Principles
The principles we use to guide ourselves through our lives are the foundation of who we are. All too often, we become focused on what others think of us. In stoicism, others and their opinions are known as “Dogma .” If these unimportant viewpoints become a focus, they can begin to hound you like a rabid dog would.... So unpoetic and unjust they can be, they become harmful if given a foothold. A quote I love by Epictetus helps recognize the value of the Stoic viewpoint and understand the worthlessness of “Dogma” in your life. “There are two things that must be rooted out in human beings – arrogant opinions and mistrust. Arrogant opinions expect that there is nothing further needed, and mistrust assumes that under the torrent of circumstances, there can be no happiness.” Epictetus, Discourses, 3.1 4.8.
My short and sweet today is to remove the “Dogma” and their arrogant, worthless opinions. Know your principles and apply God’s or whatever your spiritual beliefs are to them. Write them out, look at them, read them, and add them to your vision board. Visualize their removal, for they are insignificant mutts. What is essential becomes the focus: “Gods' Wisdom, “God’s” Justice, “God’s” Courage, “God’s” Temperance.
