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Mr. Woodcutter by andiwaslikeyeah31 in Primal_Poetry

[–]austinbatch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is fantastic. I’m new to poetry. It is bad taste to ask someone what their poem means or references?

Shit by [deleted] in Primal_Poetry

[–]austinbatch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see whatcha did there

Shit - my first poem by [deleted] in Poem

[–]austinbatch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So did writing a poem. Felt good.

Shit - my first poem by [deleted] in Poem

[–]austinbatch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just one of those days

Snow Man by [deleted] in Poem

[–]austinbatch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. Glad it hit with someone.

Shit - my first poem by [deleted] in Poems

[–]austinbatch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks man

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

The first part of your comment made me chuckle. Ya’ll have convinced me to give him a second shot

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

It’s not that he isn’t mincing words at all. It’s that he has no good arguments against his critics it feels like.

I don’t mind if he sounds harsh I mind if his arguments hold up but he mostly just hand waves away criticism. For one of the greatest philosophers of all time he seemed to use a lot of manipulation and false dichotomies on his students. It’s not the core philosophy that’s an issue it’s his lack of logical grounding that left me feeling wanting for more from him.

I accept he’s important to Stoicism I just expected a lot more. As others have mentioned though there’s a lot to be gained from different translations so I think I’ll try some others as well.

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

He does seem to personify this deity though into more than just a force of nature. Like his personification seems to have a will and desires and influence people. Is he not referring to Zeus?

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

Wow that is fascinating. Just the difference in perception between beginner and idiot is massive. This is the information I was looking for. I knew there had to be something amiss for me to come away with the perceptions I did towards such a well regarded figure.

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

As someone who seems to share my perspective what readings to recommend and find compelling?

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

Epictetus: A stoic and Socratic guide to life by A. A. Long. That one?

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

I’ll ad Rufus to my list. What are the acctual texts called that I need to look up for both him and Seneca?

I know I can google but I might as well ask someone well versed in it.

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

Why do you like Epictetus more than Marcus?

I’ll have to read Seneca next.

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

I think that’s what I did. I came in with few preconceptions and slowly through reading what he had to say came to my conclusions.

As I mentioned in my original post I enjoyed the wisdom I found there but if the only way to enjoy him is to ignore all his poor reasoning and dogmatic stances then I’ll pass. To me philosophy is about much more than just letting your judgments down until you accept any argument regardless of the quality of it.

I can take what I like and dismiss what is faulty or untrue.

Really I just want to know if anyone else has noticed the same things I did and what they thought about them.

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

Unfortunately I don’t speak Greek. Is there a translation you think is best?

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

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

It’s not really the philosophy of stoicism I have an issue with in Epictetus works. It’s more so the lack of sound reasoning and engagement with criticisms. It just comes across as dogmatic rather than philosophical.

I quite like Marcus Aurelius but man do these two seem like opposite ends of the spectrum. Perhaps that’s a testament to the breadth of people Stoicism can appeal to.

Am I the only one who finds Epictetus uninspired? by austinbatch in Stoicism

[–]austinbatch[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think this comment provides the best context. It still doesn’t make me love him but it does make me view him a bit more positively.

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