I mentioned touchstones in a previous post, I now touch another one: Epictetus, usually noted as a stoic philosopher. But that is a bit procrustean; there is much room for subtlety here. I am directing your attention to Epictetus’ timeless contribution to a more civil society. Those familiar with the serenity prayer will find a beacon. Blaze an internet trail for more.
Do not seek to bring things to pass in accordance with your wishes, but wish for them as they are, and you will find them.
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother.
The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.
There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.
To accuse others for one’s own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one’s education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one’s education is complete.
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.
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billziegler1947 