Perennial Meditations

In this reflection, we explore the idea of true greatness.  According to Nietzsche, "The formula for greatness in a human being is Amor Fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it… but love it." [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this reflection, we explore the idea of changing the world. According to Tolstoy, regarded today as one of the greatest writers of all time when it comes to change, we often look externally. Tolstoy wrote,Everyone thinks of changing the world. But no one thinks of changing themselves. [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).   This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this reflection, we turn to the philosopher Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) for wisdom. What initially comes to mind when you think of sitting quietly in a room alone? Pascal writes that the inability to sit quietly alone in a room is the source of all humanity’s problems...Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).   This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Today's episode comes from a conversation on the In Search of Wisdom podcast with Massimo Pigliucci. The conversation discusses how Stoicism can help us avoid anger and find peace in life.  Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this reflection, we turn to Marcus Aurelius (121–180) for wisdom on virtue and vice. The Stoics followed Socrates in the idea that virtue was knowledge and vice, ignorance. When people do right, it stems from virtue, and they go wrong from ignorance and false beliefs.Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In today's reflection, we turn to the philosopher Seneca (4 BC — 65 AD) for wisdom. Although the Stoics were most likely more virtuous than most, we should not assume they were incapable of vice. The Stoics believed sages are as rare as the phoenix, a mythical bird said to have risen from the ashes (according to lore, once every 500 years). [...]Follow the Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

How do we know what is truly within our control? In today’s reflection, we turn to Epictetus in the Enchiridion to be our guide: "There are things that are within our power, and there are things that are beyond our power." [...] Follow The Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe