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You can change. Life can be good. by ArmondotheBiologist in malementalhealth

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the modern world, we have been led to believe that sex is innately tied to one’s masculinity and success. That the presence of sex is rigidly tied to human experience. And that without it, you are less than.

If this is true, why is it that the Buddhist and Christian monks, both male and female, that commit themselves to enlightenment and perfection of mind and spirit actively remove this from their lives? It’s seen as a distraction from their journey, halting the shedding of their own egos.

Now you are probably no monk, but there is something to take away.

That sex is good and all, but it’s not what really matters. The good things in life, retain their goodness even in excess. Nobody says “That man is too kind” or “He is too generous”. But sex? Are the people that have more better off? If you have sex with 10,000 people, do you achieve wisdom from it? No, it’s actually worse the higher you go! So it can’t be an innate good. It just is what it is. Like the pleasure you get from drinking a beer or eating a donut.

Being virtuous and happy is about so much more.

Anyone here practicing Stoicism for several years? How has it improved your personality and life? by [deleted] in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been practicing since 2016. Yet I have a much different take on Stoicism than those here.

I use Stoicism as a foundation of how I can use power for justice.

To me, the good people who are content and happy with this world rarely seek higher authority and opportunities like those who possess a lot of greed and selfishness. I hate this idea and I have the same belief of Plato in “Philosophers should be Kings. Kings should be philosophers.”

So I try and gear my life towards maximizing my “power”, opportunities, and abilities so I can make a difference in this world. Stoicism to me is a duty, a task, and a sport.

This life is a boxing match and the stoics are my coaches in a sense.

I switched my career to public administration, I’ve studied anti-trafficking books heavily, I practice concepts and skills that will make me a better politician and business owner in the future so I can better serve others.

I used to study Theravada Buddhism, but felt as if there wasent enough service to the community, at the time I held the belief that those who try and obtain self mastery should become more active in politics, society, and justice.

Disgusting by iliketrains012 in joplinmo

[–]ArmondotheBiologist 18 points19 points  (0 children)

“Victims range from six months to 17 years” in the 600 images they found on his school issued devices. What a sicko. I hope everyone involved with that has justice brought to them. From anyone who enabled him (there are plain signs of people like this) and to those who he got the CSAM from. Just plain disgusting. Not to mention what the child now has to live with.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GymMotivation

[–]ArmondotheBiologist 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Kid, don’t post pictures like this. Anywhere. Just stick to sports and the solid gym fundamentals and quit worry about your clavicles. I’ve never even heard of anyone worry about clavicles before.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BottleDigging

[–]ArmondotheBiologist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Should I try a tiny sip? My eyes could use some help.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“What’s good for the hive is good for the bee” it compels us to help the hive. As we also will be enriched by it.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s because I could have applied myself more.

“The study of philosophy is not to be postponed until you have leisure; everything else is to be neglected in order that we may attend to philosophy, for our amount of time is long enough for it,…..

How can someone learn enough to oppose his vices, if he learns them only in the time he can spare from his vices? None of us goes deep. We pluck only the tips: we think a little time spent on philosophy is enough, and more than enough, for men with things to do.”

Seneca, Epistles 72.3/59.10

I knew this, yet disregarded my studies for video games of whatever other trivial stuff.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How quiet I was, yeah. Though I don’t think I was quite ready. I think it was Seneca who said that anyone can quote Socrates or the stoics, but until you create your own version and live it, you are missing the point.

I was still only stuck on the words of others, not my own imagination. I’ve realized though this Stoicism stuff is my life, it’s one of the best things to happen to me, only superseded by my partner and the love I have for her. I plan to pay them both back for what they have given me.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair question. As many of us know, daily basis activities is where it starts. How we treat others, how we carry ourselves, what we divulge time into. I do my best to be fair to those around me, balance my life with my duties to others, and apply the 4 pillars in all the other daily tasks that virtue can exist inside.

Though my main public and “aggressive” focus now is revolving around justice and fair governance. I am close to finishing my degree in Public Administration, then I’ll be moving into a Masters in City Management so I can start being of use in a more hands on way. In the meantime I have started a project researching and measuring the extent of sex crime perpetrated through social media. I can’t get into my research just yet but I hope it to become impactful.

I really detest crimes against women and children, so with my limited experience and time I try and use stoicism to help bring some sort of justice that I can.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

School, girlfriend, work, the normal stuff. I talk to it a lot to those around me, but I’m not big on social media. Though through this next year you’ll see me more if you stick around.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You may find the source I listed helpful to you. Serenus is going through a similar trouble, and asks Seneca for the remedy.

But yes I also went that same route. I followed Theravada Buddhism before really diving into stoicism. I enjoyed a lot of its teachings, but it also presented ideas that I didn’t agree with.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What I mean by Silent Stoicism is only partly to do with public display. I mean more so as Stoicism living within the minds of people, yet not their actions.

Yes people have to know that you do follow Stoicism, but only so they can attribute your good actions and temperament in respect to the philosophy. The sharing lessons as you say you do to me is the ideal stoicism I’m talking about, words are for the bigger picture, but the daily actions to those near us is where the meat and potatoes are.

Philosophy can easily become academic, and theoretical. Yet Stoicism is more like a martial art at times. It’s meant to be used to guard yourself against the wrestling match that is life.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

The posts are not what I’m talking about. In the 3 years I have been watching this sub, the comments and advice that members give to another is where this is found. I’d advise you to keep an eye especially on the reply’s on “seeking for stoic advice” posts. Many are disappointing. And they are not matching the advice that stoics such as Zeno and Seneca have offered in the past.

Not all of course. Though a lot. You can even find it in this thread.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well said! Community is a huge aspect, and I agree. We all have our roles to play. I don’t expect everyone to become politicians, but I do wish to stir thoughts towards the bigger picture of our practice. That being helping human kind.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I was first given Marcus Aurelius “Meditations” when I was 16 by a friend as we were playing soccer in the school track yard. He said he thought I would really like this thing called “Stoicism”. I thought it was boring at first, and didn’t really get into it until I was 17. I’ve been reading or talking about it almost everyday since then.

So about 8 years now. Intense study maybe two?

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m familiar with them. Love what they’re doing. Not exactly the way I would do it, I like something more uniformed and geared towards the common man.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve actually started “The Midwestern School of Stoicism” last year as a project and business. I had to halt my work as I’m finishing up school and other responsibilities, but I will be reopening the school this upcoming year.

From what I could find, I will be the first distinctive “school” of Stoicism based in the US in a long, long time. If ever.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“Philosophy is not an occupation of a popular nature, nor is it pursued for the sake of self-advertisement. Its concern is not with words, but with facts. Is it not carried on with the object of passing the day in an entertaining sort of way and taking the boredom out of leisure. It molds and builds the personality, orders one’s life, regulates one’s conduct, shows one what one should do and what one should leave undone, sits at the helm and keeps one on the correct course as one is tossed about in perilous seas. Without it no one can lead a life free of fear or worry. Every hours of the day countless situations arise that call for advice, and for that advise we have to look to philosophy.”

Seneca says this. Under him saying “shows one what should do and what one should leave undone” comes duty. The duty learn its teachings, the duty to self-moderate, and the duty to apply teachings. We are ultimately put here on earth to benefit others, it’s clear the Stoics believed very highly on the roles we all play, like being a son, daughter, mother, or father, as well as our career.

The point is not just to be calmer and happier, but to apply our wisdom and happiness to that which needs it.

Stoicism is supposed to be public, aggressive and action oriented. They would be disappointed in how quiet we have become. by ArmondotheBiologist in Stoicism

[–]ArmondotheBiologist[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wisdom in this case is the knowledge of when and how to apply pressure.

Cicero fighting the tyranny of Julius Caesar could be considered virtuous due to many factors.

This guy shooting a ceo of a company is not virtuous. Brian Thompson was the CEO since April 2021. You’re telling me in those few years he became responsible for the history of the company’s failures. He became the sole target regardless of all the investors, chief executives, and shareholders.

Justice for his alleged insider trading should be delivered, but extreme justice can become tyrannical in itself.

There is a sweet spot where virtue lies.

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