Dear Danny

Not only to remind us of our own mortality, but also others. Most of us has lost touch with an old friend & thought about reaching out, but left it too late (this has happened to me in the last few days). The first & last things I say to my aged father each & everyday is “I love you”. The old saying of “never put off what you can do today until tomorrow” or “Don’t go to bed on an argument”.

Dear Danny:

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on Ryan Holiday and Stoic philosophy. The idea of reminding ourselves of our mortality, or memento mori, is indeed powerful. It’s a reminder to cherish each moment and focus on what truly matters in life.

* memento mori is a  Latin phrase that translates to “remember you must die.” It serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and encourages people to live their lives with purpose and mindfulness.

I agree that contemplating our mortality isn’t morbid but rather a wake-up call to live intentionally and purposefully. When we realize that life is fragile and finite, it becomes easier to let go of trivial worries and concentrate on our values and goals.

In terms of universal truths, here are a few that I find helpful during difficult times:

Impermanence: Everything in life is temporary. Both good and bad times will pass, and this can bring comfort during challenging moments.

Resilience: Human beings are incredibly resilient. We have the innate ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

Gratitude: Focusing on what we are grateful for, no matter how small, can shift our perspective and bring a sense of peace and contentment.

Connection: We are all connected. Seeking and nurturing relationships with others can provide support and remind us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Other undisputed, universal truths: (1) Change is a constant in the universe, (2) Each individual experiences and interprets the world differently based on their perceptions, beliefs, and past experiences, (3) Every action has a corresponding reaction/ consequence (cause and effect). (4) Free will and Responsibility: humans have the capacity to make choices and are responsible for their actions. (5) Love, compassion, and connection are fundamental human needs. Building meaningful relationships is essential for emotional well-being.

*  The Stoic philosophy, or Stoicism, is an ancient Greek school of thought that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude: the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or adversity with courage, encompassing resilience and determination in facing difficult situations.

The 4 Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism are wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance (moderation, self-restraint). These virtues are to guide one’s actions and decisions. Stoics emphasize understanding and accepting what is within our control (our thoughts, actions, and attitudes) and what is not (external events, other people’s actions). By focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot, Stoics aim to maintain tranquility and avoid unnecessary suffering.

Stoicism teaches that living in harmony with nature, including human nature, leads to a fulfilling life. Humans are rational beings, and living in accordance with reason is central to Stoic practice. Stoics strive to overcome emotions that can lead to destruction within and without, emotions like anger, fear, and envy, by using reason and reflection, and aim to cultivate positive emotions such as joy, love, and a sense of peace through virtuous living.

Stoicism is not just a theoretical philosophy but a practical guide to living well. Stoics use various practices, such as daily reflections, meditation, and mindful living, to incorporate Stoic principles into their daily lives. The focus on resilience, mindfulness, and ethical living resonates with many seeking personal growth and mental well-being.

Thank you for opening up this discussion, Danny It’s always enlightening to explore how different philosophies can guide us through life’s ups and downs.

Last we talked was on Marc 21 this year. You wrote to me back then: “You are right, my best is rarely good enough, although I do believe I have achieved self satisfaction from my efforts many times. If my best is never good enough, what should I aspire to be each day, if not the best version of myself?“- how are you doing these days, if I may ask, in regard to your sense of self-satisfaction and being your best version? Are the Stoic principles and concepts helpful to you in these regards?

Looking forward to reading more from you, Danny, and to reading others’ thoughts and insights!

anita