Tag: happiness
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The true nature of Taoist spirituality
Some people abhor organized religion because they find its rituals empty and its promises questionable. They don’t want to join any church because they dislike being told what to do and how to pursue happiness. Nonetheless, they feel a certain need for spirituality, or at the very least, a need for philosophy. Taoists perform rituals,…
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Living as a Taoist in Western culture
There are many Taoists around us, I mean, Taoists living in Western culture. However, they are, for the most part, invisible to the untrained eye. They don’t propagandize their philosophy. They do not proselytise or engage in debates. They do not wear special clothes, signs or distinctions. Taoists remain invisible because they put into practice…
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Taoist happiness in a hostile environment
Amidst economic crises, unemployment, inflation, violence, and social decay, many people may feel tempted to discard the teachings of Lao-Tzu as too idealistic. They argue that Taoism was a workable philosophy twenty-five centuries ago, but not any more because today’s environment is too hostile. Really? I reply to them that Taoism is particularly effective in…
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Seneca’s formula for avoiding distractions
We could save an enormous amount of time if we figured out how to remain focused on our goals. Even for motivated people, it is difficult to keep going day after day without getting sidetracked. Seneca came up with a powerful formula for avoiding distractions. In history, many people have put it into practice successfully.…
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Seneca on avoiding distractions
When we talk about avoiding distractions, we are assuming that we have clear goals and plans to achieve them. If we keep pursuing those goals assiduously, we are on the right track, but if we get sidetracked, it is because we are getting distracted. Seneca addressed this subject in the 1st Letter to Lucilius, in…
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Seneca’s principles for thriving in life
Large numbers of philosophers have preached ideals that do not have anything to do with real life. When I read their works, I can only wonder if they spent one minute reflecting on work, success, prosperity or happiness. Seneca exemplifies the opposite. He devoted his works to dealing with real-life concerns and supplied useful advice.…
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Seneca’s essays on life
The accuracy of a philosophy does not depend on the length of the examples and explanations. Nonetheless, it does not hurt if the philosopher recounts anecdotes from history, literature and his own life, and complements them with well-structured arguments. Seneca was a master in this respect. No other Stoic philosopher comes close to his literary…
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Seneca: putting the good life into practice
In ancient Greece and Rome, philosophy was conceived as a practical science; the purposes of philosophical learning were clearly defined: success, joy and happiness. Aristotle (384-322 BC) wrote his “Eudemian Ethics” and “Nicomachean Ethics” with the stated goal of helping his students achieve happiness. Seneca was not an exception in this regard. A prolific writer,…
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Seneca: myths about the good life
In the search for happiness, it is as important to do the right thing as it is to avoid dire mistakes. Seneca put together a list of mistakes to avoid, and warned us against our natural tendency to look for shortcuts. When it comes to virtue, character and happiness, I am afraid that every inch…
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Seneca’s simple formula for happiness
I have a simple way to assess the soundness of philosophers and gurus. I just need to ask them one question: What is your formula for happiness? If they fail to give a convincing answer, I will immediately lose any interest in their doctrines. Seneca placed peace of mind at the centre of his philosophy.…
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