Practice simply

“As Epictetus said, philosophy doesn't consist in sleeping on a concrete floor or writing dialogues, it doesn't consist in putting on a show, but in building one's character. It consists neither in elaborate speeches, bookish dissertations, pretentious declarations nor in boasting, but on the contrary in simplicity.” ¹

We can all be tempted to gloat about our achievements and our deep attachment to principles that are important to us. This is a natural thing for us all. A man or woman lives by his or her attachment to values that he or she has internalized over time. The series you watch, your last trip, your last success, your social position, your philosophical education.

On the last point {{username}}, you may be tempted to spread the good word; like a believer who seeks to convert the people he meets to his cult and becomes dogmatic in his views.

You know these people.

Don't be like that.

Those who sink into a lightless abyss of spirituality. They become blind to the outer spiritual treasures. They lock themselves in their microcosm, in the narrowness of their thinking; they listen to themselves when they tell you about their passion. They're often proud of their thoughts, but deny that they think they're superior to others and harp on theories that interest no one but themselves.

If you decide to become a Stoic, or to a lesser extent adopt some of the Stoic principles for a happier life, you don't have to turn yourself into a philosopher and turn every conversation into a life lesson. Sure, you'll have plenty of opportunities to talk to friends and family or a casual acquaintance. But you don't have to flaunt your knowledge at every opportunity. In fact, most of the time you should keep it to yourself. Live that knowledge intensely. Let it penetrate you as if you were learning a sport. Just as with a sport that you have mastered, the body can express itself mechanically without you having to think about the gesture to be performed, so it is with philosophy.

Once you have internalized the concepts of stoicism, you'll live like a stoic. You'll no longer have to show it to the world, because you'll embody it naturally, with your whole being. People will say that you're calm, that you're zen, that you're cool. In reality, the spirit you show the world now is the result of years of reading, practice and inner adjustment that have shaped your personality. And you don't need to theorize or philosophize at every opportunity. As I told you at the beginning of the program, this course isn't meant to turn you into a theologian. This course is meant to transform you.

Philosophy is the work of inner transformation.

Who cares about authors, concepts or dates? Everything you know is of interest when you put it into practice.

For us Stoics, "putting it into practice" means behaving in a certain way. A calm way of speaking, a confident way of moving, a relaxed nature; because you and I know that everything is the work of universal reason. This creates serenity in all your behavior. This is what simple practice is all about. Being without letting it show. Being without saying anything.

Simplicity means stepping aside and filling the space with only pure energy, without artifice or pretense.

This inner energy that you cultivate.