Perennial Wisdom

The Perils of Blame | Stoic Meditation

Sep 13, 2024

Delve into Stoic philosophy as it tackles the challenges of blame and external judgment. The discussion emphasizes that our perceptions shape our reactions, encouraging a shift from criticism to self-improvement. Explore how compassionate responses can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and enhance the art of living.

04:16

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Quick takeaways

Understanding that our reactions, not external events, are the true sources of disturbance can help shift focus from blame to personal reflection.

Practicing kindness and self-control in our responses allows individuals to rise above others' negative perceptions, fostering personal growth and resilience.

Deep dives

The Nature of Blame and Self-Reflection

Blaming others or ourselves often arises from misunderstanding our reactions to external events. According to the teachings of Epictetus, the true source of disturbance lies not in the events themselves, but in our opinions about those events. For instance, the concept of death is portrayed as non-threatening, illustrating that it is our perception of it as terrible that causes fear, not the reality of death itself. By recognizing this, individuals can learn to redirect their focus from blaming others to understanding their own thoughts and reactions instead.

Navigating the Perils of Blame: Stoic Insights

4min

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The Dying Every Day series delivers guided meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage (from an original Stoic text), and a reflection prompt to consider. These meditations are designed to help you (and me) reflect on what it means to live a good life.

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