An optimistic look at China ?

China will honour its climate pledges – look at the changes we have already made.

In the run-up to the climate conference in Glasgow, there are suggestions that without real participation and greater contribution from China, neither the conference nor the global response to climate change will get anywhere. The unstated worry is this: will China honour its pledges to reduce emissions?

This anxiety is unnecessary. Anyone who knows China well is sure that my country is serious about reducing carbon emissions and pursuing green development, and that we mean what we say.

In China, it is already a national consensus that “lucid waters and lush mountains are mountains of gold and silver” – an idea proposed by our president, Xi Jinping. Ecological conservation has been one of the “five prongs” of the overall plan for the country’s development since the 18th congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, the other four being economic, political, social and cultural development. This means preserving the environment is written into the guidelines of China’s governing party.
— Guardian: article by Zheng Zeguang - Chinese ambassador to the UK

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/oct/27/china-climate-pledges-cop26-emissions

Everyone was very excited to see the government’s new climate change plan!
First Dog on the Moon

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/oct/27/everyone-was-very-excited-to-see-the-governments-new-climate-change-plan

'Piper in the Woods' by Philip K. Dick

https://librivox.org/short-science-fiction-collection-037/

Reader: Gregg Margarite (1957 - 2012)

[ Artemis ! Welcome back :sparkle: ]

Kinda funny but, like your short story in the competition, fiction doesn’t seem to be your strong suit. At least I made it past the first couple of paragraphs in this latest drama — praxis

You think continuing this provocation is helpful or wise ?

I just believe that Stoicism encourages one to desire a state of apathy.

The state of being apathetic is wallowsome and quite perfunctory. Nothing seems to transpire or come to realization when being apathetic. That's why it doesn't cause me any joy or happiness or pleasure to be apathetic. Sometimes I would prefer to read a book or a magazine rather than just apathetically wait until I'm ready to do so, whenever or whatever that means. — Shawn

If you had taken time/effort to read or understand previous explanations, then you might begin to realise that your belief (I bolded) about Stoicism is incorrect.
Perhaps you do realise it.
Perhaps you 'just desire' yet another discussion about your negative view or experience of the theory/practice of 'Stoicism' which you seem to want to blame for your own state of 'apathy'.

You fail to respond adequately to any questions, explanations or links offered, such as the meaning and causes of 'Apathy'.
So, yes, I would agree that you are 'apathetic' - in the sense of not following through. Ironically, there seems to be a determination to keep on 'wallowing like a pig'. What that means and when you started to identify as a pig - well, that is known to you. You are self-aware.

If that state doesn't bring you 'joy, happiness or pleasure', then what can be done about it, if you even want to or have the capability ?
What makes you think you have to wait 'apathetically' until you are ready to read a book, etc ?
That's not what 'Stoicism' is about, and I think you know that.

'Whenever or whatever that means' - you asked the question, what's your answer. Or will your response be yet another frustrating and confused jumble of words ? We both know you can do better than that, even if you feel more wallowsome just playing around...

--------

Stoicism: It can't be mastered. It can't be done. It can't be practiced.
— god must be atheist

It definitely rubs our capitalistic values forged in rugged individualism the wrong way. We're not trained for well-being, so we need to train ourselves. — praxis

It's not about 'mastering Stoicism' but yourself - thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
@praxis is right. It's about 'training'; some need guides or exercises for wellbeing.

See previous discussion, ending with:

I don't see Stoicism as being a perfect system of philosophy. Rather it gives guidelines and exercises in thought and considered, careful action.
— Amity

I think the same. It's a wise way of living. — Ciceronianus

--------

Stoic Week ended yesterday.
Sunday: Building a Stoic Toolkit.

For when you might 'fall off the Stoic horse', if you even got on...
Even if we feel calm or resilient most of the time, strong responses or emotions can take over which might be less than helpful.
This can happen when we are physically or mentally under the weather: tired, in pain, feeling low.

Generally, this is where self-awareness comes in. We need to 'read' ourselves.
Then, work out where we have particular challenges e.g. Anxiety and then pick out particular phrases or quotes we find helpful. In the moment. Perspective and priority.

The Morning Quote:
“Today I escaped from anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perception – not outside”

Marcus Aurelius Meditations 9:13 — Stoic Week 2021

Why would we even want to control ourselves, our emotions ?
Some don't.
Is it worth making changes in our daily routines ? Perhaps not. It depends on what we are aiming for.

The Evening Quote:
“Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfil the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.”

Viktor Frankl: Man’s Search for Meaning

Viktor is reminding us here that we are not achieving anything if we spend a great deal of time and effort in studying Stoicism or other forms of self-improvement, without changing the way we behave. — Stoic Week 2021

Other tools in the kit are the keeping of a journal. Thinking of the day ahead, what we want to achieve or which emotion might need attention...being careful in thoughts, assumptions and action...reflecting on how things went...for you and others.

Personally, I don't do this. I'm lazy. However, I seem to have absorbed some of the key quotes, already mentioned of Epictetus and Marcus. They are in my mind, especially when relating to others.
[ Stoic Week, Wednesday...the Circles of Care...]

Leaving it now.
--------
Almost...
A note on Viktor Frankl, as quoted above:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Frankl

Viktor Emil Frankl (26 March 1905 – 2 September 1997) was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor...

Frankl identified three main ways of realizing meaning in life: by making a difference in the world, by having particular experiences, or by adopting particular attitudes.

The primary techniques offered by logotherapy and existential analysis are:

Paradoxical intention: clients learn to overcome obsessions or anxieties by self-distancing and humorous exaggeration.
Dereflection: drawing the client's attention away from their symptoms, as hyper-reflection can lead to inaction.[23]
Socratic dialogue and attitude modification: asking questions designed to help a client find and pursue self-defined meaning in their life.[24]
— Wiki: Viktor Frankl

Hope that offers some clarification. — Shawn

Yes. Totally :party:

Stoic week continues with Saturday: Stoic it up!

All about the choices we make, why and the consequences for self and others.
The Morning Quote:

“If you can find anything in human life better than justice, truthfulness, self-control, courage … if you can see anything better than this, turn to it with all your heart and enjoy the supreme good that you have found… if you find all other things to be trivial and valueless in comparison with this, give no room to anything else, since, once you turn towards that and divert from your proper path, you will no longer be able without inner conflict to give the highest honour to that which is properly good. It is not right to set up as a rival to the rational and social good anything alien to its nature, such as the praise of the many, or positions of power, wealth, or enjoyment of pleasures. All of these, even if they seem to suit our nature for a little while, suddenly take control of us and carry us away. But in your case simply and freely choose what is better and hold on to that. ‘But what is better is what benefits me’. If it benefits you as a rational creature, then maintain this. But if it does so as an animal, reject it and hold to your decision without a big fuss. Only take care that your enquiry is conducted securely”

Marcus Aurelius: Meditations 3.6

The part I bolded reminded me of @Shawn - his frustration with Stoicism; life choices and apathy.
Following Stoic guidance and exercises is not easy or simple, even when the mind is up for it and in a relatively stable state.

I 'should' go for a walk every day for health benefits BUT I'm tired, it's cold out...
I 'should' phone my nonagenarian, Christian Aunt - she's alone and grieving - and I care - BUT I'm afraid I lose it and say something I regret if she starts 'preaching'...being judgemental...

What would make me a better person - and do I really care ? 'Apathy' can be a bit of a killer...at least not a desirable state to stay in for long...

As discussed, even if the word is derived from the Greek, it shouldn't be confused with the Greek term 'Apatheia'.

Apatheia in the sense of being without disturbance, without fear, without negative emotions or passions (anger, hate) is what the Stoics strive for; not indifference to all things. — Ciceronianus

So, in contrast to apathy, apatheia is considered a virtue.
It doesn't help to be ambiguous in a discussion which is why I asked for clarification re the OP.
It is not a 'side issue', is it ?

As a side issue of this thread, do you think apatheia is a natural conclusion of Stoicism or even quietism?
— Shawn

Because I'm not very happy about apathy in Stoicism. It seems like a natural result of Stoicism.
— Shawn — baker

I think apathy can be a sign/symptom of mental/physical problems. Life circumstances.
It can be pretty normal or natural.
https://www.healthline.com/health/apathy#:~:text=Apathy%20is%20a%20symptom%20of%20several%20psychiatric%20and,palsy%207%20schizophrenia%208%20stroke%209%20vascular%20dementia

Why be unhappy and blame 'Stoicism' ?

--------

[ Re: Stoic Week]...If Shawn registers - might be interesting to compare thoughts.
— Amity

*Wallow wallow*

It's a pigs life. — Shawn

It makes me wonder when or why @Shawn began to identify as a pig *
An animal. As per morning quote, Marcus would advise us to reject seeing ourselves as wallowers in a pigsty. A cage of our own making ? How healthy is that ? Of what benefit to self or others.
* @Shawn - do you have the answers, would you be willing to share ?

There's a story about Epictetus that he was tortured while a slave and pointed out to his torturer that if he kept it up he'd break Epictetus' leg, and that once he broke it Epictetus said something like 'I told you so." I'm inclined to think that story is like the stories which were told regarding Christians who were tortured or martyred and how they acted while in pain or dying; i.e., not credible. — Ciceronianus

Yes, I think that this idea of Stoic 'indifference' towards 'pain' is not credible when it comes to the actual, physical experience. Indeed, it is a most convoluted concept. No wonder it turns people off !

There's no doubt that it would be difficult to live a Stoic life. That may be why professed Stoics like Marcus Aurelius were inclined to engage in the discipline of constantly reminding themselves of what that would entail- — Ciceronianus

I don't see Stoicism as being a perfect system of philosophy. Rather it gives guidelines and exercises in thought and considered, careful action.

What is it that might be gained realistically or practically ?
Grateful for the knowledge/experience you bring to the discussion :sparkle:

Then why your glum OP?
— baker

Because I'm not very happy about apathy in Stoicism. It seems like a natural result of Stoicism. — Shawn

From the OP:

I would like to focus on the difference between inner calm and inner peace of a Stoic. The difference manifests itself in dispreferred and preferred indifferents. I won't go into what they are but the thesis of this thread is that stoicism presents itself as a constant struggle (in my experience) with analyzing what is important to control in one's life. Life in the Stoics inner citadel is rife with a sense of arising apathy towards what life or fate has in store for you — Shawn

What is the difference between 'inner calm and inner peace' ?

An explanation of your understanding of the Stoic concept of 'Indifference' would have been useful.
Why did you avoid this ? It is difficult to articulate. *

--------

You talk of your experience of stoicism as a constant struggle in analysing what is important to control.
Well yes. But it needn't be such a struggle that it exhausts you ! Once you have the basics under your hat, then it should almost be second nature, no ? You've studied this for years and knowledgeable people here such as @Ciceronianus have given much time and energy in your Stoic discussions.
Is it any wonder that:

I sometimes think I've said all I have to say about certain subjects. Then, suddenly, I think I haven't. — Ciceronianus

It's good that you still raise these questions. The discussion brings benefits, even if you appear 'unhappy' or frustrated with Stoicism. Again...

--------
Any analysis of what is of value in life - what makes the difference in achieving wellbeing - isn't easy.
Stoic concepts are confusing, challenging and don't always make sense.

What do you mean by 'life in the Stoics inner citadel' ?
Where is this found ?
Where do you see ' a sense of rising apathy' ? What do you mean by 'apathy' ?

--------
* I'm following Stoic Week. Some of the additional resources, relevant to discussion:

Epictetus on Indifference in Things - Philosophy Core Concepts ( 11:56)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hfSBbUxmQE

A consideration and dialogue re Stoic values and the question: “What’s most important for you in life?”
https://modernstoicism.com/a-stoic-values-clarification-dialogue-and-workshop-by-christopher-gill-and-tim-lebon/

...as some authors would describe the stoic inner citadel of methodological reasonings of how to go about life to attain this state one has to present to themselves every day a sort of creed in practice. This creed affirm the needless effort to seek out inner peace as seen through the every day affirmations of Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus. — Shawn

Re: daily presentations of a 'sort of creed'.
@Shawn
Perhaps you can clarify. Am I right in thinking you are referring to one of the techniques: the use of maxims or proverbs/mantras ?

1. the maxim - written down in notebooks ( enchiridions) and repeated until memorised. — Amity

I see these are shortcut reminders to the more in-depth philosophy - or in some cases, religion.
A quick pick-me up, if you like. Or words we live by - that colour our attitude. The way we look at life.
Our health and wellbeing.

Some can be a bit trite or even lead to more questions. 'Everything in moderation' - 'Know Thyself'.

The thing with CBT is that it is remedial, usually short-term and, I think, diagnosis driven ?
People are already suffering from problems.

So, here comes the maxim ingrained or engraved on my skull:
'Prevention is better than cure'.
So, perhaps a 'Practical Stoicism', as a whole philosophy of life - can bring benefits by mental and physical preparation ? A readiness, if you like.
Your thoughts ?
@Ciceronianus

I've come rather late to this thread, and may have missed something. — Ciceronianus

At last. What took you so long ? :wink:

Interesting thought-provoking challenges thrown up in this discussion - from different perspectives - will take time to chew over. In the meantime...returning to this:

How philosophy can save your life | Jules Evans | TEDxBreda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=XuwYvFlNGns

Somewhere at 12:30 he suddenly says SHIT-BRICKED, and this was beautiful in front of an academic audience.
— Shawn
:lol:
Short Story, surely.
So-called Shaky Stoics Shit-bricked on a Ship-wreck :cool: — Amity

At 12:32, Jules talks about the 3rd technique for creating 'ingrained habits', as potentially a way to change the way we live/think about our lives. The first two:
1. the maxim - written down in notebooks ( enchiridions) and repeated until memorised.
2. keeping a journal - to keep track of progress. At 12:14, advice from Epictetus re anger management - to count the days we've managed not to lose it. If 30 days, then "Yay, progress !".

3. fieldwork - not enough to theorise, need to get out there for practice.
At 12:45, Epictetus to his students. You may be very good in the lecture room but drag yourself out into practice and you're miserably ship-wrecked. ( or shit-bricked as @Shawn would have it !)
Need to challenge not just your thoughts but your behaviour.

If we have modern day CBT, the questions arises 'Do we still need Ancient Philosophy ?'
At 14:12, Jules gives 2 reasons.

Ending with:
Neither psychology or philosophy - ancient or modern - can give a single answer to the Big Q's like:
What's the meaning of life ? What does it mean to flourish ?

There will always be different and various views and arguments about ideas/theories/practices.
I agree with Jules when he states the importance of practical philosophy brought into schools, universities, companies.

Also, re @unenlightened previous comment:

We are natural stoics wrt the past. Good or bad, we take it as it went. — unenlightened

I was in 2 minds over this. I thought back to my 2 grandparents who fought in and survived WW1.
Both how they coped and also their families; parents and eventual wives/children.

There's a sense in - yes, they just got on with it. They had no choice or much say in the matter.
Perhaps a natural survival instinct is part of stoicism or v.v.
However, that isn't to say that there weren't negative effects which would linger and perhaps fester.
Perhaps the words 'stress' or 'post-traumatic disorder' didn't enter their vocabulary. But it existed.
The NHS didn't. And now, services are being reduced with remaining staff being stressed beyond belief.

Can we console ourselves with 'All's well that ends well' ?

I've been listening to new re-mixed version so I'll post some of the de-Spector-ized tracks... — 180 Proof

I, Me, Mine" (2:26)
Harrison, 1969-70 — 180 Proof

Just love this. Much clearer. Smooth and less jarring sound :cool:
'Let it Be' is in a class of its own :sparkle:
Enjoyed the other selections. Thanks again for sharing what you could.
I am surprised that the songs are already available online !

I may not have time as I'm under the pump at work (COVID emergencies, reports). The connection to CBT is clear and I studied Albert Ellis, who developed the foundations of this intervention based on some ideas from Stoicism (particularly Epictetus) and others. As REBT or Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. — Tom Storm

I've read of an increase in referrals and a decrease in resources to deal with the fall-out from Covid and Brexit-related stresses.
Please stay well and continue the good work :sparkle:

One of the most powerful ideas I ever heard (when I heard it first 35 years ago) is - "It isn't what people say to you or do that upsets you, it is how you chose to react.' Simple and almost a homily on the surface, but so often when people 'go off the rails' it is because they have been unable to hold this in mind.

Epictetus, in the first century A.D. wrote in the Enchiridion: “Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of them.” — Tom Storm

Yes, this is something I try to keep in mind whenever the blood starts to boil for whatever reason.
It is indeed a powerful Stoic theme re the perception of hurt/harm.
Most relevant to @Shawn's

As a stoic, I have had many reasons for engaging in the life of a would be stoic. One of the more imperative reasons would be to attain a sense of inner calm. — Shawn

Marcus Aurelius wrote in The Meditations:
'Remove the judgement, and you have removed the thought 'I am hurt': remove the thought 'I am hurt', and the hurt itself is removed.' (4:7)

It's a recurring theme re how to cope with anxieties, etc.
Being aware of our perceptions and internal judgements about external events/circumstances.
And then addressing rationally...where possible.

Somewhere at 12:30 he suddenly says SHIT-BRICKED, and this was beautiful in front of an academic audience. — Shawn

:lol:

Short Story, surely.
So-called Shaky Stoics Shit-bricked on a Ship-wreck :cool:

How philosophy can save your life | Jules Evans | TEDxBreda
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XuwYvFlNGns

15mins
CBT and Stoicism - Jules Evans includes personal story with humour.

Looks like it has the full video University lecture series. I signed up but didn’t pay the $50 for certification so I won’t be a bonafide CCV (climate change virtuoso). — praxis

:smile: same here, not gonna pay £35 for a piece of paper !
Looks good. Course is based on David Archer's book 'Global Warming - Understanding the Forecast'.
I like the breakdown of Video Lectures with links to Reading/Resources/Models.

Not sure how far I will get with this - bit of a brain twist from Stoics, CBT to Maths'n'Stuff :scream:

Will the fashion for Stoicism ever end? I've read Marcus Aurelius and Seneca's letters and found them of little interest (not that this impacts on the matter). Given what you said, can an ordinary plonker be a Stoic, or is that just a middle-class lifestyle fantasy? — Tom Storm

With reference to Stoic Week and the course events/videos/discussions:
https://modernstoicism.com/stoic-week/

It is not necessarily about becoming a Stoic but ( amongst other things ) seeing the relationship between Ancient Stoicism and modern psychotherapy - especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Tuesday's video re the cognitive nature of emotions by Donald Robertson (18:10) is excellent.
Ancient Stoics mentioned: Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.
The 'lecture' is informal, explaining concepts and practical techniques with lightness and humour.
Concepts such as 'cognitive distancing' and the 'view from above'.
The wearing of catastrophic v opportunity tinted glasses. And so on.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this, given your background.
Also from others following this discussion.

At (15:00), Donald turns to how he trains psychotherapists in the technique of:
"What's probably gonna happen next ?"...

David Archer wrote one. — frank

Thanks for this. Looked him up. He is lecturing online free. The course starts today!

This class describes the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. Intended for an audience without much scientific background but a healthy sense of curiosity, the class brings together insights and perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, earth and atmospheric sciences, and even some economics—all based on a foundation of simple mathematics (algebra). — Coursera: Global Warming I - Prof. David Archer

https://www.coursera.org/learn/global-warming

More on David Archer: biography, books etc:
https://geosci.uchicago.edu/people/david-archer/

I am most curious about the science behind climate change. I'm looking to polish my understanding of the facts. — darthbarracuda

Scientific evidence.

You can read online articles, such as this, which gives references:
Vital Signs of the Planet
https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

Knock yourself out :party:

Adios, MFr — James Riley

:party:

Your self.

Now that is ignorance of a different kind.
Bye.

Misconception does not equal ignorance. — James Riley

Right. And that's not what I said. You know that.

Ignorance is a lack of knowledge and information.
Misconception ​is a belief or an idea that is not based on correct information, or that is not understood by people.

Misconceptions can arise from a position of ignorance.
Where did yours come from ?

I had an interest, but not enough to pursue it once I cleared up my misconception — James Riley

What is your understanding now?

Answers to be in essay form. Minimum word count = 200.

Thanks — James Riley

Again, prego :cool:

I was operating under a misconception about what stoicism was/is. — James Riley

So, from a position of ignorance ?
And no interest ?
That's fine too.
Prego :cool:

It's a pigs life. — Shawn

As you were/are/will be.
Enjoy.

I'll take my lead from Sa-go-ye-wat-ha for the time being. — James Riley

Good for you. It's not an either/or.
I'm pretty lazy and have skipped parts - already covered 43% of it.
Free downloads can be read or listened to later.

I certainly never considered a stoic as concerned with selling. — James Riley

Why not ? They got a living to make.
Like any kind of philosophy, there are ideas to sell.
To buy or not to buy...
Depends on the needs/wants of the customer.

Right now, I'm finding modern Stoicism and its presentation - hmmm...underwhelming.
Not committed to it but will spend a few minutes a day to peek in.

If @Shawn registers - might be interesting to compare thoughts.
Monday's Daily Card quote is the Serenity Prayer without God. Yippee.

...here I was, hoping I might find magic in stoicism. Maybe I should forget that shit and just get on with life. Embrace the suck, if you will. — James Riley

I don't know what, if any, wizardry will be performed here - maybe suck and see ?
For anyone interested, starts online tomorrow !
Edit: have registered and stuff already out there :cool:

Stoic Week is an annual event that invites you to ‘live like a Stoic for a week’. It is run online and is completely free. Since 2012 over 25,000 people have signed up for Stoic Week. Participants complete a questionnaire before starting and another at the end that enable us to assess how much following Stoic life guidance has benefitted you. To date the results have consistently shown that people who participate see a reduction in negative emotions — Stoic Week starts Mon 18th October

https://modernstoicism.com/event/stoic-week-2021/

What is modern Stoicism?

Below you’ll see a set of seven excellent responses from the Modern Stoicism Team. You’ll notice that they are not all in lock-step agreement on every single point, feature, or issue – and we should hardly expect them to be!  
After all, there were some interesting divergences and disagreements within the Stoic school as it developed over the course of centuries, and across multiple cultures, during antiquity. — Modern Stoicism

https://modernstoicism.com/symposium-what-is-modern-stoicism/

Interview— 24 September 1980, NYC — 180 Proof

And he died - 8th December, 1980.
Imagine him laying bear his thoughts on creativity, life and changing priorities, his pain, his joy.
'Creating is the joy'.

How after 6 hrs of trying to write a song, he lay down exhausted, giving up.
Then, it 'came to him', he picked up a guitar and it came out whole...

Nowhere Man (Remastered 2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8scSwaKbE64

Thanks @180 Proof :flower: :sparkle:

'A sulken sort of satisfaction' - what does that mean ? Resentful that you feel 'under command' not to do, feel or be something ? But that doesn't mean you can't control or influence some causes/effects of events, does it ? Why would it be your memory that commands you ? Memory of your interpretations of Stoicism and a perception of failure ? What ? A Higher Self ?

Your discussions can be a sort of Socratic sustenance. Keeping on going. A source of strength and nourishment. 'A Good Stew' as @180 Proof might write :sparkle:.
Working through stuff...

I guess you can be both content and not content at the same time.
Generally, I am comfortable in my surroundings but it is natural that particular thoughts arise about unsatisfactory states. About how we might have said or acted differently - for a better outcome for self and others.

Do you find yourself tired or relentlessly under siege with discerning what life or fate has in store for you? Do you actually read to yourself affirmations every day about what to purpose to yourself in terms of ancient philosophy your intent towards and for what need? Due to this, do you struggle with a philosophical apathy to try to surmount the issue with an attitude towards life? If so, then how did it work out for you? — Shawn

I find myself tired talking or thinking about same old, same old.
And seemingly never learning a damned thing, even if I have...
It can become discouraging if you think too much about it. I think that is why Marcus, man of action, gave himself limited time to set his mind straight before the daily grind. I can't remember but didn't he write in the mornings ?
I don't read or write daily affirmations.
There is no relentless 'siege' re what life has in store...having covered most of it, I am not so concerned.
Still naturally anxious - there is a need to keep an eye on the way I think/feel.
All the better not to become overwhelmed. I think 'talking' here and elsewhere with fairly sensible and fun people with life experience can help. Just as you are doing :smile:

Here's something to reflect on, stew over:

The Stoics believed that we should live mindfully, paying continual attention (prosoche) to our ruling faculty (hegemonikon).
This is also derived from their interpretation of Socrates. The Stoics place considerable emphasis on our ability to admit our weaknesses and fallibility, by reflecting on and criticizing our own character, in a constructive manner, in order to continually improve ourselves. — Donald Robertson: 3 Ideas the Stoics learned from Socrates

https://donaldrobertson.name/2018/04/18/three-ideas-the-stoics-learned-from-socrates/

We can admit our weaknesses but to dwell in them is not a recipe for contentment...
There's a time for everything.
You wanna dance :party:

Dinah Washington: What Difference A Day Makes
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OmBxVfQTuvI

What a difference a day makes
24 little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain

My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I'm a part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine

What a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss
It's heaven when you find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you

Source: Musixmatch

*virtual hugs to music lovers everywhere *
:love: :flower: :heart:

it takes quite a lot of effort to quell the anxiety of making money enough for one's needs or taking care of a family or making time in one's schedule for appointments and family, AND on top of all this behaving in accordance with virtue. — Shawn

What do you think it means to behave 'in accordance with virtue' ?
How many do you think achieve this ?
It's not about being perfectly free from emotion, that's an impossibility.
But trying to control those harmful to yourself and others.
Like the total rage I talked about the other day. It wasn't helping me and I allowed it to take over my mind. Even with previous experience and a knowledge of different ways to manage it. We are only human. It's worse when you give yourself a hard time over it.
Negative natterings.

--------

https://iep.utm.edu/stoiceth/

'The Stoics held that virtue is the only real good and so is both necessary and, contrary to Aristotle, sufficient for happiness; it in no way depends on luck.

The virtuous life is free of all passions, which are intrinsically disturbing and harmful to the soul, but includes appropriate emotive responses conditioned by rational understanding and the fulfillment of all one’s personal, social, professional, and civic responsibilities.

The Stoics believed that the person who has achieved perfect consistency in the operation of his rational faculties, the “wise man,” is extremely rare, yet serves as a prescriptive ideal for all. The Stoics believed that progress toward this noble goal is both possible and vitally urgent.'

--------

As we've discussed before - it might be what the Stoics believed but we don't need to or follow the whole shebang.
We might not go on well or attain ALL our goals but the ability to follow a problem or decision-making process in a real and practical manner is important. Don't you think ?

Didn't we agree at one point that the Serenity Prayer, with or without a 'God', was a pretty good way to go ?

Doing the best we can...given some perfectly natural concerns and anxieties...low moods or worse. Hold on to the best, most useful ideas. Let go of the worst.

What sayest thou ?

Stoic Apathy

https://existentialcomics.com/comic/286

McFly - All About You (NHS Charity Video) During covid lockdown...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NyDyllvEFfs

Just thought I'd drop this in the mix:

Until now, human civilization has operated within a narrow, stable band of temperature. Through the burning of fossil fuels, we have now unmoored ourselves from our past, as if we have transplanted ourselves onto another planet. The last time it was hotter than now was at least 125,000 years ago, while the atmosphere has more heat-trapping carbon dioxide in it than any time in the past two million years, perhaps more.

Since 1970, the Earth’s temperature has raced upwards faster than in any comparable period. The oceans have heated up at a rate not seen in at least 11,000 years. “We are conducting an unprecedented experiment with our planet,” said Hayhoe. “The temperature has only moved a few tenths of a degree for us until now, just small wiggles in the road. But now we are hitting a curve we’ve never seen before.” — Guardian - Earth is already becoming unlivable. Will governments act to stop this disaster from getting worse?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2021/oct/14/climate-change-happening-now-stats-graphs-maps-cop26

With photographs and predictions.
People and countries are already affected.
What can be done, if it's not too late ?
Watch programmes - telling us what to buy - electric cars, bamboo toothbrushes, wonky veggies...?

Ah, here we go:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0010k49/shop-well-for-the-planet-series-1-episode-1

Life is busy for mum Alison and dad Alex. They have a packed schedule looking after their two active sons, seven-year-old Arthur and 11-year-old Harrison. With so much going on, trying to go green has never been a priority for them, but the pandemic and lockdown have made them rethink. Now the whole family want to try to help the planet, but they don’t know where to start.

Chris and Jo set up a pop-up shop filled with the family’s main areas of eco-concern and reveal their average carbon footprint. Alison and Alex are shocked to find out how much over the national average they currently are. To turn the family's house green, the team swap their usual cleaning products for homemade versions and eliminate some of their single-use plastic. Jordan and Chris take on committed carnivore Alex and try to convince him that going meat-free a couple of days a week doesn’t have to be painful. Can they turn him around with their simple and quick veg curry?

Melanie and Alison test eco varieties of toilet rolls, but do they stand up next to the regular supermarket options? The great British public put a range of natural deodorants to the test to see if they really do keep you smelling fresh, and another group tickle their tastebuds with Fairtrade chocolate to find out whether price makes a difference when it comes to taste. As a dog owner, Jordan wants to investigate what the impact of our pets is on the planet. He travels to Scotland to meet the owner of an eco-friendly dog food business and find out what his secret ingredient is.

Anticipating my receipt next week of the Giles Martin-remixed Let It Be Super Deluxe CD set released today, here's a mini-suite from the Fabs ... — 180 Proof

Ah, you couldn't resist after all. Knew it ! :cool:

Why all this apparent unhappiness and continued confusion over stoicism and its terminology ?

You have discussed this many times with e.g. @Ciceronianus in your thread here:
https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/6764/why-i-gave-up-on-stoicism/p1

I think that @Ciceronianus might describe himself as a pragmatic stoic and might have a succinct and clear response to hand.

Apart from that - if you are still troubled by fixing on one philosophy as a way of thinking about/behaving in life, then why do you need that ? Certainty ? Security ?

One problem at a time.
What are your actual daily living concerns ?
We are all faced with problems, some of which we can sort out by clear thinking.
It doesn't help to get mired in some dogmatic way of living or obsession.

There will always be changing circumstances and we need some kind of knowledge so that we can adapt. Also, a certain flexibility.
A practical way to live your own life as best you can - not necessarily by some theory or handed-down practice.
Self-knowledge and the ability to see the merits or value in adopting mixed methods...
Work out what is do-able for you. Then just do it, or don't.

But you know all this already - why keep asking ?

Namely the dictums of treating one's day as if it were your last, seem pretentious through a deeper desire to be free from all excessive wants or even needs in one's life. — Shawn

I think that this is about appreciating the day as it comes. Not taking life for granted.
Not worrying too much about the future cos your end could come sooner than you think.
Look out for that 3-legged elephant on an escalator :scream:

Edit: adding this, but I think you are already well-acquainted:
https://dailystoic.com/7-stoic-tenets-to-keep-in-mind-today/