Daily touch of inspirations: April 30
Daily Touch of Inspirations
April 30th: What is in keeping with your character?
Ryan Holiday, The 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Just as what is considered rational or irrational differs for each person, in the same way what is good or evil and useful or useless differs for each person. This is why we need education, so that we might learn how to adjust our preconceived notions of the rational and irrational in harmony with nature. In sorting his out, we don't simply rely on our estimate of the value of external things, but also apply the rule of what is in keeping with one's character —Epictetus, Discourses, 1.2.5-7
It is easy to get wrapped up in our own opinions of things. It's as if we're adhering to invisible scripts- following instructions or patterns we don't even understand. The more you question these scripts and the more you subject them to be to the rigorous test of your education, the more you'll be your own compass. You'll have convictions and thoughts that are your own and belong to no one else.
Character is a powerful defense in a world that would love to be able to seduce you, buy you, tempt you, and change you. If you know what you believe and why you believe it, you'll avoid poisonous relationships, toxic jobs, fair-weather friends, and any number of ills that afflict people who haven't thought through their deepest concerns. That's your education. That's why you do this work.
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom Perseverance and Art of Living
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