How Do You Not See This? | Be Stingy With Time

Dec 7, 2020

Dive into the philosophical reflections of Thomas Jefferson, examining the moral contradictions around slavery. Unpack the flawed logic behind his views contrasted with the brilliance of formerly enslaved thinkers. Explore the value of time as a non-renewable resource and the urgency of managing it wisely. Discover how to set boundaries for personal engagements and the need for careful time management, drawing from Stoic principles. It's a thought-provoking journey into self-reflection and the importance of protecting our time.

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ANECDOTE

Jefferson's Flawed Logic

Thomas Jefferson wrongly rationalized American slavery by citing the lack of Black intellectuals like Epictetus.
He ignored that American laws forbade educating slaves, creating the very deficiency he cited.

insights

INSIGHT

Blind Spots

Self-proclaimed problem-solvers might be blind to their contributions to the issues.
Consider your advantages and others' disadvantages before judging their struggles.

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ADVICE

Time Management

Be stingy with your time and avoid wasteful activities.
Identify time-consuming activities with poor returns and actively reduce them.

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The Flawed Logic of Rationalizing Slavery

04:07 • 2min

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Reclaiming Time: A Philosophical Perspective

06:17 • 4min

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Valuing Time: The Importance of Setting Boundaries

10:28 • 2min

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Guarding Time: The Balance of Responsibility

12:28 • 3min

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#599

• Mentioned in 57 episodes

On the Shortness of Life

Seneca

In this essay, Seneca addresses the common complaint that life is too short by arguing that life is sufficiently long if one uses it wisely. He contends that people waste much of their time in luxury, carelessness, and pointless activities. Seneca emphasizes the importance of living in the present, pursuing philosophical wisdom, and avoiding the distractions that make life seem short. He advises readers to organize each day as if it were their last and to avoid procrastination and the preoccupation with future or past concerns.

#199

• Mentioned in 118 episodes

The Daily Stoic Journal

Ryan Holiday

Stephen Hanselman

This journal is designed to help readers apply Stoic principles to their daily lives. It features space for morning and evening notes, weekly explanations of powerful Stoic practices, related quotations, and daily prompts to inspire deeper reflection and application. Created with a durable, Smyth-sewn binding and including resources for further reading, it is a companion volume for those who love 'The Daily Stoic' and can also be used as a stand-alone journal. It aims to help readers achieve inner peace, clarity, and effectiveness in their lives.

#12

• Mentioned in 461 episodes

The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

#247

• Mentioned in 103 episodes

Discourses

Epictetus

The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical, directing students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires to distinguish what is within their control from what is not. The teachings aim to make people free and happy by living virtuously and 'according to nature. ' The Discourses cover a wide range of topics, including friendship, illness, fear, and poverty, and how to acquire and maintain tranquility. They are set in Epictetus' classroom in Nicopolis and reflect his earnest and often humorous style of teaching.

#62

• Mentioned in 242 episodes

Ego is the Enemy

Ryan Holiday

In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.

"You consider yourself a programmatic thinker, a political realist, a student of history, a righter of wrongs, a teller of truths. The world is going to hell and you know how to fix it. But maybe you’ve become blind to the way your decisions, your actions, your beliefs are contributing—not to any sort of solution, but rather to the very thing you’re bemoaning. Maybe you’re the problem."

Ryan describes why we should be wary of the absolute certainty that we know what is right and wrong, and reads this week's meditation from The Daily Stoic Journal, on today's Daily Stoic Podcast.

This episode is brought to you by Optimize, the membership that guides you on the path to living right. Optimize offers services like Philosopher Notes, six-page condensed reviews of insightful nonfiction books like Epictetus’s Discourses, Ryan’s The Obstacle Is the Way, and more. Members also get access to 101 video Master Classes, each one an intensive taught by experts about a particular topic. Visit optimize.me/dailystoic and get your first fourteen days free, plus 10% off your membership with discount code STOIC.

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