He is the master of everyman who has the power over the things which another person wishes, the power to confer them on him or take them away. Whoever then wishes to be free let him neither wish for anything nor avoid anything which depends on others: if he does not observe this rule, me must be a slave. 

Epictetus 

54 minutes ago, Delano said:

He is the master of everyman who has the power over the things which another person wishes, the power to confer them on him or take them away. Whoever then wishes to be free let him neither wish for anything nor avoid anything which depends on others: if he does not observe this rule, he must be a slave. 

Epictetus 

That's food for thought! Especially in these times.

Lately i have been thinking about the rules, cultural conditioning and freedom

On 9/29/2025 at 10:49 PM, Delano said:

 ...Whoever then wishes to be free let him neither wish for anything nor avoid anything which depends on others: if he does not observe this rule, me must be a slave. 

Epictetus 

I think that is unconsciously what I practice at this stage of my life.

I've literally divested myself of everything but the clothes on my back, so I have no indebtedness. I do insist on helping my daughter out with utilities but I don't have to. She and I lead separate lives as do all my immediate family members. I have no extended family.  

I've never had the wanderlust, so I am content to stay put, and all activity is by choice.

I've always valued my solititude which I now have plenty of. I am good company for myself, but reminiscence is my frequent and cherished companion. 

So, in the midst of not only what's going on in Chicago but also on a smaller scale, what's going on in the small town where I live, not to mention a whole country in the grip of Trumpism, here I am, -  a spectator!  And I'm only that when I choose to observe. 

 

I am, in my own peculiar way, a free spirit! Who knew??

15 hours ago, aka Contrarian said:

I think that is unconsciously what I practice at this stage of my life.

I've literally divested myself of everything but the clothes on my back, so I have no indebtedness. I do insist on helping my daughter out with utilities but I don't have to. She and I lead separate lives as do all my immediate family members. I have no extended family.  

I've never had the wanderlust, so I am content to stay put, and all activity is by choice.

I've always valued my solititude which I now have plenty of. I am good company for myself, but reminiscence is my frequent and cherished companion. 

So, in the midst of not only what's going on in Chicago but also on a smaller scale, what's going on in the small town where I live, not to mention a whole country in the grip of Trumpism, here I am, -  a spectator!  And I'm only that when I choose to observe. 

 

I am, in my own peculiar way, a free spirit! Who knew??

This is the height of Stoicism and Buddhism 

3 hours ago, Delano said:

This is the height of Stoicism and Buddhism 

I'm on the brink of being OK with death...

19 hours ago, aka Contrarian said:

So, in the midst of not only what's going on in Chicago but also on a smaller scale, what's going on in the small town where I live, not to mention a whole country in the grip of Trumpism, here I am, -  a spectator!  And I'm only that when I choose to observe. 

Our politics seems to have become a sporting event.  However, we have a choice in whether or not we are spectators. 

 

Those who recognize their powerlessness in the games of politics are better served indulging in other hobbies and/or activities. 

 

16 minutes ago, aka Contrarian said:

I'm on the brink of being OK with death...

It is the final destination of this instance of existence. 

 

Of course, despite our best theories and speculations, we have no idea of what lies ahead in the next realm.  

 

Leave the chaos and noise of the remainder of this existence to those who find enjoyment in it. 

 

From this point until the last breath, enjoy the better parts of this ride. 😎

The tranquility  synonymous  with Buddhism and stoicness , is my goal as I await my time to leave.