Well most people would say that family matters, which is true of course. Yet for the most part it doesn’t seem like the majority of people actually believe that. A new car, a new house, a new show, a football game, a new thing that they can show off to their friends is all that seems to matter for most. Their unquenchable desire for new and “better” things is unending. Debt and a hollow soul are more than okay consequences to the modern western person.
For insight into what matters we can look to the great men of the past once again. To men like Marcus Aurelius and Socrates it was not physical possessions, but a duty to uphold their morals which they sought after. Recognition and pleasure were not at all important to them, their belief was that by upholding their morals they would achieve a sense of peace as a byproduct of doing what was right and living as nature intended. Marcus Aurelius repeatedly said that all we have is the present, the past is gone and we will never have the future. We must constantly be engaged with the present, and we must give ourselves to doing what is right.
What matters isn’t exactly clear mostly because each individual has a slightly different idea of what matters to them. What is clear is what doesn’t matter. All things which can be used to enslave us tend to be things that don’t matter. Epictetus once said, “Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.” Any emotion which can capture you and blind you will lead you to your ruin unless it is realized. The addict is blinded by happiness, the sports fan is enraptured by his varying moods of anger, sadness, and excitement, the average western person is entranced by new objects and entertainment.The continuous pursuit of meaning requires concentration and effort. All these luxuries which wish to tear us down require very little effort to give in to.
Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Thank you for this thoughtful essay and insightful points. I've had the pleasure of being part of the Phyle VIP your father organized, and have benefited by it immensely. His pride in you is obvious. Having read this essay and seen your "Gain Competency and Crush Everyone" video, I can understand why.
Incidentally, he encouraged us last month to re-read Socrates' Apology by Plato. I'm glad I did. You're an inspiration for me to keep reading (and doing more), and to push my own two sons to do the same. Here's my thoughts after reading The Apology, and I look forward to following yours on this site:
Thank you, JD. I greatly appreciate it. Your thoughts on The Apology are very well-written, you have a very large vocabulary and precise language. I agree with your analysis of Socrates' apology. Its high time that we all seek to build and maintain a sense of righteousness. Socrates is certainly a figure who can lead us to better times.
I read The Apology right around the same time that my father sent it out to you guys in the Phyle. I didn't completely understand why he encouraged me to read it until I actually did. It is a great reminder for us all. It was good for me to read, and I'm sure it would be good for your sons. Young men need stories of men like Socrates.
Thank you for your subscription as well. It means a lot to me. If there is any way I could be of help to you please let me know.
Thank you for this thoughtful essay and insightful points. I've had the pleasure of being part of the Phyle VIP your father organized, and have benefited by it immensely. His pride in you is obvious. Having read this essay and seen your "Gain Competency and Crush Everyone" video, I can understand why.
Incidentally, he encouraged us last month to re-read Socrates' Apology by Plato. I'm glad I did. You're an inspiration for me to keep reading (and doing more), and to push my own two sons to do the same. Here's my thoughts after reading The Apology, and I look forward to following yours on this site:
https://jdbreen.substack.com/p/silencing-socrates
Thank you, JD. I greatly appreciate it. Your thoughts on The Apology are very well-written, you have a very large vocabulary and precise language. I agree with your analysis of Socrates' apology. Its high time that we all seek to build and maintain a sense of righteousness. Socrates is certainly a figure who can lead us to better times.
I read The Apology right around the same time that my father sent it out to you guys in the Phyle. I didn't completely understand why he encouraged me to read it until I actually did. It is a great reminder for us all. It was good for me to read, and I'm sure it would be good for your sons. Young men need stories of men like Socrates.
Thank you for your subscription as well. It means a lot to me. If there is any way I could be of help to you please let me know.
Thank you, Max. I may take you up on your offer to help. My sons are 18 and 22 and could certainly benefit from a conversation with you!