As much a reminder to .self as a daily share, an attempt to start a daily series of quotes from the great stoic masters.
Ironically enough, I abhor today’s culture of motivational quote posters because they are the social media snake oil of philosophy and serve no purpose but to speak to those insecure enough to search and want to absorb the wisdom sprouted. Yet, without wanting to make an effort to improve themselves, let alone follow the advise or wisdom shared on said posters.
Now, I’ve said before that I’m a hypocrite(*) and don’t always follow my own advice thus it is easier for me to introduce SteemStoic, complete with motivational quote social media lead image.
As a person, I actively try to pursue stoicism because I think it makes both for a better self and a better world. Before I landed with stoicism some years ago, I was mostly interested in the pursuit of ataraxia but personally I found the goal of achieving ataraxia in today’s society not necessarily positive.
Ataraxia (ἀταραξία, literally, "not perturbed", generally translated as "imperturbability", "equanimity", or "tranquillity") is a Greek philosophy term used to describe a lucid state of robust equanimity that was characterized by ongoing freedom from distress and worry.
Source: Wikipedia
While at heart ataraxia is a positive achievement, in our culture and society it tends to lead to advanced forms of s’en foutisme, something I could identify always less with as I came closer to achieving it thanks to daily practice.
My disidentification with ataraxia as a method of life led me to stoicism, a path I still pursue. A philosophy which also counts ataraxia as one of the goals, but in a lighter degree and in which the ultimate happiness isn’t the necessary absolute goal.
A philosophy which aims to find harmony with the world, surroundings around and make it work for one.
A bonus to be on Steem, with all its drama, profit maximization, and drama.
Welcome to the (weekdaily) #steemstoic.
(*) I have since long left
, even before the recent hubbaloo about the restructured tiers and fee. While upvote bots can make a change to anyone’s life, I still don’t believe they are healthy for the Steem community and thus do not want to make use of groups which offer also bidbot services.