#Seneca Choices for Life

[philosophybitmaps]

“Every hour of the day countless situations arise that call for advice, and for that advice we have to look to philosophy.” – Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius

[vasilissadragomir]

people often use snow’s experiences with lucy gray as an explanation for how he engages with katniss, but i think that the true story of his downfall lies not in how lucy gray and katniss are similar, but rather in how they are different.

snow knew that it was never him that made the games what they are. it was lucy gray, with her scrappy, passionate artistry, that put on the show that kept people watching. more importantly, it was lucy gray that put on the show that kept HIM watching. all he ever did was give her the stage.

ergo, snow recognizes that the person with the power to usurp him is his natural counterpart, someone like lucy gray, who possessed both the charisma and humanity that he sorely lacks. however, in his mind, those traits are not real; they’re performed in order to obtain power. how could he know better, when he’s never experienced them himself, and the only person he ever truly believed possessed them betrayed him?

so snow keeps his eye out for performers, people with gravitas who could capture the heart of the nation, and squashes their spark as soon as he can. people like haymitch. people like finnick.

and that’s where snow goes wrong. he doesn’t see katniss’ similarities to lucy gray from the start, because while they both demonstrate astonishing, intriguing bravery at their reapings, their actions and motivations are completely different. lucy gray is motivated to perform by anger for herself, and katniss is motivated to sacrifice herself by fear for her sister.

but then katniss starts to put on a show for the audience, kissing peeta and being willing to die with the berries at the end of the 74th games. snow starts to see an entirely different side of katniss that resembles lucy gray to a concerning degree. he sees how, with peeta at her side, she could beguile the nation the same way lucy gray had. and, even worse, she was using the poor, helpless boy who had the misfortune of falling in love with her to survive. the moment katniss started performing, he finally sees lucy gray within her. but it’s already too late.

by catching fire, katniss is the spark fanning the flames of the resistance, but snow fails to understand why. as far as he’s concerned, katniss’ star power comes from her connection to peeta. he tries to weaponize their “love” for his own gain, but it doesn’t work, not because people don’t believe that she loves peeta, but because, for the first time, a victor offers their winnings to the family of a fallen tribute.

snow is caught in a catch 22 of seneca crane’s making—if he kills katniss, she becomes a martyr. but if he lets her live, she’ll be a revolutionary icon. either way, she’s the spark. so he has no choice but to allow the spark to flicker, just for a little while. enter the 75th games. snow knows he needs katniss to die a tragic death in the games. more specifically, he needs it to be a brutal death at the hands of a tribute, not the gamemakers, because he understands that as long as the districts see the capitol as the one who ended the life of katniss everdeen, she’ll still be a martyr.

but snow still doesn’t get it. in the quarter quell, the prey does not become predator. katniss’ allies protect her, ensuring she survives until district 13 rescues her. why would they protect this girl, assuming such a steep personal risk? why would they put everything on the line for a revolution they personally stand to benefit little from? he doesn’t know. but he does know that lucy gray katniss is at the center of it all, so he tries to eliminate what makes her look best: peeta.

and that is snow’s fatal mistake. what he, coin, and everyone but haymitch fail to understand is that it was never peeta that made katniss look good—it was katniss, who befriended and put faith in rue. katniss, who recruited mags, wiress, and beetee as allies. she is the source of revolutionary inspiration. it isn’t her charisma or even her compassion, and it certainly isn’t how well she performed those virtues.

katniss becomes the mockingjay because of her solidarity.

lucy gray was charismatic, like peeta, and compassionate, like both peeta and katniss, but she did not demonstrate solidarity. she was never truly “district” in the way katniss is. she showed kindness to jessup, not because he was from 12, but because he showed kindness to her. lucy gray left behind everything and everyone she loved when she left coriolanus, because she was first and foremost a survivor.

katniss was a survivor her whole life, but she survives exclusively to ensure the people she loves are protected. she always does what she can for people more vulnerable than herself. lucy gray couldn’t have sparked a revolution on her own because she lacked the solidarity that makes a hope for a better future authentic to others. katniss is the human manifestation of solidarity, and to a people divided by a common enemy, that’s the most inspiring thing a person can be.

only in the end, when katniss shoots coin, does snow realize none of it was a performance. choking on the blood of his countless adversaries, snow’s final moments are consumed by what he got wrong. what made lucy gray and katniss different ends his reign, but ironically, the final nail in his coffin is an act that both lucy gray and katniss share in their last moments with snow. they both prove, unequivocally, that he is not the center of their worlds like they are his. lucy gray put her own survival before her love for him, and katniss puts the future of her nation before her hate for him. in the end, he simply doesn’t matter. and that’s greater justice than could have ever been achieved if katniss had fired her arrow into his heart.

the greatest enemy to coriolanus snow could only be the person who reignited the embers of a dying revolutionary fire, who demonstrated to a broken people that while one spark alone might not be enough, thousands of sparks uniting in solidarity is an unbeatable force.

and really, he should have known better. after all, even when snow lands on top, fire melts snow.

[thesweetnessofspring]

"Peeta coerced Katniss into a relationship" - He literally said that he liked her, she had no idea who he was until the Reaping, and got in with the Careers to protect her so they wouldn't have to interact much in the actual Games. In his mind, the most she would have to do is answer questions after she won about how she felt about him. Maybe say some nice things about him and wistfully say she wished they'd gotten a chance to know each other. Then go home and live her life however she could after. Even Katniss admits that Peeta made her memorable and secured her sponsors, which gave her burn cream and food. Peeta manipulated the Capitol and never even came clean to Katniss that he'd really, actually liked her for a long time until the cave--after she had risked her life to save him. Prior to that, there is an understanding between both of them that they're acting to save both of their lives. Look me in the eye and tell me that all of this was a grand plan for Peeta to lock Katniss down. Haymitch even says it--"he wanted it to be real." Like you think Peeta fantasized this is how he would first get to know Katniss? That was Plan A? That he knew the Capitol would "let" two victors win? Or, that when the audience wasn't looking, he was forcing and guilting her into being in love with him for real?

"Peeta made Katniss feel bad about not liking him back" - This traumatized sixteen-year-old amputee who just got back from hell didn't perfectly respond to thinking someone who was willing to die with him rather than live in a world without him actually wasn't sure of her feelings. The horror. Hang him for being upset and hurt! And how absolutely awful of him to apologize for being hurt and offering to be friends! Other than Katniss knowing he loved her and she wasn't sure how she cared for him, what did he do to make her feel bad? What did he do on purpose to bring out those feelings in her?

"Peeta was the Capitol's choice, not Katniss's" - Right, because I'm sure the Capitol absolutely loved the fact that the two of them outsmarted the Gamemakers and starting the rebellion with those berries--they wanted that and NOT the highly emotional, dramatic death of one of them, the reminder that humanity is evil and must be controlled. Snow just loved that so much, he thanked Seneca Crane by killing him.

"Peeta didn't know Katniss" - ok, and? That's like, literally most of the human population who don't know each other from birth? They had known each other for a year prior to Snow holding Peeta hostage. Then they had their unspecified amount of time where they "grow back together."

"They're only together because of the shared trauma of the Games" - Suzanne made it abundantly clear that these two get along really well and have a connection before the Games. Even without the bread (although that is a cornerstone of their relationship forming) the way they both silently agree to take care of Haymitch instead of call an attendant, the way they sell each other's strengths to Haymitch, the way they flirt during the Opening Ceremonies, and just about everything else points to them having a natural chemistry and interest in one another. And also, literally, what do you think make relationships stronger? Everything going perfectly, or having someone help you through a hard time, proving you can trust them to keep you safe? With this anti-shared-trauma mindset, no one in this world can love anyone else because they all have shared trauma of their oppression. Only Capitol/District matches here, people! Hayffie shippers only.

[victusinveritas]

Douglas Morley Kirkland (August 16, 1934 – October 2, 2022) was a Canadian-born American photographer. He was noted for his photographs of celebrities, especially the ones he took of Marilyn Monroe several months before her death.

Kirkland was born in Toronto on August 16, 1934. He was raised in nearby Fort Erie, where his father managed a small store that sold suits. He later recounted how he developed his penchant for photography while perusing the Life magazines his father brought back from his store. Kirkland attended Seneca Vocational High School in Buffalo, New York, before immigrating to the United States permanently.

Kirkland first worked for a printing studio in Richmond, Virginia. He then served as Sherwin Greenberg's assistant for a year starting in 1957. He was subsequently employed by Look magazine. It was in that capacity that he was allocated a photo session with Marilyn Monroe in 1961. The photos, taken only a few months prior to her death, became some of the most noteworthy ones of her, thereby kick-starting his career.

Over the years, various notable persons later posed for Kirkland, from the great photography innovator Man Ray and photographer/painter Jacques Henri Lartigue to Dr. Stephen Hawking. Entertainment celebrities he photographed included Romy Schneider, Audrey Hepburn, Mick Jagger, Sting, Björk, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Morgan Freeman, Orson Welles, Andy Warhol, Oliver Stone, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Coco Chanel, Marlene Dietrich, Brigitte Bardot, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Catherine Deneuve, Michael Jackson, Paris Hilton, and Diana Ross. Kirkland's portrait of Charlie Chaplin is at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Kirkland was contracted for work around the world and worked in the motion picture industry as a special photographer on more than 150 films. These included 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Sound of Music, Sophie's Choice, Out of Africa, The Pirate Movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Romancing the Stone, Titanic, and Moulin Rouge!. Some of his famous film shots include John Travolta in the dance sequence from Saturday Night Fever, a portrait of Judy Garland crying, and the March 1976 Playboy pictorial of Margot Kidder. In 1995 Kirkland received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American motion pictures Society of Operating Cameramen.

Kirkland's picture book, Titanic (1998), was the first of its kind to reach No.1 on the New York Times Best Seller list and did so on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He followed this with the book project titled A Life in Pictures, which was released in 2013. - Wikipedia

https://www.gadcollection.com/en/44-douglas-kirkland

[eternal-echoes]

“One aspect of ancient Greek philosophy that constituted a bridge to Catholic thought is the suggestion that there is a certain kind of life that befits a chimpanzee, and one that befits a human being. Possessed of reason, the human being is not condemned to act on mere instinct. He is capable of moral reflection, an ability that must always elude even the cleverest specimens of the animal kingdom. Should he fail to exercise this faculty, then he never lives up to his own nature. If he will not engage in intellectual activity or serious moral reckoning when it comes to his own behavior, then what is the point of his being human in the first place? If one's guiding principle is to do whatever brings immediate pleasure, one is in a sense no different from a beast.

The Church teaches that a life truly befitting humanity requires the assistance of divine grace. Even pagan Romans perceived something of the degraded condition of man: "What a contemptible thing is man," wrote Seneca, "if he fail to rise above the human condition!" The grace of God could help him do so. Here the Church has held out the examples of the saints, who demonstrate that lives of heroic virtue are possible when human beings let themselves decrease so that Christ may increase.

The Church teaches that a good life is not simply one in which our external actions are beyond reproach. Christ insists that it is not enough merely to refrain from murder or adultery; not only must the body not yield to such crimes, but the soul must also keep from leaning toward them. Not only should we not steal from our neighbor, but we should also not allow ourselves to indulge in envious thoughts about his possessions. Although we are certainly permitted to hate what is evil—sin, for example, or Satan himself—we are to divorce ourselves from the kind of anger and hatred that only corrode the soul. We are not only not to commit adultery, but we are also not to entertain impure thoughts, for to do so turns one of our fellow human beings into a thing, a mere object. Someone wishing to lead a good life should not want to make a fellow human being into a thing.

It has been said that to do anything well is difficult, and that living as a human being rather than as a beast is no exception. It requires moral seriousness and self-discipline. Socrates had famously said that knowledge was virtue, that to know the good was to do the good. Aristotle and St. Paul knew better, for we can all recall moments in our lives at which we knew perfectly well what the good was but did not do it, and likewise knew what was wrong but did do that. This is why Catholic spiritual directors instruct those under their charge to eat a carrot the next time we want a cupcake; not because cupcakes are evil, but because if we can get into the habit of disciplining our wills in cases in which no moral principle is at stake, then we shall be better prepared in the moment of temptation, when we are indeed faced with a choice between good and evil. And just as the more habituated we become to sin the easier further sin becomes, it is also true, as Aristotle observed, that virtuous living becomes ever easier the more we engage in it and the more it becomes a matter of habit.”

- Thomas E. Woods Jr., Ph.D., “The Church and Western Morality,” How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization

[love-yellow-door]

✨The most learned woman of the 17th century was undoubtedly Anna van Schurman, a polymath who spent her life arguing that women should receive an education as long as it did not interfere with their domestic duties. Other scholars called her the 'Star of Utrecht', the 'Dutch Minerva', the 'Tenth Muse', 'a miracle of the gentler sex', the 'Incomparable Virgin', the 'Oracle of Utrecht' and the 'Jewel of Learned Women', all of which sounds pretty outstanding for a time when the vast majority of women were thought to be intellectually inferior to men.

But then she was different, a prodigy whose brain could not be contained.

A Dutch Calvinist, she was born in Cologne in 1607. Her family was wealthy, pious, educated, well-connected and modern, as her father broke the conventions of the time by teaching her along with his sons.

He may have had no choice, for Anna was so curious and clever that she could read by the age of three. By the age of eleven she had read Seneca in Latin and was fluent in German, English, Italian, Spanish and French, as well as being proficient in mathematics, astronomy and geography.

She was also artistic, creating intricate lace-like paper cut-outs at the age of six, detailed embroidery at ten, and a wax self-portrait at eleven so lifelike that her friend pricked one of the jewels to see if it was real. During this period she also taught herself calligraphy and glass engraving, all of which merged into a passion for wood engraving that she later developed by studying with the daughter of a renowned engraver and publisher. Her work was so good that she became an honorary member of the Painter's Guild.

The family settled in Utrecht when she was nineteen, following the death of her father. Her neighbour was a professor of theology and Eastern languages at the city's main university, and he was soon taken with her linguistic and intellectual abilities. He introduced her to two other professors, who in turn introduced her to the city's poets and philosophers.

Her living room became a meeting place where intellectuals discussed all sorts of issues. Some fell in love and proposed to her, writing poems to convince her, but she could afford to be celibate and chose to remain independent.

She would have liked to further her academic interests by studying at university, but women were excluded on the basis of three fundamental beliefs: that they lacked the natural ability to study, that it was unseemly for a Christian woman to do so, and that it would be a waste of time as women could not hold public office.

So when she was asked to write a Latin poem in honour of the University of Utrecht, she decided to use the opportunity to complain about the exclusion of women. The university authorities listened and allowed her to attend lectures behind a curtain so as not to distract the male students.

She became the first Dutch woman to enter such a prestigious institution and used it to gain a law degree, while also learning Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Arabic, Syriac, Samaritan Hebrew, Persian and Ethiopian, which enabled her to read the ancient texts in the original language, including the Bible and the commentaries of the Fathers of the Church.

Emboldened, she wrote a dissertation in Latin arguing for the education of women. It was printed and distributed throughout Europe, and soon she was receiving letters from all the learned women of her time as well as from important cultural figures such as René Descartes, Marin Mersenne and Constantin Huygens.

Towards the end of her life, she became involved with a contemplative religious sect founded by the Jesuit Jean de Labadie. Labadism was a mystical offshoot of Catholicism that preached the importance of communal property, an austere lifestyle and daily communal Bible study, which allowed her to pursue her theosophical interests. Crucially, Labadie also believed in the equality of all believers, including women, who were allowed to hold leadership positions within the movement and were encouraged to participate in all religious activities.

Her intellectual peers were shocked and opposed her, but she stood by her new faith and eventually renounced the Reformed Church through a public pamphlet arguing for another reformation. She gave up all her possessions and became co-leader of the group. They eventually founded a Labadist community on the outskirts of Amsterdam, where she continued to correspond with a variety of people on theosophical subjects until her death.

Through her radical ideas and linguistic skills, she successfully challenged the prescribed roles of women in 17th century Europe and planted the seeds for our equality, access and inclusion.

Self-portrait, 1633, Museum Martena, Netherlands

If only Eurus had turned towards more wholesome pursuits.

[dazed-confused-devoted]

August 15th

"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 impulse, and by it, every appearance that spurs our impulses will be rendered clear." - Seneca, Moral Letters, 71.32

I work in branding, which is a dystopia of an industry, but one thing I tend to carry around with me is that a good brand is the result of unwaivering authenticity. One of the traits I treasure in myself is that I am always authentic with people and I tell the truth with love.

On the 13th, we talked about using your rational mind. The 14th we talked about the importance of not playing the devil's advocate with your morals and values. Today, the importance of ensuring that you are virtuous in every action, no matter how small.

Virtue doesn't need to be a holier than thou thing, but your values played out in everyday life. If this choice or action aligns with my values and my ruling mind agrees, then it is the most logical and virtuous choice for me.

Every action I take should be authentic, honest, and kind. That's how I want to be known by people who interact with me, no matter how small my impact on their life.

[dotarari]

🖊

HELL YEAH, I'm going to talk about my sweet, tired™ Turian boy

This here is Seneca Malraka.

He was made into a Spectre after one of his missions went horribly wrong and resulted him making choices that cost the life of his men. Seneca personally believes he shouldn't have been chosen to become a Spectre but he will try his damndest to do the things he believes is right and will fight for that, even if it means doing something that puts others at risk just to make the mission a success. Seneca is seen as a very talented Turian solider and has shown great leadership skills for someone his age. He usually takes on undercover missions due to not being well known amongst the people, which works in his favor a lot, as he use to be a forensics investigator/detective. Seneca likes to see how far he can go before he catches whoever the hell he's dealing with.

With that out of the way, Seneca may come off as a 'badass' to those who don't know him personally. In reality, he's a huge fucking dork and is really just tired all the time. He has a resting bitch face and each species, including his own race, oftentimes confuse him for being absolutely pissed and mistake his dry sense of humor (usually dark humor) as him being rude. Seneca is well mannered and has etiquette to the point one would think he's of a higher class or a politician. There have been countless times some women have flirted with him for being 'handsome' and admiring how much respect he shows, regardless of gender. But his response to being flirted with sadly is "I should go." Panics at the first sign of someone showing interest in him as he really doesn't feel worthy of any affections.

Seneca also knowns my other Turian oc, Aletheia Lupicus. I would and should go on about their relationship, but that's deep lore and won't go into it until later~

But if you want to know more about him or other ocs, just ask!

[stoicbreviary]

The slavery that follows from being mastered by our passions is only a servitude of our own choices, and we are, in turn, the only sources of our own emancipation. . . .

[alphaman99]

Carl Jung and depth psychology  ·

Hiren Patel  ·

We cannot change anything unless we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate; it oppresses.

- CARL JUNG.

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.

- Seneca

Jung believed that we are psychosomatic creatures who must attend to matters of the spirit as well as the body. Further, our psyche is not just our own. It is connected to others, both those with whom we visibly interact, and those who have come before us, via the dynamic he called the collective unconscious. Life goes well when these links are open. Flow brings a sense of purpose. Conversely, blockages can lead to ill-health with possibly physical and psychological manifestations.

Let's look this situation by different angle...

We have no choice but to accept change, as time marches on, even if we wish to keep things as they are. We must ultimately embrace such changes, accepting the fact that, as each day passes, there will be new experiences, both good and bad. We will lose people dear to us, new people will come and go....Every year the leaves fall. Every year the flowers bud again. Whether you like it or not, you are a living, breathing organism and your life is cyclical. People and loves will come and go. Start by accepting that.

When you surrender to the fact that you’re always evolving, you can stop getting so surprised every time change comes knocking..

This Vision will decide how we are going to manage the certainty of loss, grief and endings, and how we will cope with new beginnings.

It is difficult to make a new beginning if we have not let ourselves grieve our losses....

[enigmaproductions]

New release: Vida by Ezekiel Nigma

Ezekiel Nigma had this to say about the new release:

“A phonk house/metal song that was inspired by Seneca's belief that we are dying every day. It is a song that conveys the choice to live one's life to the fullest with vim and vigour, rather than despair over this harsh reality. Death is inevitable, life is precious. Memento mori. For this song, I took a lot of influence from the way artists like Kordhell and Dxrk produce their tracks, while also throwing in some of my own metal influences into the mix. I hope you enjoy!”

[royalmokwamonster]

20/5/2023

it's 3:50 in the damn morning and I have work at 1130AM... WTF!

I got fucking admitted to YorkU 48 damn hours ago.

I already accepted my offer at seneca- to that, I've been thinking about my next few years there

I already paid the down payment of $500

I spent over $300 on res that mom doesn't know about because I was so damn curious on Newnham rather than King City..then I got fucking revoked bc that was retarded asf even tho they still had 35 spots available... so why big rush me on that stupid questionnaire.

THEREFORE $800 and paying for courses havent even started yet

anddddddd I just submitted my thing to OSAP so fuck me

so yea, I am annoyed how they were fucking taking their time & playing w my feelings admitting me pretty fucking late in the game... which leads me to here trying to think straight.

I already played the hypothetical card w mom this morning if I were to change my mind to another school. and I know it will hurt her but as a front she says "everyone changes their mind" --> which btw made me internally cry bc I love her so much (increases the pressure even more to not fuck up any. decision for the following days whether I should stay in Seneca than pass my shot at York)

it was already so damn chaotic for dad to accept the fact im going to college. damn. how tf do I tell him, yeah I wasted ur money AGAIN for admission because IM CHNAGING MY MIND AGAIN but don't worry because this time it's at York...

I hate this thinking game

Cassie made a point how it is still possible to transfer no matter what

Alex too did make a point that having a balance life will be important

Judy was right this was my first choice if I were to get accepted

IM SO CONFUSED

I feel that because the last week I've been using my iPad as a check list to getting shit done like

calling PEI for a job

being transfers at PEI's Garage

pulling up at Montreal

calling Seneca for scholarships

calling Seneca for login difficulties

calling for residence info

that when and IF I were to think about York I would have to be doing all this shit in 2x speed meaningggggg

I have to inform RND and OVS to transfer my transcript to the admission office at York

get my York email working

[re]apply for residence at York

meaning my newer set of questions would be

[re]inquiring for York scholarships &&&& course enrolment

[re]applying / correcting my Osap application

alsoooo meaning that paying residence is another affaire (such as in Seneca offered 3 different options on how to pay the instalment for residence)

--- currently 4:39 AM ----

I have been on so many Reddits reviews because I am just being pulled from one side to the other when trying to decide what school VS the other.

[michaelbranch]

A Brief Summary of Ideas: Discipline is Destiny

*These summaries are kept intentionally very brief, just hitting what I consider some of the important/interesting takeaways, most word-for-word or paraphrased. My goal is also to stick to ideas/principals that might guide others (or my future self) in deciding the value of a read (or re-reading). T = takeaway, Q = Question

Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self Control

Author(s): Ryan Holiday

4 Cardinal Virtues:

Courage

Temperance/Discipline

Justice

Wisdom

The virtues are interrelated and inseparable, yet each distinct. Called “cardinal” because they guide us, like a compass. Virtue is something we “do”. Words don’t matter, deeds do.

“Freedom is the opportunity for self-discipline.” -Eisenhower

2 selves in a constant battle: The “can” vs. the “should”.

Temperance is not deprivation, but command of oneself.

When you have trouble waking up, remind yourself what is at stake.

The best way to master the morning is to have mastered it the night before.

The pleasure of excess is always fleeting.

“Treat the body rigorously, so that it may not be disobedient to the mind.” – Seneca

All self-discipline begins with the body.

Who can be free when they’ve lost the freedom to abstain?

The less you desire, the richer you are, the freer you are, the more powerful you are.

“Outer order, inner calm.” – Gretchen Rubin

There is a compounding power in consistency.

We’re fit to tackle the big problems only if we do the little things right first.

That is done quickly enough which is done well enough.

We don’t rise to the occasion, we fall to the level of our training.

Presentation counts. And so do other peoples feelings. It’s not everything, but you ignore it at your peril.

“Make yourself do unpleasant things so as to gain the upper hand of your soul.” – W.E.B. Du Bois

Sometimes the harder choice is to rest. Load management.

Often the best way to manage the load is to share it.

Help others carry their loads too.

“People pay for what they do…and they pay for it simply: by the lives they lead.” – James Baldwin

True self control means moderation not just in what we do, but also how we think, how we feel, how we comport ourselves.

No one lasts very long if they are afraid of change, and few are able to change if they are afraid of feedback or making mistakes.

Greatness is not just what one does, but also what one refuses to do.

The main thing in life is to keep the main thing the main thing.

In a world of distraction, focusing is a superpower.

Everything we say yes to means saying no to something else. To rebuff one opportunity means to cultivate another.

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.

“Do the hard things first.” – William Stafford

Losing is not always up to us, but being a loser is.

Anyone or anything that offers you an escape should be viewed with caution .

Pain can be an indicator to make a change.

Don’t just think about what a certain pleasure will give you, think about what it will take out of you.

Discipline is not a punishment, it’s a way to avoid punishment.

When we are offended, we are complicit.

Someone else’s lack of self-control is not a justification for abandoning our own.

Nearly every regret, every mistake has one thing in common: Somebody lost control of their emotions.

An expert on speaking also knows when not to do so.

Can you trust yourself enough to stand alone?

Ambition is good, it just must be tempered.

Money isn’t good or bad. It’s a tool.

Nobody is as good as they could be.

Routine is an essential tool in the management of time and the suppression of those negative forces of distraction, procrastination, and laziness.

What does matter is that you gave everything, because anything less is to cheat the gift.

“Tolerant with others, strict with yourself.” – Marcus Aurelius

None of us are so perfect that we can afford to spend much time questioning other people.

“The nearer a man is to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

Don’t beat yourself up, build yourself up.

A person who doesn’t know how to disengage, to cut their losses, is a vulnerable person.

It’s not about what we do, it’s about how we do it and, by extension, who we are.

The paradox of success: Precisely when we think we’ve earned the right to relax our discipline is exactly when we need it the most.

Life is for the living. We are meant to be up and doing.

[practicalmagicintuitions]

I think HC is a very unlucky man, but is that by nature? Or is it because of his choices? I can't describe it well, but he doesn't seem to have any intuition at all.

Even though I believe in Universe and Higher Power I am a big believer in choices and that we have the personal freedom to choose. Some people have horrible instincts or self-destruction tendencies because of some trauma or insecurities and if you are surrounded by yes men and people who take advantage of you it's very hard to break free.

However, it's not impossible, but this starts with self-reflection and brutal honesty with ourselves. It's painful. It's painful to realize who we really are and what kind of illusions we have. But if someone always blames others nothing will change. And we the rise of this tendency with the current victimhood culture. That takes all the personal responsibility away. "It's not you, never your fault, always others who wronged you" From this, you cannot achieve personal growth. I hate the term " better version of yourself" I don't know why, seems so overused and for me somehow supports this egotistical victim narrative. Personal growth for me is not just something you do for yourself but for others too. For your family, your friends, and the people who you haven't met yet because they don't want to know the '"old you" but they are waiting to enter into your life on the sideline.

I don't really see this in him.

“The fates lead the willing and drag the unwilling” - Seneca

[jims3dprintshop]

Finding the Best 3D Print Shops in Indiana: Tips, Tricks, and Why Locality Matters

If you’re on the hunt for an Indiana 3D print shop, you’ve likely realized how versatile and revolutionary 3D printing has become. Whether you’re an architect, an entrepreneur, or a DIY enthusiast, 3D printing offers endless possibilities for bringing your ideas to life. But how do you find the right 3D print shop in Indiana, or even better, an affordable 3D printing in Indiana? Let’s dive into the tips and tricks for this search while we explore what makes 3D printing so transformative, with a few quirky insights along the way! Why Locality Matters in Finding a 3D Print Shop When it comes to choosing a 3D print shop, the phrase “think local” holds immense value. Local businesses aren’t just convenient; they often provide better customer service, quicker turnaround times, and more personalized attention to your project. But why is this crucial in the world of 3D printing? Imagine you’re a small business owner in Indiana who needs custom prototypes fast. Relying on a shop 1,000 miles away could mean long shipping delays and missed deadlines. A local Indiana 3D print shop not only reduces those lead times but also allows you to communicate face-to-face, making adjustments and collaborating more efficiently. Here are a few perks of going local:

Faster turnaround times: Local print shops can usually expedite production compared to distant online options.

Face-to-face consultations: Sit down with the designer to clarify your vision without the hassle of emails and phone calls.

Support local economy: Working with nearby businesses strengthens the local economy and encourages innovation within your community.

Tips for Finding the Perfect 3D Print Shop in Indiana Now that you know why going local matters, here are some tips to help you find the right 3D print shop:

Research their specialties: Not all print shops are created equal. Some may specialize in industrial parts, while others focus on art, jewelry, or prototypes. It’s essential to find a shop that aligns with your needs.

Ask for material options: Different 3D printers work with various materials like PLA, ABS, resin, or even metal. A good shop should offer several material choices based on your project's requirements.

Check for a portfolio: Reputable print shops usually display their past work. This not only gives you an idea of their expertise but also provides inspiration for your project.

Request a quote: Before committing, ask for a price estimate to compare affordability. Indiana is home to many shops that provide affordable 3D printing in Indiana, so don’t settle for overpriced services.

Read reviews: Take a look at customer feedback to ensure you’re choosing a shop with a proven track record of delivering quality prints.

Stoic Wisdom Meets 3D Printing What would the ancient Stoics think of 3D printing? Seneca and Marcus Aurelius might argue that it's the perfect embodiment of wisdom in action—transforming ideas into reality with patience and precision. Just as Stoicism emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you can control, 3D printing offers creators an unmatched level of control over the design and production process. No more waiting on third-party manufacturers—if you can dream it, you can print it! In practical terms, this means that anyone, from an Indiana artist designing custom sculptures to an entrepreneur prototyping a new gadget, has the power to turn their vision into something tangible. And just like the Stoics taught us about resilience and adaptability, 3D printing allows for quick modifications without starting from scratch, letting you improve and evolve your designs with ease. How 3D Printing is Changing the World Forever 3D printing isn’t just a fancy tech trend; it’s fundamentally changing the way we produce and consume. From medical advancements to space exploration, its impact is profound. Here are a few ways 3D printing is revolutionizing industries:

Healthcare: Doctors and researchers use 3D printing to create prosthetics, dental implants, and even bioprinted organs. Customization ensures that each item is tailored perfectly to the patient’s body, improving comfort and effectiveness.

Sustainability: 3D printing uses additive manufacturing, meaning it builds objects layer by layer, reducing waste. It also allows for localized production, cutting down on shipping and packaging.

Aerospace and Automotive: Major companies like NASA and Tesla are embracing 3D printing to manufacture lightweight, durable parts. This innovation reduces production costs and improves efficiency, allowing for faster advancements in technology.

Art and Design: Artists and designers are pushing the boundaries of creativity with 3D printing. Intricate sculptures, custom fashion, and one-of-a-kind home décor are all made possible thanks to this technology.

Fun Tips to Make the Most of Your 3D Printing Experience Now that you’ve got a solid understanding of how to find the right 3D print shop, here are a few extra tips to enhance your 3D printing journey:

Start small: If you’re new to 3D printing, start with a simple project before diving into complex designs. This allows you to understand the technology and its limitations.

Use free design software: Platforms like Tinkercad and Fusion 360 are user-friendly and perfect for beginners. You don’t need to be a CAD expert to create something amazing!

Experiment with materials: Don’t be afraid to try different materials like wood filament, flexible filament, or even metal-infused PLA. Each one has unique properties that can give your project a distinct look and feel.

Optimize for speed and quality: If you’re working with a professional print shop, talk to them about your priorities. Do you need the print quickly, or is intricate detail more important? They can adjust settings to optimize speed or quality based on your needs.

Your 3D Printing Adventure in Indiana Awaits Whether you’re creating prototypes, building custom parts, or unleashing your artistic vision, the right Indiana 3D print shop can make all the difference. From the importance of locality to understanding the wide-ranging impact of 3D printing on industries worldwide, there’s no denying that this technology is here to stay. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding affordable 3D printing in Indiana and turning your ideas into reality. So, what’s your next 3D printing project? The possibilities are endless—just like the wisdom of the Stoics—giving you the power to mold your world, layer by layer.

[adrianodiprato]

+ "He who is brave is free." ~ Seneca

The Value of Strength

After the passing of my father in 2019, I found myself navigating the most challenging period of my life. The grief was profound, and I made the difficult decision to resign from a secure job, driven by the need to regain control over my mental health. In the years that followed, I embarked on a journey to reconnect with my truth, to rediscover the core of who I am, and to understand what it means to foster genuine mental strength.

In this process, I learned that mental strength is not just about resilience in the face of adversity, but about making deliberate choices every day that align with my values and aspirations. It’s about living with intention, embracing change, and understanding the power that lies within each of us to shape our own destiny.

As I reflect on this journey, I’ve come to recognise that there are certain principles that mentally strong people embody—actions and attitudes that guide them through life’s trials and triumphs. These aren’t just things mentally strong people don’t do; rather, they are the positive actions that define their strength.

Here are 10 things mentally strong people do:

1. Embrace Responsibility

Mentally strong people take ownership of their lives, understanding that while life may not always be fair, their power lies in how they respond to it. With courage, they rise above self-pity, choosing instead to act with resilience and a sense of responsibility. It’s this courage that allows them to face challenges head-on, knowing that every experience, whether joyful or painful, contributes to their growth.

2. Welcome Change with Open Arms

Change is not something to be feared but embraced. Mentally strong individuals approach change with curiosity, seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Their inquisitiveness drives them to explore new possibilities, and with adaptability as their ally, they meet change head-on, knowing that it is the only constant in life and a key to their evolution.

3. Focus on What They Can Control

In a world filled with uncertainties, mentally strong people direct their energy towards what they can influence. Guided by conviction, they release the need for control over the uncontrollable and find peace in managing their own responses and actions. This unwavering belief in their own agency allows them to stay focused and grounded, even amidst chaos.

4. Celebrate Others' Success

Instead of harboring resentment, mentally strong people celebrate the achievements of others. Compassion fuels their ability to rejoice in the success of others, knowing that lifting others up does not diminish their own worth. They understand that success is abundant and that the accomplishments of others can inspire and enrich their own journey.

5. Stand Firm in Their Power

Mentally strong individuals do not surrender their power to others. With a deep sense of conviction, they establish clear boundaries and maintain control over their own actions, defining their success on their own terms. It’s their courage that enables them to stand firm when others may try to sway them, and their conviction that keeps them true to their path.

6. Seek Authentic Relationships, Not Approval

They understand the futility of trying to please everyone. Instead, mentally strong people build relationships based on mutual respect, authenticity, and compassion. They recognise that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone and are comfortable with others’ disappointment when it comes from living in alignment with their truth. True connections, they know, are rooted in honesty and empathy.

7. Live in the Present and Plan for the Future

Mentally strong people focus on the now while keeping an eye on the future. They do not dwell on the past but learn from it, using those lessons to build a brighter tomorrow. Their curiosity drives them to explore new possibilities and embrace the unknown with a sense of wonder, always planning with an open mind and a forward-looking perspective.

8. Learn and Grow from Mistakes

When they falter, mentally strong people don’t repeat the same errors. They take accountability for their actions, reflect on their missteps, and chart a new course that avoids the pitfalls of the past. This requires courage—the courage to face mistakes head-on, to learn from them, and to grow stronger because of them. It’s this strength that propels them forward, undeterred by past failures.

9. Take Calculated Risks

Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to move forward in spite of it. Mentally strong people assess risks with wisdom, making informed decisions that propel them towards their goals. Guided by their conviction, they take calculated risks that align with their purpose, understanding that true progress often requires stepping into the unknown.

10. Value Solitude as a Time for Reflection and Growth

Mentally strong individuals cherish time alone, valuing solitude as a sanctuary for self-reflection, personal growth, and creativity. In these quiet moments, their curiosity leads them to explore the depths of their own minds, finding new insights and understanding. They know that their strength is cultivated in these moments of introspection, away from the noise of the world.

Conclusion

I am not perfect, and that’s not my aspiration. Perfection is an illusion, a false God, a fleeting concept that often leads us away from our true selves. My journey is not about achieving some ideal state, but rather about continuously growing, learning, and evolving. It’s about feeling whole, embracing all aspects of who I am—the light and the dark, the strength and the vulnerability.

As I walk this path, I am committed to living with intention, to fostering the mental strength that allows me to face life’s challenges with grace and resilience. I may not have all the answers, and I certainly don’t have it all figured out, but I am on a journey to feel whole, to live authentically, and to remain open to the endless possibilities that life has to offer.

This letter by Alysha Waghorn to an Aries resonates deeply with me:

DEAREST ARIES,

They watch you dancing under crimson skies, the music pulsating beneath your burning skin. All-consuming, wild, alive to it all; human yet not. A warrior man forged from wildfire. A celestial being made of flowers and flame. A sharp sword and sweet poetry; blended together in one beautifully untamed form setting fire to your sky. You fall. But you rise. Frantic to see it all. Experience it all. Feel it all. You fear no consequence as you dive headfirst knowing that it is here, within the unknown, your soul is ignited. Free. I hope you know how brave you are. How daring and resilient and bold you are. Forever the free spirit the rest of us wish to embody. Wherever you go kindness and laughter follow. The daring ram with a heart of gold. You protect, you love, you give so much without any expectation in return. I hope you know how beautiful that makes you, how magical. I hope you know what a treasure you are. How much this world needs you to blaze your fiery trail, forever breathing life into new spaces and places. I hope you never stop expressing yourself. That you live unapologetically and authentically, loud and proud. Never buckling under the weight of others' expectations.

Darling Aries, may you always play with the stars and provoke the moon. May you always trust in the madness and forever tell the world that wild is your favorite color. — Alysha Waghorn

Like an Aries described by Waghorn, I know that I must dive headfirst into the unknown, ignited by the fire within. I strive to live unapologetically and authentically, embracing the wildness and the passion that comes with it. I know there will be times when I fall, but like the daring ram, I will rise, frantic to experience it all, to feel it all. This world needs me to blaze my fiery trail, to breathe life into new spaces and places. And so, I walk forward with courage, resilience, and the understanding that I am free, because I am brave, living my truth.

Adriano Di Prato is a best-selling author, broadcaster, co-host of the Game Changers podcast series, and the Academic Operations Manager at LCI Melbourne, a progressive art, design + entrepreneurship private institute of higher education.