruce Lee’s philosophical wisdom of Martial Arts and life in general?

As I have already pointed out in my post ‘Code of Conduct to Living: 4 Rules You Must Follow To Achieve Personal Growth’ we can learn much from his philosophical style ‘Jeet Kune Do’ in regards personal growth, overcoming obstacles and adapting to life’s changes.

Now we come to the subject of self-improvement which was something that Lee voraciously pursued everyday of his short life.  Lee masochistically pushed his mind, body and spirit to their limits trying to achieve perfection itself.

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“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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Surely you don’t expect me to tell you how to act upon the many things that you always wanted to do?  Things that you have proudly told yourself and others in the past.

If indeed you are a person of their word, you are then obliged to do just that once those inspirational words have left your mouth.

In any case, better to not have spoken at all and to have just done the thing before doubt and apathy creeps in.

What’s the title of this post?

When there are things you want to do that may contribute towards your own self-improvement in life, just stop talking and thinking about it and do it now! Read more…