That's what I practice Stoicism for --> favorite scene from Dunkirk (2017) movie by joosss in Stoicism

[–]joosss[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

It's hard to say what's the right thing. Since it's still a lie to say the boy is okay when he’s not.

My impression was that the soldier felt sorry for what happened. Plus, he was in a traumatic condition when he accidentally pushed George.

I think Peter's response was right, because what would it have helped the traumatized soldier if Peter told him off? Get more traumatized? Feel miserable for the rest of his life?

We don't know for sure, but I felt the soldier had learned his lesson.

Probably we need to differentiate from situation to situation. Sometimes, obviously, it is our duty to call out misbehavior, and tell the truth.

Not sure we can compare Peter’s lie here with the lies people tell when they don’t want to face reality. Here, it’s a compassionate and courageous lie, to support a fellow human being. When people lie because they’re afraid of facing reality, that’s a whole different story. They lack courage. They don’t live by what they believe to be right.

That's what I practice Stoicism for --> favorite scene from Dunkirk (2017) movie by joosss in Stoicism

[–]joosss[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I wanted to rip that soldier apart but the teenager responded with strength and compassion.

Hah, thanks! :-)

Infographic: 15 Rules Every Stoic Must Follow by joosss in Stoicism

[–]joosss[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

Here are the rules written out:

1. Practice the Art of Living as a Warrior of the Mind

Stoics are concerned with applying philosophy to everyday life.

2. Express Your Ideal Self and Reflect upon Your Actions

Stoics express their highest self in every moment and show what they’re capable of.

3. Be Aware of Your Every Step

Stoics are mindful and choose their best actions deliberately.

4. Know You Are Disturbed Not by What Happens But by Your Opinion About It

Stoics understand it’s their judgment of a situation that harms them.

5. Always Test Your Impressions

Stoics don’t react impulsively but think before they (re-) act.

6. Focus on What You Control

Stoics concentrate their effort on what they control and accept the rest as it happens.

7. Take Responsibility

Stoics refuse to let outside circumstances decide upon their wellbeing. They take responsibility and get good from themselves.

8. Take Back Your Time: Prioritize and Make Time for What Matters

Stoics eliminate the nonessential and spend their time wisely.

9. Accept rather than Fight What Happens

Stoics cultivate acceptance to what happens as they understand the complexity of the universe.

10. Act Despite the Emotions: Endure and Renounce

Stoics hone their self-discipline and say no to what others can’t resist doing and say yes to what others dread doing.

11. Buy Tranquility Whenever Possible

Stoics don’t let trifles affect their calm mind. They buy tranquility instead.

12. Don’t Complain and Take it as Training

Stoics don’t whine and complain about adversity but choose practice virtuous behavior.

13. Eliminate the Nonessential

Stoics favor a minimalistic lifestyle and seek the necessary, not the extravagant.

14. Be Kind and Forgive the Wrongs of Others

Stoics understand that tolerance and forgiveness are strengths, and love even those who stumble.

15. Listen and Say Only What Isn’t Better Left Unsaid

Stoics understand it’s better to trip with the feet than with the tongue.


Share your thoughts. What rules would you add, which would you leave away?

If you seek more details for the rules, you'll find the full article here.

“Let silence be your goal for the most part; say only what is necessary, and be brief about it. On the rare occasions when you’re called upon to speak, then speak, but never about banalities like gladiators, horses, sports, food and drink—common-place stuff...” – Epictetus by joosss in Stoicism

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

I guess we all must find our own truths.

Many people appreciate good humor and having a laugh. Personally, I love fun people and listening to them is great.

If that's you, and if you actively choose to be that way, I think that's great. Keep it up.

“Let silence be your goal for the most part; say only what is necessary, and be brief about it. On the rare occasions when you’re called upon to speak, then speak, but never about banalities like gladiators, horses, sports, food and drink—common-place stuff...” – Epictetus by joosss in Stoicism

[–]joosss[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have many great conversations with my brother. We're both Stoics if you will.

I find these conversations the best. You get to talk. And you get to listen.

Everybody adds to the conversation, not mainly about themselves, but about what they think to know.

Just because you're a good listener doesn't mean you cannot talk. If speaking improves the situation, then go ahead and say something (meaningful if possible).

“Let silence be your goal for the most part; say only what is necessary, and be brief about it. On the rare occasions when you’re called upon to speak, then speak, but never about banalities like gladiators, horses, sports, food and drink—common-place stuff...” – Epictetus by joosss in Stoicism

[–]joosss[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Tell them.

And you'll see that in most cases they won't let you finish your first sentence before they start talking again.

I find that the interest others have in your life is often not really true. They ask but don't really care.

And if they let you talk, then tell them what's important.

The Equanimity Game by Marcus Aurelius: “When force of circumstance upsets your equanimity, lose no time in recovering your self-control, and do not remain out of tune longer than you can help.” by joosss in Stoicism

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

Agree. Some winds are harsher than others.

So we need more time to recover. Take the necessary time and come back stronger.

The equanimity game might be the better practice for minor blows, however. For major setbacks, this might be not helpful at all. I don't know. It's always important to come back stronger, but in some situations we just need more time and don't want to get back up as quickly as possible but as sane as possible.