Status Updates From The Enchiridion of Epictetus

Now this is bullshit. People actually are, in fact, to blame about things they are responsible. This attitude practically discourages accountability.

For example: a builder drops a wrench from 10 stories high, and it hurts someone on the street below. It does not matter how we the onlooker feel about it; that builder is responsible for the damage he caused to the person on the street below.

It's easy to SAY "live your life in harmony with nature". But the question is, how?

People have argued for all kinds of barbaric horrors with that defense. Humanity is so cut off from nature, by our own cleverness and (ironically) nature, we cannot possibly conceive of being close to nature.

Actually, striving to avoid sickness is in fact a good idea. Within moderation, of course.

Of course, you can't avoid things like cancer (generally speaking) or disabilities that occur naturally. But you can and should vaccinate yourself against the measles.

I also agree with the idea that sticking to your own business is a worthy and liberating goal, one which indeed requires avoiding wealth and power.

However, I don't agree that it will deprive you of enemies and free you from coercion. Humans are communal creatures; and there are always those busybodies who are determined to but into your business no matter HOW you behave.

See: the history of gay & trans people.

Arguably, I'd say we have MORE control over our bodies than we do our internal selves. We can choose to cut our hair, put on certain clothes, choose what we eat, exercise, etc.

But our internal thoughts and feelings are as much, if not more, controlled by nature and the community than they are by us.

Still, the broader sentiment of "learn what you can and can't control" is inherently wise.

Are we in control of our own opinions, thoughts, and desires? True, we can choose what to do with our emotions. But we can't control our sexual orientations, gender identities, preferences, etc.

And even the things we arguably have more control over-our political beliefs, ambitions, religion, etc. are shaped by outside forces like school, friends, upbringing, and the broader community in which people live.

w poniedziałek mam egzamin z filozofii🫡. czytam drugi raz i robię notatki