Multiconstruct

Today I kicked off 4 weeks of stoic spiritual exercises. I have framed the exercises around the four virtues: Wisdom, Justice, Courage, & Temperance. This week I want to talk about wisdom.

Philosophers get their name by being lovers of wisdom. Wisdom is not only knowledge but practical knowledge. Knowledge that informs our actions that allow us to be happier and more effective people. To exercise judgement and build our moral character.

Eudaimonia is a happy flow of life. It is living with purpose without being disturbed. Arius a disciple of Epictetus distilled his teachings into a small book called The Enchiridion.

The Enchiridion opens with: “Of things some are in our power and others are not…”  Then he makes the definitive list of what those things are: Opinion, Movement towards a thing, Desire & Aversion or in a word, whatever are our own acts. Note, that no thing is in our power but the ability to strive towards a thing are well within our control.

Not in our power are the body, reputation, offices (magisterial power) and wealth, or in a word, whatever are not our own acts. Magisterial power has to do with holding an office or facing legal issues like going to jail or prison.

He goes on to talk about the nature of these categories. The things in our control are by nature free, not subject to restraint or hindrance. No one can force you to change your opinion or your goals, what you like and what you don’t like. These things alone are inviolate.

The things not in our control are weak, slavish, in the powers of others. Right living then becomes an act of categorization. Is this in my control or not. The wise person toggles between bravery and acceptance depending on the nature of the situation.

Epictetus then tells us what happens when we confuse what we own with what is in the hands of others: We will be disturbed, we will lament, we will blame both gods and men. The worst thing that can happen to someone is to be excuse ridden. If you don’t take responsibility for your life you can’t change it.

He also gives the promise that if your only concern is your own actions and you realize this is your only concern: you will blame no one, you will accuse no one, no one can compel you, and no one will harm you because you cannot be harmed.

You can take my car, slander my reputation, and jail my body. When I realize none of that is my true concern or an impediment to my will then none of that is really harmful.

So this week set a goal of self improvement. Take a look at the Enchiridion or Marcus Aurelius’s meditations. Put down the social media and open a book. Take 5 minutes for relaxation or meditation. Commit a helpful point to memory. Fall in love with wisdom all over again.

You can also follow my daily morning and evening meditations https://facebook.com/events/s/morning-meditation/1596039878200918/

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