Philosophy

These posts deal with philosophy, and more broadly the question of how to live a good life
Mar
21
Castle fortification with a wooden bridge over a moat - Moral Letters to Lucilius

077 - On The Duty To Let Ideas Live - Moral Letters for Modern Times

It is the hallmark of great civilizations that they let their citizens speak freely and, moreover, that they organize themselves to facilitate open communication far and wide.
6 min read
Mar
17
White chalk cliffs along the British coastline - Moral Letters to Lucilius

076 - On Continuing Education - Moral Letters for Modern Times

I myself try to be an earnest student. Though I am far removed from my formal school days, I am never far from a book or an idea.
4 min read
Mar
14
Sailboat in a harbor in front of apartment buildings - Moral Letters to Lucilius

075 - On Mind Viruses - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The mind viruses are vices such as jealousy, greed, ambition, spite, fear – all things that we know of and have been trying to put in their proper place.
4 min read
Mar
10
Bike path along a waterway with boats in the harbor - Moral Letters to Lucilius

074 - On Internal Versus External Value - Moral Letters for Modern Times

If you take a step, even a tiny step, in the direction of your choosing, you will have improved your situation over that of yesterday.
9 min read
Mar
07
View of hotels along a British seaside resort - Moral Letters to Lucilius

073 - On The Rule Of Law - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The rule of law is a gift beyond price that should be defended at all costs.
4 min read
Mar
03
View of Brighton pier from the beach - Moral Letters to Lucilius

072 - On Business As A Distraction - Moral Letters for Modern Times

It is impatience in business affairs, as much as in life, that leads us to be distracted from potentially more valuable pursuits.
4 min read
Feb
28
An elaborate onion-domed palace with spires - Moral Letters to Lucilius

071 - On The Greatest Good - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The greater your desired change, the larger will be the necessary expenditure of your personal resources. Nature rewards us only grudgingly, after we have paid our respects by paying our dues.
5 min read
Feb
24
River running through green fields - Moral Letters to Lucilius

070 - On The Will To Live - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The legal profession has found a way to work true magic: that is, they can speak for the dead. To that short list of things that can be guaranteed in life, death and taxes, we can add a third, lawsuits.
6 min read
Feb
21
River in front of a hillside with a white horse carved into hill - Moral Letters to Lucilius

069 - On Abiding In One Place - Moral Letters for Modern Times

Progress is inversely proportional to the breadth of your focus. Include in your scope many things, and you will make little progress. Focus on one thing, and you will advance it the most.
4 min read
Feb
17
Trail with hikers walking alongside a river - Moral Letters to Lucilius

068 - On Private And Public Service - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The greatest good is done by those with the least need to talk about it. The true meaning of public service is not those offices that are most visible, but those deeds that have the greatest impact.
5 min read