The Sphere of choice

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Stoic Prompt week 2 (2024)

"The soul is a sphere, true to itself. It neither projects itself, but instead radiates a light which it shows itself the truth of all things and the truth in itself." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 11.12

What am I addicted to?

I am addicted to marijuana, politics, telling people what I think, giving unsolicited advice, judging the motives of others; and much more, I suspect.

I used to be addicted to alcohol, red meat, sugar, envy, acquisitiveness, cigarettes and meaningless sex. All the things that I am and was addicted to have shaped who I am and how I am viewed. My health, my social standing, lost friends, and destroyed relationships all fall prey to my choices. Though I am the sum of my choices I work to improve my soul to make it a citadel, all within my control, strong and steady against the winds from outside and the betrayer from within.

Stoic Don'ts
1. Don't be overheard complaining not even to yourself - Marcus Aurelius
2. Don't talk more than you listen - Zeno
3. Don't tie your identity to things that you own - Epictetus
4. Don't compare yourself to others - Seneca
5. Don't suffer imagined troubles - Seneca
6. Don't suffer before you need to. Those things will happen, or they will not - Seneca
7. Don't overindulge in food or drink - Musonius

I mostly go by the name Michael Hutchings, sometimes: V. Michael Hutchings, sometimes Vernon or Vernon M. Hutchings. I love politics, history, and technology. I grew up in Westland, MI, moved to New Hampshire, then to Colorado; and finally, settled down in Vermont. Retired. Every day is a Saturday.

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