Insult stings. It can take in a lot of forms including physical (slapping and punching), verbal (intrusive jokes), and facial expressions (raised eyebrow). Regardless of its form, it disturbs our peace of mind and therefore a hindrance to our happiness. So how do we deal with an insult? In this article, we will explore 3 and if necessary 4 steps approach on how to deal with put-downs from…
In letters from a stoic 50, Seneca begins with his usual reminder of the importance of improving oneself every day. He further adds that faults cannot be attributed to external circumstances, only to ourselves. “For what else are you busied with except improving yourself every day, laying aside some error, and coming to understand that the faults which you attribute to circumstances are in yourself?” …
In letters from a stoic 49, Seneca begins by saying that certain places bring memories back to our mind, good and bad. He said that these memories are brief when we reflect on them. Time goes by so fast that a present experience is gone in splits of seconds, what we normally term “a moment ago”. “All past time is in the same place; it all presents the…
In letters from a stoic 48, Seneca reminds Lucilius about the mutuality of Stoic friendship. In his third letter, he discussed what it means to be a real friend. “But the fact is, the same thing is advantageous to me which is advantageous to you; for I am not your friend unless whatever is at issue concerning you is my concern also. Friendship produces between us a partnership…
In letters from a stoic 47, we get a glimpse of how slaves were maltreated in Ancient Rome and how Seneca strongly opposed this kind of practice. “I shall pass over other cruel and inhuman conduct towards them; for we maltreat them, not as if they were men, but as if they were beasts of burden. “ …