14 Comments

It is so important to put these ideas and writings out in the world today. There is a reason great education - called a classical education - included philosophy from all ages. I work with young people who have no concept of these potentialities. I need to talk in greater, deeper terms without lecturing.

I wrote an e-book, YOUR AFTERLIFE REVIEW: HOW WILL YOU REPORT OUT? People think it is such a clever idea to consider the possibility. However, the book is meant for the here and now. What do you want to say about how you lived? Change it now. Not a new view at all.

Thanks so much for your work.

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"It is so important to put these ideas and writings out in the world today."

Yes, that is so true. Since the advent of logical positivism, Philosophy has been an academics-only endeavor engaged in by professors 'taking in each others' laundry.' A dead end, a maze with no exit. Not a search for what is true and right.

But we need to search now for what is true and right, perhaps more than we ever have before.

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I have been sharing Meno's essays with friends. For me, this is about my knowing and sharing with others that these are long-standing teachings and reflections on human behavior. So much of our society can be compared to the decline of the Roman Empire that it helps to understand we can go down or change - refocus as you wrote in another comment.

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Its really something to see a man with such great power to not get corrupted by it, but instead chose to stay strong to his values.

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I'm a simple person, I see Marcus Aurelius, I click.

Marcus Aurelius' philosophy is just as prevalent today, if not more, as it was in ancient times. Living in the present is something I struggle with myself with the constant worries of the future. It was Aurelius's philosophy that encouraged me to take it day by day, and since I have taken this approach, I have noticed a positive shift in my life :)

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Remarkable post, indeed!! As I’ve studying buddhism through out the years, stoicism has always caught my attention. Even the stoic concept came from the greeks, they don’t ever end to impress me. I’ve only read Seneca. What is most astonishingly trustworthy is how all of those ancient philosophers could write something that could be applied to any point in time for a better society. We need more of that. Your writing is much appreciated for sharing this. Thanks, Meno!!

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Crazy that we've known all of these things for two millennia but we still fill kids' time at school with quadratic equations and oxbow lakes and H2SO4 rather than teaching them how to live.

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Couldn't have said it better myself. I completely agree.

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Stoicism is needed more than ever. In a very busy and often chaotic world, being able to focus on the things that matter, those that you can control is crucial.

The writings of Marcus Aurelius are so amazing because he wrote them to himself. It reminds me of moments where you have to take a look at yourself and be grateful for being alive, being a good person and knowing what your purpose is.

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Have read the Epicureans in translation, along with some of Marcus Aurelius.

It has taught me that my control is limited to my actions, reactions, words, and here and there thoughts. As for our limited time have liked since first reading it "Soon everyone and everything I know will be forgotten. Soon everyone who knew me will be forgotten." Marcus Aurelius.

The Stoics also taught that one should live without regret and in the manner of Thufir Hawit of Dune, to know no fear.

Really enjoyed your essay.

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well worth the read.....thanks. off to the moment now.

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Thanks for reading!

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The first one, "Focus on what you can control" resonates a lot. Most of what seems to happen in everyday life seems to be out of our control, and we spend a lot of our time reacting to things that need to be done and how we emotionally respond to those. Responding with resentment and negativity or positivity and a drive forward are our only two options. Which do you want and think will cause a happier more fulfilling life?

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As I read this I kept thinking about the people in Gaza. How could they live this philosophy? I know it is meant to address fortunate and unfortunate events. How does it relate to devastation?

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