When You’re Tired Of Life… | Ask DS

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Jul 20, 2023

Marcus Aurelius' raw reflections on life's hardships reveal his world weariness yet resilience. The discussion navigates decision-making through a Stoic lens, offering insights on personal success and friendship. It also highlights the fascinating parallels between Stoicism and Buddhism in the quest for virtue. Listeners learn about finding stillness amidst chaos and the importance of balancing sprinting and marathoning in life for sustainable success.

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INSIGHT

Marcus Aurelius' Resilience

Marcus Aurelius experienced significant hardships, yet he persevered.
He found solace in work, physical activity, beauty, and seeking help.

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ADVICE

Perseverance and Resources

Use available resources when tired.
Most importantly, persevere and stay.

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ADVICE

Uniqueness over First or Best

Strive to be the only one doing what you do.
Create a unique value proposition instead of simply being first or best.

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Navigating Life's Challenges with Stoic Philosophy

03:53 • 4min

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Exploring Decision-Making and Philosophical Connections

08:20 • 2min

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Finding Stillness in a Busy World

10:37 • 4min

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The Balance of Recovery: Sprinting vs. Marathoning in Life

14:59 • 3min

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The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice.

Stillness is the Key

Ryan Holiday

In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more. The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body. Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life. He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness.

Perennial seller

The Art of Making and Marketing Work that Lasts

Ryan Holiday

In 'Perennial Seller', Ryan Holiday explores the principles behind creating works that endure and thrive long after their initial release. He argues that these 'perennial sellers' are not flukes but are built to last from the outset. The book is divided into four parts: the creative process, positioning, marketing, and platform. Holiday uses examples from various industries, including music, restaurants, and literature, to illustrate how creators can ensure their work remains relevant and continues to attract new customers over time. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to both the creation and marketing of the work, as well as the need for patience, dedication, and a strong platform of loyal supporters.

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

He buried too many children. He was betrayed by those closest to him. He dealt with health issues. He was surrounded by the corrupt and inept and endlessly ambitious. He saw plagues and floods and war.

So yeah, there is a hint of world weariness in Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. It would be stranger if that didn’t color his writing. While critics are wrong to call Marcus depressing or negative, he was unquestionably in pain, tired, and frustrated. This was a man who quite understandably found himself, as we all do, tired of life.

Yet despite the role that suicide has played in the history of Stoicism and the more accepted place it had in Roman history, Marcus did not choose that route.

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And in today's Ask Daily Stoic, Ryan answers questions from students of the Daily Stoic Stoicism 101 course. The topics covered include whether it is better to be the first or the only person to do something, what the Stoics have to say about decision-making, the historical relations between Stoicism and Buddhism, and more.

Check out the full 14-day course, Stoicism 101: Ancient Philosophy For Your Actual Life, at https://store.dailystoic.com/products/101.

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis and you live in the United States, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. For resources outside the United States please click here.

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