Re:Don't Lower Your Expectations
by kornakiewicz on Saturday July 08, 2017 @02:39PM
(#14726627)
I often find the stoic approach ("don't have external expectations") as one, which makes me less stressed and able to make better decisions. On the other hand I try to aim high and achieve more. So it's basically this subtle tension between both, what works best for me. Choosing only one option probably would make me either lazy and stagnating, or stressed and miserable.
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This is a great philosophy.
I've found much success in divorcing my goals from my expectations.
This somewhat paradoxical approach that you describe has become enormously important to me over the past few years.
It leaves me excited for the future as I explore the possibilities that life may provide, but very grounded and aware of the immense fragility.
As a spec on a tiny ball of dirt floating in space, I shouldn't be surprised when the wind knocks me over. But I should at least try to get back up, as it seems there are many interesting things and meaningful experiences out there awaiting me.
Do you have any recommendations for books regarding stoicism? I'd like to learn more.
Re:Don't Lower Your Expectations
by vborovikov on Sunday July 09, 2017 @12:57PM
(#14730622)
Here is a great summary of A Guide to the Good Life: http://becomingeden.com/summary-of-a-guide-to-the-good-life/
I’m not the original poster, but I recommend Meditations by Marcus Aurelius highly.
I’d also check out A Guide to the Good Life by William Irvine, it’s an overview and a much less tedious read (wrote this century, haha).