ACT AS IF NOTHING BOTHERS YOU | This is very powerful | Epictetus (Stoicism)

Armored Wisdom
25 Nov 202316:11
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video presents 18 Stoic principles from the ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus to help people deal with life's challenges. It advises listening more than speaking, expecting the worst to reduce anxiety, preparing for failure to enable progress, being wary of fortune's dangers, not clinging to single hopes, remembering death, finding contentment within, incorporating humility when learning, avoiding guilt, allying with positive people, controlling reactions to shape destiny, fulfilling duties, ignoring haters, embracing simplicity, not handing control to others, prioritizing friendship, extracting benefits from adversity, and letting go of uncontrollables.

Takeaways
  • 😀 Listen twice as much as you speak - Nature gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason
  • 😮 Always expect the worst - This reduces anxiety about potential future problems
  • 💪 Prepare to fail - It's the only way to truly progress and improve
  • ⚠️ Be aware of the dangers of fortune - Money can transform people, not always for the better
  • 🔀 Do not cling to a single hope - Pursue many dreams to increase your chances of success
  • 💀 Remember that death awaits us all - This gives perspective on what really matters in life
  • 😊 True wealth lies in a contented spirit - Do not fret over things you do not have
  • 🙏 Incorporate humility into your life - Recognize that there is always more to learn
  • 😠 Do not hate those who hate you - Simply ignore them, you are above that
  • 😇 Always extract benefit from things - Every situation presents potential advantages
Q & A

  • What is the purpose behind nature giving us two ears but only one mouth, according to Epictetus?

    -Epictetus believes nature gave us two ears and one mouth so that we would listen twice as much as we speak, fall in love with the voices of others, and learn from them to advance in life.

  • What does Epictetus advise we do to reduce anxiety about unfavorable future events?

    -Epictetus advises us to think and act as if the unfavorable events we fear have already happened. This way, our spirit can develop coping strategies to move forward with resilience.

  • How does Epictetus suggest we make progress in life?

    -Epictetus suggests we make progress by preparing to fail, since overcoming challenges requires a long path of trial, error and polishing of our skills.

  • What danger comes with gaining fortune or wealth, according to Epictetus?

    -Epictetus warns that gaining fortune or wealth can transform people, causing them to lose their moral values as they become possessed by this coveted resource.

  • Why does Epictetus encourage us to pursue many dreams instead of a single one?

    -Pursuing many dreams exponentially increases our chances of success compared to putting all our hopes into a single dream, which could be devastating if it fails.

  • How does remembering death provide useful advice for life, in Epictetus' view?

    -Remembering death puts our efforts and life choices in perspective, helping us evaluate if it's worthwhile to spend much of our limited lifespan on goals like paying for a house we can't take with us.

  • What is Epictetus' conception of happiness?

    -Epictetus believes happiness comes from having a contented spirit - from not fretting over things we lack, but rejoicing in what we do have.

  • Why does Epictetus claim we should incorporate humility into our lives?

    -Incorporating humility by acknowledging we don't truly know things already allows us to learn with the wonder and desire of a child, leading to authentic knowledge.

  • How does Epictetus suggest we can win the competition against guilt?

    -Epictetus says we can win against guilt by refusing to play with it - by not blaming others or ourselves but taking responsibility to correct mistakes without self-pity.

  • What does Epictetus mean when he says our reactions forge our destiny?

    -Epictetus means while we can't choose what happens to us, we do choose how to respond. Our reactions determine whether misfortune leads to depression or an opportunity for growth.

Outlines
00:00
🧏‍♂️ Listen more, speak less

The first principle advises us to listen twice as much as we speak. Nature gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason - to listen more and talk less. By listening more to others, we can learn and advance in life.

05:01
😨 Always expect the worst

The second principle says we should always expect the worst, like losing our job or a loved one. By envisioning the worst case scenario, we develop coping strategies to handle adversity and don't live in constant anxiety about potential future problems.

10:02
💪 Prepare to fail

The third principle encourages us to prepare for failure, because it is only through repeated failure and trial-and-error that we can truly progress and polish our skills towards excellence.

15:04
💰 Beware the dangers of fortune

The fourth principle warns about the dangers of wealth and fortune transforming people, causing them to lose their moral values.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Stoicism
Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium that emphasizes virtue, self-control, moderation and fate. The video discusses principles from Stoic philosopher Epictetus on how to lead a meaningful life by controlling one's reactions to external events. Stoic principles like preparing for the worst and not worrying over things outside of one's control are mentioned as ways to develop resilience.
💡Resilience
Resilience refers to the ability to cope with setbacks, challenges and external pressures. The video promotes "silent resilience" like that of a tree - appearing unmoved externally even when much is happening internally. This resilience arises from principles like not showing one's weaknesses and maintaining calm strength.
💡Self-knowledge
Self-knowledge is knowing oneself at a deeper level - one's true nature, emotions, thoughts and inner strengths. The video states that self-knowledge is key for personal growth and overcoming struggles. It enables clarity on reactions that lead to happiness vs emotional ruin.
💡Reactions
Our reactions or responses to external situations largely shape our lives rather than the situations themselves. The video emphasizes taking responsibility for reactions instead of blaming others. It also talks about choosing reactions that maintain tranquility.
💡Acceptance
Acceptance here refers to acknowledging the inevitability of problems, death, failing at times, etc. Stoic principles in the video advocate expecting the worst and accepting the lack of control over external things. This mental preparedness for adverse events fosters peace.
💡Wisdom
Wisdom refers to deep understanding and ability to apply knowledge effectively. The video puts forth Stoic wisdom on topics like learning, wealth, relationships, guilt, etc to navigate life's ups and downs. Internalizing such principles leads to prudent living.
💡Fate
Fate means events predetermined by forces outside one's control. Stoicism recognizes the role of fate but puts the focus on one's responses. Though fate causes adversity, the video emphasizes self-mastery amid chaos through practices like acceptance and expectation.
💡Virtue
Virtue signifies behavior showing high moral standards. For Stoics, wisdom and goodness were supreme virtues. The video advocates virtue by taking responsibility, having humility to learn, fulfilling one's duties without praise, and ignoring those who criticize.
💡Moderation
Moderation means avoiding extremes by exercising restraint and self-control. Stoicism values moderation in aspects like speech, wealth, possessions, reactions, etc. The video similarly promotes simplicity, calmness and stability in the face of stormy external events.
💡Principles
Principles here refer to the core philosophical teachings that guide thinking and behavior. The video puts forth Stoic principles from Epictetus that lead to personal empowerment - principles on learning, adversity, emotions, relationships, death, etc. Internalizing these supports tranquil living.
Highlights

Listen twice as much as you speak to fall in love with the voice of others and advance in life

Expect the worst to avoid anxiety about unfavorable future events that may not happen

Failing and making errors is the only way to truly improve professionally and personally

Wealth brings danger by transforming people, not always for the better

Pursue many dreams to increase chances of success rather than a single hope

Remember that death awaits at the end to evaluate if achievements are worth the limited life spent

True wealth lies in a contented spirit, not fretting over lacking things

Incorporate humility to open yourself to authentic new knowledge

Wise people see all guilt as foolishness; refuse to play the blame game

Surround yourself with people who inspire your best, not those who drain energy

Your reactions, not events, forge your destiny and mark success or failure

Fulfill your roles and duties without needing praise or reminders

Ignore haters completely rather than waste time hating back

Cultivate true friendships over wealth that requires constant energy to maintain

Always extract benefit from adversity by finding the positive

Transcripts

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