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Today’s edition we will look into ancient philosophy about happiness and talk about the Stoics and their beliefs . Let’s dive in!

How To Actually Be Happier In 2024 (According to the Stoics)

Introduction

The video "How To Actually Be Happier In 2024 (According to the Stoics)" by Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic philosophy as a guide to achieving happiness. Holiday, an expert on Stoicism, delves into how this ancient wisdom can be applied in the modern world, focusing on internal happiness, emotional control, and the significance of character and collective well-being.

1. Understanding Stoic Happiness

• Overview: Stoicism redefines happiness, distancing it from pleasure and emphasizing the removal of harmful emotions like envy and fear. It promotes finding joy in what we control, rather than being swayed by external factors. Stoicism teaches that happiness is a state of inner tranquility, free from the disruption of negative emotions and dependent on our own mental attitude rather than external successes or failures.

• Actionable Tips:

1. Identify and consciously remove negative emotions from your reactions.

2. Cultivate happiness independent of others' opinions and actions.

3. Practice finding contentment in present circumstances without needing external validation.

• Exercise: Think of a recent incident that upset you due to external factors. How could applying Stoic principles have changed your perspective and reaction?

2. Control and Acceptance

• Overview: Stoicism's foundational principle is distinguishing between what's within our control, like our actions and thoughts, and what's beyond it, such as external events. This philosophy encourages a proactive attitude towards life, focusing on our own actions and reactions, rather than passive worry about uncontrollable events. It teaches that peace of mind comes from accepting the uncontrollable while actively engaging with what we can influence.

• Actionable Tips:

1. Regularly evaluate situations to discern controllable and uncontrollable aspects.

2. Develop a consistently positive outlook regardless of external situations.

3. Focus energy on actions and thoughts within your control.

• Exercise: Identify a current challenge in your life. Break it down into elements you can control and those you cannot. How does this segmentation affect your approach to the challenge?

3. Character and Common Good

• Overview: Stoicism links happiness with good character and acts for the common good, emphasizing altruism and personal development. It suggests that true satisfaction comes from improving oneself and contributing positively to society. Stoicism regards personal development not as an end in itself but as a means to impact the world positively. This philosophy encourages finding a balance between self-care and service to others.

• Actionable Tips:

1. Engage in activities that enhance personal growth.

2. Actively seek opportunities to contribute to others' well-being.

3. Balance self-improvement with actions that benefit the wider community.

• Exercise: Think of an action you can take this week to help others. How does this action contribute to your personal growth?

4. Simplicity and Essentialism

• Overview: Stoicism advocates for a life of simplicity and focus on the essential, guiding us to say no to the non-essential and embrace minimalism. This philosophy teaches that happiness often lies in simplicity and reducing unnecessary desires. By focusing on what truly matters, Stoicism suggests we can live more fulfilling lives. The less cluttered our lives are with non-essential desires and possessions, the more we can concentrate on what genuinely brings joy.

• Actionable Tips:

1. Adopt a minimalist approach to possessions and commitments.

2. Cultivate gratitude and contentment with what you have.

3. Regularly evaluate and eliminate non-essential activities or desires.

• Exercise: List three non-essential aspects of your life that you can reduce or eliminate. How will this simplification benefit your pursuit of happiness?

5. Adversity as Opportunity

• Overview: Stoicism views adversity as an inevitable part of life, offering opportunities for growth and self-validation. It encourages embracing challenges as a means to develop resilience and strength. Stoicism teaches that through adversity, we can practice and strengthen our virtues. By facing difficulties, we get the chance to prove our capabilities to ourselves, enhancing our confidence and satisfaction.

• Actionable Tips:

1. Approach challenges as opportunities to cultivate virtues like resilience.

2. Embrace difficulties as a test of character.

3. Seek the positive lessons and growth in every adverse situation.

• Exercise: Reflect on a recent difficult experience. How did it provide a chance for personal growth and demonstration of your virtues?

Conclusion

In "How To Actually Be Happier In 2024 (According to the Stoics)", Ryan Holiday presents Stoicism as a powerful tool for achieving happiness. This philosophy teaches that happiness comes from within, through controlling our reactions, simplifying our lives, and focusing on personal growth and the greater good. By applying these Stoic principles, one can find profound satisfaction and resilience amidst life's challenges and uncertainties.

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