Monthly Archives: October 2016

Thoughts on Entitlement

Day before yesterday, Sunday, a friend I know to be kind and generous reposted the screed about how it makes no sense that we provide assistance to “others” while “our own” have unmet needs, and it hurt my heart. I … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy/Ethics, Rant | 2 Comments

Thoughts on Nature from the Stoic Perspective

Today is a bit of a toughie for me. The Stoic idea of nature is a bit of a challenge for me to grasp, and I’m going to lunch this afternoon with a friend and that very much goes to … Continue reading

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Thoughts on Resilience

Stoicism teaches that instead of thinking about the bad luck that has befallen us, we might better reflect on our capacity to survive and recover from it. Again, I think I got a head start on this with an ingrained … Continue reading

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Thoughts on Relationships

This is going to be kind of a cheat because I have no intention of leaving my apartment today. Any work on relationships today will be theoretical, involve people knocking on my door, or via e-mail. Stoicism, as we commonly … Continue reading

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Stoic Thoughts on Virtue

Folks who knew me back in the day might have a problem picturing me trying to be virtuous, but Stoic philosophy teaches that the only thing with real value is what they call “virtue” or excellence of character. Oh, I’m … Continue reading

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Thoughts on Mindfulness

This aspect of Stoic philosophy was a big seller for me. I’d already recognized that there were several similarities between Stoicism and other avenues I’d explored in trying to organize my thinking but mindfulness has always been a major aspect of … Continue reading

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Thoughts on Control

One of the things that really attracted me to Stoicism is that it directs one’s focus onto those aspects of our life that matter in the greater scheme of things and that are ours to control. Today I was challenged … Continue reading

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First Day of Stoic Week

This week will be a departure from my usual writing because I’m participating in Stoic Week, and I’m supposed to document my meditations. I have no idea what that’s about but I have a week. I’ve always been agnostic. I … Continue reading

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I have questions.

I have no problem whatever engaging in a rational discussion of issues. It clarifies my thinking. I almost always learn something. I have, on occasion, seen the error in my logic and changed my position. We aren’t having many rational … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy/Ethics, Politics | 3 Comments

California Ballot Propositions, the Last 6

I’m going to do these out of order because Propositions 62 and 66 both deal with the death penalty in California. The two propositions are diametrically opposed in their approach with one repealing the death penalty and the other attempting … Continue reading

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