justice
focus on the process, not the end goal
“Those obsessed with glory attach their well-being to the regard of others, those who love pleasure tie it to feelings, but the one with true understanding seeks it only in their own actions.”
“Think on the character of the people one wishes to please, the possessions one means to gain,
become the craftsman of your mind
“The raw material for the work of a good and excellent person is their own guiding reason, the body is that of the doctor and the physical trainer, and the farm the farmer’s.”
—Epictetus, Discourses, 3.3.1
The pursuit of excellence is a cornerstone of human endeavor. Whether
the essence of true beauty
“Then what makes a beautiful human being? Isn’t it the presence of human excellence? Young friend, if you wish to be beautiful, then work diligently at human excellence. And what is that? Observe those whom you praise without prejudice. The just or the unjust? The just. The even-tempered or
strive for excellence in every action
“This can be swiftly taught in very few words: virtue is the only good; there is no certain good without virtue; and virtue resides in our nobler part, which is the rational one. And what can this virtue be? True and steadfast judgment. For from this will arise every mental
a good person never settles for easy
the diya within: nurturing your inner light
“Protect your own good in all that you do, and as concerns everything else take what is given as far as you can make reasoned use of it. If you don’t, you’ll be unlucky, prone to failure, hindered and stymied.”
— Epictetus, Discourses, 4.3.11
Each of us
it’s the little things that add up in the end
“You must build up your life action by action, and be content if each one achieves its goal as far as possible—and no one can keep you from this.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.32
In the fabric of human existence, it's often the tiniest threads that weave
inaction in the face of evil is itself a form of evil
“Often injustice lies in what you aren’t doing, not only in what you are doing.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.5
Throughout history, humanity has demonstrated an alarming capacity for evil, not only actively but also passively. The Holocaust stands as one of the most harrowing examples of this dual
the unseen bars: the internal price of wrongdoing
“The greatest portion of peace of mind is doing nothing wrong. Those who lack self-control live disoriented and disturbed lives.”
– Seneca, Moral Letters, 105.7
The lure of the shortcut, the thrill of the forbidden – these are powerful motivators. Yet, beneath the fleeting highs of wrongdoing lies a hidden punishment,