You Can Never Do This Twice | The Freedom Of Contempt
The Daily Stoic
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The Freedom of Contempt: Downplaying Luxuries
By downplaying the language and descriptions we use for things, we can diminish their power over us. Marcus Aurelius practiced this by using blunt language to describe luxury items, reminding himself of their true nature. The practice involves seeing through the illusions and legends that surround things and instead focusing on their reality. It is about stripping away the deceit and enjoying things with a more balanced perspective. This practice requires us to see beyond the surface and recognize the flaws and drawbacks associated with what we desire. By doing so, we can counteract feelings of jealousy, envy, lust, and fear.
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