Comedian Dimitri Martin once said "At theme parks, the theme seems to be 'wait in line, fatty.'" The BMI of the average American is not a topic of this newsletter. And the joke is a bit mean-spirited...but funny.
Having just returned from Disney World, you recognize how many people in this world we don't know, will never meet, and even if we meet, we will never remember. As I sit at my desk and also interact with mostly my wife and daughters on a day to day basis, I am shielding myself from much of society. It is easier to be on my own schedule and be surrounded by people that I have vetted.
"It is easier."
I have said before that "easy" does not push us or advance us. Being on the frontier of our capabilities and figuring a way beyond them is what is important.
So what I am saying is I should go to Disney World more often.
No, wait, that is not true. What I am saying (as I look out the window to try to figure out what I am saying) is I can do a better job putting myself in the way of challenges. I should seek out rejection more (as an entrepreneur, I have seen my fair share!). That will prepare me for bigger challenges and unforeseen rejections in the future.
But the biggest challenges come from people. The best support comes from people. I will borrow from Homer Jay Simpson in stating "People - the cause and solution to all of America's problems."
But he said "alcohol" instead of "people." I like my version better.
We all must give a fuck about something, in order to value something. And to value something, we must reject what is not that something. To value X we must reject non-X.
— The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Mark Manson
Every time a malicious thought popped up, I could hear Ali's voice asking, "is this true?"
— Solve for Happy, Mo Gawdat
As I approach the next chapter of truths to cross, the only thing I know for sure is that I will recalibrate again, and that my family will be at the core when I do. As a father, I often contradict myself, and I know I could do a better job of practicing what I preach, but I've also learned that if the message is true, don't forget it, and forgive the messenger, even if he does.
— Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey
Rads Take
I took Ryan Holiday and the classic Stoics out of the mix this week.
So much of Stoicism is about intentionality. I think it is a word that has increased in its prevalence recently. Similar to 'authenticity'.
Yes, it is vogue. Trendy. And then it becomes a trend that becomes trendy to reject. But that doesn't mean the initial trend is wrong.
So Manson is encouraging us to take a more active role in clearly defining what we should care about. But that means being explicit about that which we do not care about. Aurelius would ask "is this essential?" He and Manson would agree that if is not essential, then f*ck it. Stop caring. Not about everything...but about the inessential.
And McCounaghey (I am going to just misspell it in whatever manner flows out of my fingers) in quote 3 identifies that his family is the driving factor in what he does. Now, he didn't have that family when he was arrested while playing the bongos naked so it is more than OK to have your priorities shift. And when they do, aim for perfection. But as I have said before, that is simple but not easy.
To quote 2 with Mo, the evaluation he is doing of his own thoughts is one that the Stoics would encourage us to do. Test out your judgements. It may be correct. Or it may be a quick assumption or reaction that has no merit but seems to be supported by the things you surround yourself with. Then evaluate what you are surrounding yourself with. Is it mental poison with an underlying agenda or is it something that is making you better and stronger?
None of the books from which these 3 quotes were pulled mention the word "Stoicism" in the book. But as you have just read, they are teeming with Stoic teachings. So, are you a Stoic yet? Do you largely subscribe to the tenets? Or is that too much of a commitment for you? I am seriously curious. IF you have thoughts, hit me up with a text - 215 801 3625.
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