A short YouTube discussion (coldshowerphilosophy series) in which speakers read and reflect on Stoic passages—chiefly Marcus Aurelius and a cited Epictetus via Aulus Gellius—emphasizing virtue as reverence and justice and practical advice summarized as “persist and resist.” The speakers connect classical Stoic guidance to everyday conduct, culture, and caring for friends and self.
In other words, if I can take the time to put myself through the pain of turning that on, to read that out to you, then I figure it's worthwhile. And I hope you do, too. The fear of the known.
Okay, so this is from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
Leave the past behind, Let the grand design take care of the future, and instead only rightly guide the present to reverence and justice. Reverence, so that you love what you've been allotted for. Nature brought you both to each other. Justice, so that you'll speak the truth freely and without evasion, and so that you'll act only to law and the value of things required.
I've still got more to do. All this kept saying, Master Elliot.
Aulus Gellus relates that Epictetus once said, if anyone would take two words to heart and take pains to govern and watch over themselves, by them, they will live an impeccable and immensely tranquil life.
The two words are persist and resist.
That's great advice, but what principle should determine what we persist in and what we ought to resist?
And Marcus supplies the answer. Reverence and justice. In other words, virtue. Hard to read. Do what's right more often than not with the right consideration. The dudes from the Agile group that I've just finished reading, the Art of Avoiding a Train Wreck have a few things in a Do things well, with good intention, with consideration to culture and to the people. It's a pretty cool sight. Do unto others as you will do.
On as you would have them do unto you. September 24th. With any luck, you're holding up well. With any luck, your place in the world. It's easier for you to manage. Keep doing the right things. That includes looking after your friends and yourself. See you guys. Culture, philosophy. Bye for now.
Tim Ferriss: How to Learn Better & Create Your Best Future | Huberman Lab Podcast
