Author: TDB

How does one live well? It’s a question that our fellow human beings have been pondering for centuries. Out of that simple question, many philosophies and religions have been born. But no philosophy does a better job of explaining the ideas for living well in a practical way than Stoicism. The Emperor-Philosopher Marcus Aurelius, once the most powerful man on earth, was also a practitioner of Stoicism.

Socrates, considered as one of the founders of Western philosophy, was once named the wisest man on earth by the Oracle of Delphi. When Socrates heard that the oracle had made such a comment, he believed that the statement was wrong.Socrates said: “I know one thing: that I know nothing.”

Somewhere in the storage world or interpretations someone decided that “pride” was a bad thing. The Buddha however did not teach that. He in fact taught that if one works hard towards a task or goal they should indeed be happy and proud of their efforts regardless of the outcomes. The key here is that we must “work” for those things that make us proud or happy.

Before enlightenment chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. — Wu Li

12 tips for understanding and being happier