#010: How to live

Jaydee Tarpeh
July 31, 2023

John Harvard bequeathed it to the newly-founded Harvard College in 1638.

Adam Smith, Walt Whitman, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson all had copies of it in their personal libraries.

Popular amongst Pagans and Christians alike, it was essentially a required text in ancient Greek monasteries.

Compiled by Arrian, historian, philosopher, and disciple of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, The Enchiridion of Epictetus is a manual on how to apply philosophy to your daily life.

The Enchiridion, which translates to "In the hand" or "The handbook," is a step-by-step guide to achieving freedom and happiness in all circumstances.

Here are 60 lessons from the Enchiridion you can apply daily to help you live what Stoics call "The good life" - a life guided by reason, virtue, and moral excellence.

Desire only what is in your control.
Avoid only things under your control.
Select carefully what you choose and what you refuse.
You already have the resources within you to cope with every challenge you face.
You cannot lose anything because you don't own anything.
Stop feeling anxious about the future.
Accept being seen as ignorant or Naive. Don't strive to be thought of as wise.
Ignore what others think. Caring about one thing comes at the expense of caring for something more important.
Everything is conducive to your success. You can derive benefit from whatever happens.
Don't be fooled by outward appearances.
The only way to freedom is not to be concerned about things we cannot control.
Remember death.
Be prepared to be laughed at by others
Don't seek outside approval. Be your own witness if you need one.
No one expects you to give what you don't have.
Don't compromise your integrity for money.
Everything has a price. Don't expect certain results unless you are prepared to do what needs to be done - pay the bill and don't complain about the cost.
Accept whatever happens.
Evil things happen. It's not intentionally against you.
Don’t let your mind be controlled by others (critics, etc.).
Before undertaking a project, consider not only what is involved now but what is involved later. (Look before you leap).
Don’t be casual and arbitrary about projects you get into.
Before starting a project, think about it to the end, the ups and downs, good and terrible, what you have to sacrifice, and the fact that you may do everything right and still lose. After considering all that, you can give it a go if you still want to get involved.
Not everyone is cut out to do everything.
Are you prepared to pay the price for serenity and freedom?
Stick with the role you've chosen for yourself.
No one can hurt you unless you let them. You are hurt only when you believe you are.
In any relationship, it doesn't matter what the other person does; You have to play your part.
Stop applying labels like good" and "bad" to things not under your control.
Practice using desire and aversion in the right way.
Do things (make sacrifices) mindfully and not casually.
Do not be miserly in your giving, but be careful not to spend beyond your means.
Your problems can only be solved by reason.
No matter the predictions for the future, they do not override your obligations now to your friends and family.
The future is not in your control. Therefore, you shouldn’t care about it.
Be the same person you are by yourself on with others.
Before participating in something "pleasurable," ask yourself, "Will I still be happy, or will I regret this later, having indulged?" Then think about how good you would feel if you exercised self-control.
If you decide to do something you believe is right, don't let others stop you, even if most people disapprove of it.
Don't miss out on doing successful things within your means by focusing on doing things that are beyond your means.
Live within your means. Avoid excesses.
Spend more time cultivating your mind than you do your body.
Treat your critics with compassion because they believe they are right.
Every situation in life comes with two handles. Use the right handle.
You are not your wealth, abilities, or anything you own - you are not what you have.
Don't judge others too quickly (because you don't know the reasons for their actions).
Don't tell others how to behave or boast about your principles. (Sheep don't bring their owner grass to show how much they ate. Instead, they digest it and produce milk and wool.)
If you are willing to stay silent and be mistaken for ignorant, and you are not upset by it, that’s a real sign of progress.
If you choose to practice simplicity (minimalism), you don't need to advertise it.
Don't look for help or harm from others. It all comes from you.
Don't criticize, blame, or flatter others.
Don't respond to criticism.
When people praise you, remember you still have a long way to go.
If you don't want to damage your progress, you should not care if people think you are naive or stupid.
Only be proud of your actions, not your knowledge.
Once you decide to do something, stick with it and see it through.
Don't be lazy or make excuses if you don't want to live a mediocre life.
Start to demand the best of yourself now, today.
Always prioritize action.
Remember, God is leading you to your destiny, so follow without hesitation.
Accept your fate.

(I pulled many of these together after reading The good life handbook by Dr. Chuck Chakrapani - a simplified modern translation of The Enchiridion of Epictetus).