The Art of Living

I have recently discovered the treasure that is Stoicism, and particularly, the first century Roman slave turned sage Epictetus. Like Socrates, Epictetus wrote nothing, but rather spoke words of wisdom and practical living to his pupils. As Plato recorded the teachings of his master Socrates, Arrian put down those of his teacher Epictetus.

Stoicism is one of the most ancient and enduring philosophies of the western world, and was highly regarded among all walks of life, including the ruling class. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman ruler, is one of the most influential Stoics, and his work, Meditations, is my next read.

When many people think of the term stoic, they think of boredom, passivity, and non-emotion. It's a caricature, that's all. Stoicism is actually a very practical way of living life, with virtue, understanding, reason, and accord with nature. It emphasizes focusing your attention on yourself, and what you can control, not on external circumstances outside of your control.

I just finished reading The Art of Living, a contemporary interpretation of Epictetus' Handbook. It's not a "book" in the typical sense; it's rather a collection of wise thoughts on how to live. It doesn't even read like philosophy...it's not technical at all...very readable and very practical. That's what I love about it. Anyone can profit from it, and unlike some philosophies or belief systems, it transcends time...it works as well in the 21st century as it did in the first.

Here are some snippets:

"Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible."

"Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours."

"It is not things that disturb us, but our interpretation of their significance."

"Things and people are not what we wish them to be nor what they seem to be. They are what they are."

"We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them."

"Things simply are what they are. Other people think what they will think; it is of no concern to us. No Shame. No Blame."

"Never depend on the admiration of others. There is no strength in it. Personal merit cannot be derived from an external source...Grow up! Who cares what other people think about you! Create your own merit."

"Don't demand or expect that events happen as you would wish them to. Accept events as they actually happen. That way peace is possible."

(All quotes from The Art of Living, Lebell)

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These quotes are the tip of the iceberg...Get the book yourself (I got mine used on Amazon.com for $5-6)...you'll be glad you did. You can read it in a couple of hours, and then keep it with you kind of like a manual for life. Epictetus' Handbook is kind of the West's answer to the Tao Te Ching, one of my next projects.