How To Think Like A Roman Emperor Flashcards
It’s unavoidable to feel fear and such reactionary emotions. What really matters is…
How you react after having these
Do stoics try to suppress their emotions?
No, they feel them, but don’t irrationally perpetuate them.
T/F Simplicity is the way of nature
True
What are the two things that honesty and simplicity of language require?
Conciseness and objectivity
According to the stoics, when we assign values like “good” and “bad” to external events, we are…
Behaving irrationally, and exercising a form of self-deception
What are the five virtues of speech?
1) Correct grammar and good vocabulary
2) Clarity of expression (making ideas easily understood)
3) Conciseness (no more words than necessary)
4) Appropriateness of style (suited to the subject matter and the audience)
5) Distinction, or artistic excellence (and no vulgarity)
Why should we avoid strong emotive language?
We deceive ourselves and others by assigning higher values
How can you remind yourself of the transience of events?
When a trying event presents itself, ask yourself: “what will probably happen next? And then what? And then what?” And so on, until you understand the thing in its broader context.
What is decatastophyzing?
Thoroughly examining something logically to show its actual effect on you
What is the stoic recommendation for gaining a firm idea of virtues to emulate?
Think of people that you know that have those virtues and model yourself after them
What are two powerful questions that are suggested that you ask yourself in the morning?
1) How would I behave if I followed purely my instincts and impulses today?
2) How would I behave if I let reason be my guide today?
Set aside at least a few minutes a day to reflect on your values, and then…
Compare them and assess your progress from time to time
A stoic should not be concerned with whether an arrow hits the target, but rather…
Whether or not the arrow has been skillfully shot and directed. Paradoxically, if he has done this, it doesn’t matter if he hits the target.
Say “I will do ——, ______”
Fate/God willing (reserve clause)
What is premeditation of adversity?
Running troubling situations that will probably confront you through your mind to prepare for them and how you will react.
We are rational creatures, and so we are meant to behave socially, so…
It is our duty to act with mutual respect and love. It is a stoic virtue to live in harmony with mankind. This doesn’t mean that everyone will be our friend, but rather, troublesome people are like a prescription of a challenge that we can use to better ourselves and practice living well.
Apoloneous said:
“There are wicked men, they are useful to thee. Without them, what need would there be for virtues?”
When someone is annoying you…
Work to view their character as a whole. Think of virtues that they possess and going about their daily life so that you can view the situation objectively and rationally.
“No man…
Does wrong willingly”
Remember further that nobody’s perfect
To understand a person better, you can lay out…
Their soul before you. What kind of people are they trying to please? Why are they doing what they’re doing?
Things like wealth and health are…
Indifferent things
To learn how to die…
Is to unlearn how to be a slave
“Leave the wrong…
With the wrongdoer”
What does the Greek word apathia mean?
Freedom from harmful desires or passions
What can you do when you begin to get annoyed at someone?
You can think of the virtues of that person has, and this will set you up so that you can start to view the situation objectively
What can you say to a thought to establish cognitive dissonance towards it?
Say, you are just a thought, and not the thing that you claim to be
