True stoicism is about understanding emotions, not suppressing them, leading to emotional resilience and a deeper appreciation of reality.
By understanding the underlying reality and importance of activities like exercise, they can become effortless and enjoyable.
Deep dives
Effortless Stoicism: Understanding Emotions vs Suppressing Emotions
Effortless Stoicism challenges the common perception that stoicism involves suppressing emotions. James Pierce argues that true stoicism is about understanding emotions rather than actively suppressing them. He distinguishes between two types of stoicism: the effortful kind that involves suppressing emotions, and the effortless kind that involves better understanding emotions. In the effortless approach, individuals develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, which allows them to accept reality without reacting in an unthoughtful way. By being emotionally resilient, individuals can experience a deeper appreciation of each emotion, the present moment, and reality.
Effortless Stoicism in Daily Life: Exercise as an Example
Effortless stoicism can be applied to everyday activities, such as exercise. The speaker suggests that many people view exercise as a chore, something they know they should do but do not enjoy. By better understanding the importance and benefits of exercise, individuals can shift their perspective and see it as a necessary part of life. When exercise is seen as intrinsic and important to one's overall well-being, it becomes effortless and enjoyable. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying reality and ideas behind activities like exercise, as this understanding leads to a shift in mindset and the ability to fully appreciate and engage in the activity.
Effortless Stoicism and Enlightenment in Different Areas of Life
Effortless stoicism is not limited to exercise but can be applied to various areas of life, including learning and personal growth. The speaker suggests that understanding reality and deepening one's knowledge in a particular subject can lead to a shift in perception and enjoyment. For example, someone who initially finds quantum physics boring and dry might discover a new appreciation for the subject by recognizing its importance and relevance to the world. Alternatively, individuals may realize that their lack of enjoyment stems from a misunderstanding or mismatch between their true interests and the activities they are pursuing. By continuously seeking understanding and enlightenment, individuals can fully engage in different aspects of life and find joy and fulfillment in the process.
However the same message will come through on this audio only podcast.
Full Credit for all ideas to:
James (Jim) Pierce
Naval and Nivi
and
David Deutsch
With mistakes all my own
See also James' website (and relevant article) here: https://www.james-pierce.com/writings/effortless-stoicism
His instagram account including the original "Effortless Stoicism" video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuuDzL9sKOG/
His Twitter and relevant thread here: https://twitter.com/jimmpierce/status/1190810962493788160?s=20
Naval and Nivi's work on "How to get rich" where you can download their podcast from Naval's website here: https://nav.al/rich
Or the Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-TZqOsVCNM
See also Akira The Don's outstanding magical version along with other original music featuring Naval here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nX7x9AzwUTaGMFNVAxrLNXUJrKFotQ84Y
And my new favorite Naval/Nivi/Akira song here: https://www.meaningwave.com/blogs/meaningwave/akira-the-don-naval-ravikant-ft-nivi-you-will-need-to-rent-your-time-to-get-started-single
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