The Daily Stoic You Get To Choose This (So Don’t) | We Reap What We Sow
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Oct 27, 2025 Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. You’ll face mistakes and dashed dreams, but how you respond can change everything. The discussion dives into the 'first and second arrow' metaphor, emphasizing that our reactions often increase our suffering. Stoic principles, like memento mori, remind us to prepare for life's uncertainties. The podcast also warns about collaborating with unethical individuals, highlighting the consequences of such choices through historical examples. Embrace these lessons to steer your life wisely.
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The Second Arrow Causes The Real Harm
- Many harms come not from events but from our reactions that compound the pain.
- Avoid the 'second arrow' of rumination, blame, and despair to limit damage.
Memento Mori And The Second Arrow
- Ryan Holiday recounts interviewing Dr. Laurie Santos and mentions both wearing memento mori rings daily.
- He describes her bracelet reminder of the Buddhist second arrow story to illustrate the practice.
Refuse To Shoot The Second Arrow
- Avoid shooting the second arrow by refusing to ruminate and by rejecting self-punishing narratives.
- Practice noticing events as external facts and choosing calmer responses instead.
