ancient wisdom
taming your temper: choosing calm in difficult situations
“Keep this thought handy when you feel a fit of rage coming on—it isn’t manly to be enraged. Rather, gentleness and civility are more human, and therefore manlier. A real man doesn’t give way to anger and discontent, and such a person has strength, courage, and endurance—
mastering the uncontrollable: the stoic path to peace and purpose
“Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our actions. The things in our
choosing the right handle in challenging circumstances
“Every event has two handles — one by which it can be carried, and one by which it can’t. If your brother does you wrong, don’t grab it by his wronging, because this is the handle incapable of lifting it. Instead, use the other — that he is your brother,
know yourself… now
“Death lies heavy upon one
who, known exceedingly well by all,
dies unknown to himself.”
— Seneca, Thyestes, 400
Self-awareness, the ability to introspect and understand one's thoughts, feelings, and motivations, is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. It is a prerequisite for authenticity, happiness, and meaningful relationships. Yet,
the five elements in ayurveda: a microcosmic perspective
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, posits that the universe and everything within it is composed of five basic elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. These elements, present in varying proportions, govern the transformation and behavior of all matter, from the smallest particle to the grandest celestial body.
the best revenge: a stoic perspective on responding to injustice
the path to liberation: the quest for “what next?”
What is the fruit of these teachings? Only the most beautiful and proper harvest of the truly educated—tranquility, fearlessness, and freedom. We should not trust the masses who say only the free can be educated, but rather the lovers of wisdom who say that only the educated are free.
focus on the process, not the end goal
“Those obsessed with glory attach their well-being to the regard of others, those who love pleasure tie it to feelings, but the one with true understanding seeks it only in their own actions.”
“Think on the character of the people one wishes to please, the possessions one means to gain,
the diya within: nurturing your inner light
“Protect your own good in all that you do, and as concerns everything else take what is given as far as you can make reasoned use of it. If you don’t, you’ll be unlucky, prone to failure, hindered and stymied.”
— Epictetus, Discourses, 4.3.11
Each of us