Self-constraint is a powerful tool. Put another way, I try to adopt the perspective that not wanting something feels the same as having it. Since we can't really control what comes into our lives or for how long, it's a whole lot easier to work towards not wanting things in the first place. If they show up, great. If they don't, also great. Desire, in my opinion, is fine. Attachment to desire is where things can become problematic.
Thanks for sharing! I agree freedom looks and feels different for everyone, and what freedom is can easily change throughout someone's life. At one point in my life, I found freedom in owning restaurants. Now, just the thought of owning restaurants is suffocating to me.
Using the Epicurus quote from the stack I think beautifully illustrates Stoic principles when adapted:
"To live under constraint is a misfortune, but there is no constraint to live under constraint."
When we replace the 1st & Last "constraint" with other concepts, the wisdom becomes even more powerful:
"To live under piety is a misfortune, but there is no constraint to live under piety."
"To live under anger is a misfortune, but there is no constraint to live under anger."
While I can't claim credit for this insight (I encountered it while reading about Stoic ideals on another forum), I find it remarkable how it captures the core Stoic principle of perspective. We have the power to free ourselves from any circumstance by choosing how we respond to our situations and emotional impulses.
The beauty lies in recognising that while external circumstances may create suffering, we're never truly forced to remain trapped by them. this short article is a great reminder of this I shall be re-reading it every no and then :)
The source of the constraint matters to me.
Self Constraint is the way to true freedom in my opinion.
I free myself from the suffocation of choice by eliminating options that would not benefit my path towards who I want to be.
And after all, freedom for me comes down to chosing who I want to be.
My perception, my thoughts and my actions are a mere reflection of who I am.
If I want to be a Free Person, I still have to constrain myself, to not be a slave to my impulses.
What I find puzzling is how to define freedom at all. It will probably different to everyone.
Self-constraint is a powerful tool. Put another way, I try to adopt the perspective that not wanting something feels the same as having it. Since we can't really control what comes into our lives or for how long, it's a whole lot easier to work towards not wanting things in the first place. If they show up, great. If they don't, also great. Desire, in my opinion, is fine. Attachment to desire is where things can become problematic.
Haha that is definetly the way for Traders!
I am not sure how sustainable it is however to try and not want things, I never tried that to be honest.
But I think for many people it could be an excuse to never get anything done. (Not excluding myself lol)
But yes, with the second sentence you hit the nail on the head!
Thanks for sharing! I agree freedom looks and feels different for everyone, and what freedom is can easily change throughout someone's life. At one point in my life, I found freedom in owning restaurants. Now, just the thought of owning restaurants is suffocating to me.
Using the Epicurus quote from the stack I think beautifully illustrates Stoic principles when adapted:
"To live under constraint is a misfortune, but there is no constraint to live under constraint."
When we replace the 1st & Last "constraint" with other concepts, the wisdom becomes even more powerful:
"To live under piety is a misfortune, but there is no constraint to live under piety."
"To live under anger is a misfortune, but there is no constraint to live under anger."
While I can't claim credit for this insight (I encountered it while reading about Stoic ideals on another forum), I find it remarkable how it captures the core Stoic principle of perspective. We have the power to free ourselves from any circumstance by choosing how we respond to our situations and emotional impulses.
The beauty lies in recognising that while external circumstances may create suffering, we're never truly forced to remain trapped by them. this short article is a great reminder of this I shall be re-reading it every no and then :)
What are your thoughts on this interpretation?