The questions: 00:58 1. Who are you spending time with? 01:43 2. Is this in my control? 02:34 3. What does your ideal day look like? 03:41 4. To be or to do? 04:30 5. If I am not for me, who is? If I am only for me, who am I? 05:31 6. What am I missing by choosing to worry or be afraid? 06:15 7. Are you doing your job? 06:59 8. What is the most important thing? 08:07 9. Who is this for? 08:48 10. Does this actually matter? 09:38 11. Will this be alive time or dead time? 10:49 12. Is this who I want to be? 11:33 BONUS: What is the meaning of life?
Dude it’s a play on the words to attract desperate and stressed people. Dude it’s basically controlled giving up so it’s not complete giving up Don’t worry about something you can’t change
I liked Seneca's quote about not being distracted by other people's paths and being focused on our own because very often we see other person's path as more accomplished, more interesting, and we get lost on our own path.
Marcus Aurelius: "Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present."
“The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.” -Alan Watts. It’s funny, so much of our lives we waste trying to worship or do something right, that we don’t realize how much is passing by. The destination doesn’t matter, you’ll always get where you want to be. Pay attention to what’s going on around you, you’re supposed to have fun
@@Kainthemain In your opinion but highly disagree. A divine being isn't so petty that it would create an entire universe for the means of being served. It is beyond that sort of frail ego
@@chillociraptor5007 Its not my opinion. We were made too serve him. Thats our whole reason for existing. How can you know what the divine wants when you dont even read his texts. He clearly states in the Quran "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me" Verse (51:56). Even in the bible it says "The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise" Isaiah 43:21. And for you even think for a second that you have the abilty to think what God thinks is incredible arrogant. His wisdom is far beyond what any of us can imagine. Fact is everyone worships something,money,power, ego etc. But worshiping anything other than God in a proper manner is just a mirage of living and your not living your true purpose.
@@Kainthemain you know those texts weren't written by god right? While believing in something is noble I do not exist to serve anyone except my truest best self. And I think a God would find that a good incentive. Youre also just as ignorant as me in what you're saying and you don't even realize it. Respect your beliefs but respectfully disagree that that is our purpose. I personally believe our purpose is to be an image of god. To work towards a state of being akin to a divine grace. That does not come from trying to make sense of and worship something beyond our comprehension, that comes from understanding and serving ourselves. Becoming better, loving people. Not just for our brothers and sisters around us but for everything on this planet. By your logic may I ask why other creatures dont worship god? Why are we the ones that need to?
I was raised stoic. However I was raised to know we are here to help each other to thrive.These are great questions and may raise more questions.. Love, light and joy to everyone.
Stoicism isn’t being silent and acting all hard being stoic is taking the hits life gives you and not complaining but standing up and taking the next step forward
Found this page one day randomly...And now I'm on the 3rd book written by Ryan...It really changed my entire life and the life of those around me. Can't even express how grateful I am
I was always the Master of my own life. With Stoicism I’m now the Master of everything! Not in a controlling way. I mean I can deal with anyone or anything.
@@williamk1452 " if it doesnt kill you, it will probably leave a nasty scar!" " if it moves, tax it. if it keeps moving, regulate it. When it stops moving, subsidize it!"
Awesome advice. Kinda like if you knew there was money in your yard you would dig the whole thing up. It isnt easy that's why so many dont do it. The ones who "WORK" for it, "WILL GET IT. " Yes Sir awesome advice for sure.
My greatest accomplishment was raising 4 human beings who are more successful that I ever was. They are my legacy, they are doing what I only dreamed of. They are who I spend my time with.
Hey, I'm a stroke survivor, and I'm one of the "hopelessly lost" you mentioned, and it's been SO awful...that I just decided in watching this video, that I choose instead to be "lost, but hopeful", because whatever help I can gather to become "un-lost", I'll take. Thank you Ryan.
I am unsure which algorithm brought this video to me, but it is extraordinarily timely, and I plan to return to it many times in the days ahead. Happy to have found your work and synthesis of these ideas, Ryan. Be well.
We’re homeschooling our son and we’ve discovered how much we love watching your videos together! We were wondering if you would consider writing a book for children on Stoicism? Thank you always for the outstanding content!
We also homeschool and we've setup a "course" around 'Meditations' and 'Man's Search For Meaning'... A bit of back story, or son (12) is starting to fall into nihilistic ideas he must be getting from pop culture. So we want him to be provided with the tools to combat those tendencies... We've already listened to 'The Obstacle Is The Way' with him and noticed an improvement. Lesson plan: Read (at least) one excerpt from 'Meditations' per day and write about (at least) one. Length of the excerpt is irrelevant, just read one. You pick the one you want to write about, but it has to be positive, e.g. why you like it or how you can apply it... We're studying WWII this year so one of the books we'll be reading is 'Man's Search For Meaning'. We will have regular family discussions about both books, discussing how they relate to each of our lives... We also preview all the videos on this channel and watch the applicable ones with him... Discussing them as well.
This kind of stuff should be mandatory education in schools. The practical no nonsense nuggets of wisdom that make life far more manageable and fullfilling. I had zero direction in my late teens and early 20s until I found stoicism practices. They changed my life.
@@ivannasha5556 That is a good definition of school back in the days. Nowadays, school is like: you're all good, you won't fail even if you do, because we won't fail you, because that would totally screw you up and break your spirit.
You really help me in my recovery almost life ending injury nearing 35 months of brutal rehab its been so mentally tough you have kept me on this side of the ground. Love ya bro
The internal battle to overcome the child in my mind, the child who wants to complain and run away from the difficulty or obstacle is tough. I catch myself getting down, frustrated, pissed off. When I catch myself I have to work hard to overcome those thoughts by progressively disassociating them from my self, having a good hard look at them and then FORCE myself to ask the tough questions as in the video. It is a battle and takes a lot of energy, but it is slowly getting easier and is beginning to take less time and effort than before. No progress will ever be made towards what I really want by indulging my inner child, so the only option left is work. It is HARD work, but the only really worthwhile work I will ever do. And in the end my own maturity and self control improves.
i’m going through the same issues, but as long as we can be aware of what we’re doing and looking for solutions to overcome we are one step further. we got this.
This is one of the people who gave gave me the courage to start my UA-cam channel 2 months ago about self development and now have 69 subs and almost 50 hours watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so much lessons that I couldn’t have learned without getting started in the 1st place
I'm 70, I wish I had seen this when I was 25. While I have been very successful (in the way most Americans see success) I have always wondered why I did all the things I accomplished. Was it for "Me" or for the sake of trying to be good for others. I hope people remember me for the later because I truly tried. Cheers
wow I'm 18 years old and I think it would be very educative to know about your journey, your experiences and advices can be really helpful. Thank you sir and have a good one.
I've been called a Stoic for my entire life, and I have observed myself gradually changing throughout the years, considering that I have "evolved". But I can see that my change is a facade, because reacting to pointless situations only waste away your energy and psyche. Your videos have reminded me of what I need to consider as important and what as not. I look forward to watching your videos.
Some days I drift...and I do not even catch the fact that it is a drift day. Then I catch the drift, look back and realize my drift has been weeks. I wish I could catch my drifting sooner, but when I do it seems the right video or message populates in front of my eyes. Great message to end this most recent drift.
"were killing time as time is killing us". That hit too hard but on a good way. I'm glad I found this. In a strange place in my life where I am trying to find out my next steps as my professional life is changing. Do I keep on the trudging path of sitting at a screen 10 plus hours a day or do I make a change to do something I truly want. With a family and home to take into consideration, it's not the easiest decision to make. But then again, they are the most important thing to me and keeping them happy and safe makes me happy. Great video!
It's best to regret the things we don't do, rather than the things we do. Not knowing, is worse than trying and failing. If you TRULY want to make the change, you'll find a way to do it. Good luck, mate
Mike, I think you can do both. The one thing that you never want to do is lay on your death bed thinking “what if?”, “should I have?”, “could I have?”. I am 53 years old and I JUST started to live my life in a way that is fulfilling and also keeping my family safe & secure. You can do it. Listen to your heart before you lose the ability to even hear anything. Have faith in yourself and God. You WILL alright.
One of the most worthwhile questions I ask myself is "Who are you trying to impress?" Can't count how many times this has helped me be a better listener & more humbled appreciator of life.
I would suggest worry/fear is not always destructive. When Covid hit, and I realized how unconnected I was in my new area, not having yet found “my tribe”, fear motivated me to learn how to grow my own food and prep for the unexpected in ways I previously hadn’t. I taught myself a lot of new things and gained confidence because of it.
Fear and worry are natural, so it ends up being about what actions you take. Do you get motivated and learn to prep food like you did? Or do you spend your day in a state of panic, complaining about what you can't control. Courage for example comes from fear, so in the end it comes to our reaction.
I don't think it's about the fear, but what you do with the fear. The questions is: Were you motivated by the fear, or motivated to conquer the fear? Fear is normal; there is nothing wrong with fear. But if we are held back by fear and it takes control of us, there is nothing we can do. In this instance, fear was a factor-however, I would argue that it wasn't the fear that gave your confidence, but the drive to conquer the fear. What do you think?
I know these are important questions to ask because of the instant anxiety I felt. Reflecting on myself has been the most difficult journey of my life. I keep trying to remember that in difficulty and struggle there is growth.
Agree. I spent far too long people pleasing & needing others approval . Which never works. 1. You can't please everyone & not everyone will like you and 2. Some see it as a sign of weakness & use it to exploit & manipulate your good intentions.
Reflecting on myself has been the focal point of the last few years for me as well. The major take-aways from that refection contain my biggest weaknesses and the things I am most proud of in myself. As I find compassion for myself and nudge up against my growth-edges, I find that those weaknesses and that pride become one in the same. But I know it will feel different for everyone... Keep going
I liked how you quoted Seneca,... are we wasting life, ? and then you reiterated it with... Are we killing time? .... So in theory, time is life, Measured... ❤❤❤ Shout out to Seneca.. 😎
This makes life seem like such a serious endeavor, with so much responsibility for the individual to constantly be improving, striving, questioning his/her motives and actions. I agree this is good to do at times, but the way this person makes it sound, like life is all about winning or losing, getting better or getting worse, which implies a constant judging of yourself, as well as others. It's no coincidence many of the examples he uses are men in the military, or from professional sports- arenas where it's all about winning.
@@nommohunzuu9298 And where you are in life. I'm retired and my kids are grown. I really just want to enjoy myself and have a lot of fun with the few years I have left. I feel I've earned it. Now if I could just get my husband to retire too so I have someone to do things with. I guess I never found a cause that I wanted to work on till I die. Some people have that, I don't.
@@grannygoes7882 You can still get that. Its an 'over-arching purpose'! If you hope to live long into your retirement, then finding an over-arching purpose and staying committed to it will help you. people who have one tend to live longer than those who dont(taking into account those things simply beyond your control) What brought you here in the first place to watch this?
12 daily questions, cool. It reminded me "a questioned life is a life worth living". 12 is too much to begin with, then I choose 3 that will take the more out of my day. After being used to them, making a habit to pay attention, I will add more questions. *1 Who you spend time with?* This is a simple question with wide meanings: what types of books I'm reading? What channels and videos? Who I'm talking with? Am I spend enough time with my close ones? Sometimes I can get stuck watching the same type of videos, books, or spending more time with unknown people online than with my friends and family. To remind myself the type of people and content I want to spend time with will help me, as I will improve my relationships, moods and as they say "garbage in, garbage out" then I have to be selective of what I consume/spend time with. *2 What is under your control?* This is something I have to ask myself frequently, I'm used to freak out thinking of how things are uncertain, then focusing on things I can control will let me calm. Things as my actions, attitudes and plans. *7 Are you doing your job?* The example given was about paid work, but I understood it way bigger than that. Am I doing my role? Some of my roles are sister, granddaughter, daughter, friend, colleague, citizen and human being. What is my job as sister? What I expect me to do or others expect? Am I doing it? Am I improving on it? What can I do? What I want to do? This is important to me, but I never thought about it this way. Thanks.
"A life is made of up days" "How we spend our lives is our we spend our days." I love these statements! So many nuggets of helpful info in his videos : )
*Asking ourselves daily to define what we want out of life is a nice reminder when we get off track , as the World and all its distractions tries often to derail us from our goals.*
The "who is it for?" question is an easy one to answer. In my case, it's for the people who like the same comedy content as I do. So I make stuff that I like. There is no need for market research as I'll only be fulfilled by creating what I want to make. Making money from creating comedy is, when it happens, a positive byproduct. So I have a part-time job that I don't care about so that I can create work I do care about with integrity. So a perfect day would include, but not limited to, creating work I care about doing, and doing so with integrity and passion.
Often I think of an ubiquitous thing old people say, that is the fact you tend to resent the things you did not do in life when you can no longer do them. So, I frequently wonder about the things I keep myself from doing, that I shy away from. We should get more in the habit of taking more risks in life; by being bold and going for what we want to do, instead of what society thinks we should do.
I'm old and I agree with that. I often think of the miss opportunities I had when I was young. I also had a mother who was very frustrated professionally and very bitter. Every time I pushed myself and put myself out there, she thought of something negative to say about it. I see now she felt better about herself when I didn't succeed. Sad but true.
@@grannygoes7882 Very sad but all too common. It reminds me of the story of the crabs trapped in a cage/net. Every time a single crab would try to find an escape, one or more of the others would crab it and hold it back! That goes back to the question: who am I spending my time with? Thank you for sharing!
Love these questions. It's so important to stay on point with yourself, your truest ideas of what you want, who you want to be, so you don't wake up at 50 and ask, "Where did my life go?"
As a 70 year old retired person I love most questions and directions. Working, making more money and other questions have no relevancy to one in my position. I listen to a lot of these kinds of postings but no one helps the retired person ponder how to spend the last quarter of our lives n
asKING the question... you crown yourself KING when u are asking questions... he who answers is not king.. thus in a police interview a cop will often say "I am asking the questions" this statement really means he is in control... questioning is POWER
Thank you Ryan ....you have been a vital key in my journey to self discovery , it's been absolutely crazy but amazing and beautiful lifting the veils of all my fears and bad habits and leaving behind all past programming. To becoming the best version of myself mentally, physically and emotionally ✨🌱🧘🌻
“How we spend our lives is how we spend our days” sheesh 🔥 definitely gonna be adding a video on this to my channel. Love that quote thanks so much for this 🙏
That last question put a knot in my throat… Life is meaningful if we intend to make it meaningful, then we realize it is beautiful with its ups and downs… Thanks Ryan, working on the daily stoic journal everyday!
I’ve watched countless UA-cam videos on Self Help, Motivation, Self Discipline etc. hundreds maybe but this by far has probably had the most thought provoking impact. Time to reflect on what was said then act.
I found this this so useful. Instead of fleeting jumbled thoughts of what I need in my life after situations Ive found incredibly stressful , actually devoting an hour to it & writing it down gave me a feeling of purpose & being in control & I now have a routine & a plan . Thank you.
This resonates with me on a profound level. Tough questions that challenge the status quo that I've blindly accepted for too long. Thanks for sharing this.
This is very self focused. However, we are at our very best when we live for the benefit of others. We don't have to be slaves but nothing fills the mind with intelligence, the spine with courage, and the heart with love, like charity and kindness. One needs to be careful to avoid virtue signaling but we tend to have our own needs fulfilled when we help others from a sense of selflessness.
I always have been a firm believer in The Meaning of Life is for you, and only you, to define on your own, by your own actions and decisions. No one can tell you what your own life should mean.
I absolutely love this, Thank you Ralph. I value doing inner work and healing, my friends, Family, Nature to help people in life and Empathy and compassion is important too. Love ,Peace, Light to you Ryan and everyone. Thank you universe. 🌝💖🤗🌹🫂🌌😁🥰😍💫😀
Best advice I’ve ever gotten. If it’s worth doing; it’s worth doing badly. Meaning: doing the thing not perfectly is better than not doing the thing for fear of it not being perfect.
Stoicism is cold comfort for the hard determinist and/or depressive realist. We don't choose beliefs, we accept as provisionally true, that which we are convinced of. The question 'are you doing your job?' is reliant on a belief in teleology.
I watch this video at least once a day, or some of it depending on how much time I have. I am changing my own life thanks to some sound advice from a good man. I will continue to come back to it once I have practiced enough to form a habit of asking myself without the help of a video. I really enjoy listening to you Ryan, cheers mate.
Ugh, this video hit me square in one of my biggest philosophical pet peeves - not just once, but twice: the notion that somehow we are choosing what to think, feel, etc. 2:00 "I don't need to have an opinion on the fact that it's raining." This is one of my biggest philosophical pet peeves, this idea of being opinion-less, much less being able to choose to be. That's not how the human mind works. We don't set out to form opinions, then go through some conscious process of developing it. Opinions are merely thoughts that arise from external stimulus. When we encounter a new stimuli or piece of information, we form opinions about it. Now, we can decide an opinion isn't worth sharing, or focusing on. We can also endeavor to leave those opinions on the back burner until we gather further information to develop it into a more informed opinion, but YOU ALREADY HAD an opinion over the fact that it was raining, even if you decided it wasn't important and moved onto something else. Having "no opinion" is functionally impossible. 05:31 "What am I missing by choosing to worry or be afraid?" Again, that's not how it works. I guarentee you nobody out there looks at a situation that doesn't worry them, and decides "I would like to worry now." Worrying is a thought, fear is an emotion, and these are not things we choose. They, like opinions, are things that occur naturally within our brains before we've even had a chance to deeply consider the thing that is causing them. Yet again, we can make efforts not to focus on the fear or worry (though even that is sometimes difficult or even impossible) but if we ARE afraid, we can't simply switch that off (or at least, most people can't. I suppose an absolute zen master may be able to just dismiss emotion entirely, but that's a corner case that is not reflective of the human experience.) .... This way of thinking bothers me for two reasons: 1) Just the general fact that I believe truth matters, and thus spreading diversion from the truth is a bad thing to do, but also 2) The myth of choosing our mental and emotional states encourages stigmatization based on these states, because they're believed to be a choice. This is why people with serious depression get told to "just cheer up", why homophobes and the like think sexuality is a choice and someone can just choose not to become romantically or sexually drawn to the people they are, etc. If the thoughts that occur to us are a choice, then they can be morally judged, can be the source of blame, can delegitimize someone's right to their own emotional and psychological experience, etc. It's just not a good thing for us as a society to entertain.
It’s true that emotions are not on switches we can simply toggle to change. This is a limitation of a quick video that does not go into detail on the how. A perspective change is required, and that is a skill which requires practice. Similar techniques are taught through cognitive behavioral therapy.
It's not really about not allowing yourself to have the opinion, it's about expending the energy being concerned about the situation. Take the raining example. I hate the rain, and obviously when it rains I have a bad opinion of it. But is there value in spending mental or emotional energy in complaining about it? Not really. Don't waste your energy on what you can't control is basically the heart of it. At least, that's what I take from it.
Don’t think you really understand the point. Sure, maybe you can’t control your immediate emotional state, or your knee-jerk reactions, but you absolutely CAN control your attitude. If someone says something hurtful to you, you might be upset. Natural response, can’t control that. You absolutely CAN control whether you keep dwelling on it and letting it hurt you, or understanding why you feel the way you do, addressing this, and then moving on.
So good to sit down quietly, watch this video, let it all sink in and get all these little nudges to point me in a beautiful direction of life, thank you for that 🙏
I’m so happy I found Ryan. I need his example so badly , having such a hard day today and his daily podcast was on suicide , my guides are listening for sure
@@CloudyMcCloud00 That's so unnecessary 😔 Are you not mature enough to understand that everyone has different beliefs and that it's OK not to have some condescending remark each time that said belief doesn't align with yours. What is it about someone mentioning GOD that makes people feel so superior?
@@LynnAgain83 The posting I was criticising included the words, "you cannot be saved by your own works" -- which is the opposite of the point of this video, and so is attempting to undermine it, which I disagree with. But, of course, the poster is entitled to their opinion, as I am to mine, and you are to yours. (It's God-botherers preying on the vulnerable that gets my goat.)
Ryan, my family and I were so fortunate to visit The Painted Porch this past weekend. It was amazing experience and now every video you upload from there has a very special meaning for us. My kids really enjoyed the children’s books corner. We had our books purchased there stamped by Adriana. Can’t wait to go back!
"What stands in the way, becomes the way"- thank you for your book Ryan. Now I've found a way for structuring my creativity and following my path. My bosses are paying me what I'm worth whether they want to or not. (Getting large sponsorships and building new websites with 140 overtime hours etc). Life has always been hard, but you have showed me the way to become more than I was before. Thank you for helping me answer life's true question. Why are we here? To be better than yesterday. I look forward to discovering the rest of your research and teachings on your channel.😊
Always on point. I love your excerpts so much, my wife bought one of your books as a gift . Reading and learning from the stoics is the real gift. Thank you sir.
The last question reminded me that some time ago I came to a foundamental realisation that the meaning of life is ultimately a creative question. The life is what you make of it. Yet you cannot truly create without inspiration. If you do something without inspiration it would feel meaningless. That's why many people find themselves lost, depressed in our world. Many can get stuck in something like a "writer's block" towards life. People need inspiration to fully live. My advise it to get acquainted with art, literature, philosophy from the young age, they are a great source of inspiration.
Ryan, you have become one of the most treasured writers of my life. Thank you for all your work and dedication to thinking about creating a life of intentional living. You really matter to me and I mention your writing nearly every day to a stranger, I work with a lot of community.
When someone asks, who am I? I think we are like a bottle of wine, we can be anything at a point of time. It's the choice we make at that point who we want to be.
I’m not sure where I’m going or what I want. But whats important to me is maintaining my happiness, because… I’m fragile. When I’m in depression I can’t move. I neglect every aspect of my life even going as far as quitting whatever Job I have at the time. I can go on and on but yeah
I think that one of the best teachers in my 50 years life has been the covid times. If I survive and come out on the other side I'm going to be much wiser and be happy for what I actually have instead of trying to live in a fantasy world
A truly strong man is who they are regardless of who they are around. To transcend the influence of others and influence them instead no matter where they are in life to be better.
I definitely did the right thing years ago by walking away from a lot of friends who where not good for me. Also I wrap my head around some people who would give this video a thumbs down.
When I hear someone gibe the advice to think of these questions, I always end up wondering: did these become a part of my way of thinking and outlook because I studied philosophy - or did I decide to study philosophy because it speaks to my inner-most self? It can be surprising at times to meet (senior) people who not yet know how to ask themselves these questions. - But I'll admit, it takes practice and repetitin to ask oneself these grounding questions - and not forget them in times when you feel lost.
It'd be really cool to have this channel blossom into interview-based content where you are introducing other walks of life that practice stoic teachings. How do they set up their day, what are their challenges, what kind of people do they want to be? And as an expert in this field, being able to be a sounding board for them and a link into their life for viewers.
The questions:
00:58 1. Who are you spending time with?
01:43 2. Is this in my control?
02:34 3. What does your ideal day look like?
03:41 4. To be or to do?
04:30 5. If I am not for me, who is? If I am only for me, who am I?
05:31 6. What am I missing by choosing to worry or be afraid?
06:15 7. Are you doing your job?
06:59 8. What is the most important thing?
08:07 9. Who is this for?
08:48 10. Does this actually matter?
09:38 11. Will this be alive time or dead time?
10:49 12. Is this who I want to be?
11:33 BONUS: What is the meaning of life?
I'll be spending years trying to answer those lol
LOOK AT THE EFFORT YOU PUT INTO THIS CONTENT FOR THE WORLD THANK YOU RYAN I LOVE YOU BRADDAH
Excellent video. Thank you!
Took this one video to subscribe
10 of these questions are always on a depressed individuals mind….
A shorter variation of Viktor Frankl's statement I've heard is: _the meaning of life is to give life meaning._
Dude it’s a play on the words to attract desperate and stressed people. Dude it’s basically controlled giving up so it’s not complete giving up
Don’t worry about something you can’t change
That's brilliant! Normally i'm not into those circular statements but it's deep
Simple yet powerfull quote, an ode to action.
Great book to begin a life of reading. Frankel knew a little about gratitude...
@@Damnto delete this
I liked Seneca's quote about not being distracted by other people's paths and being focused on our own because very often we see other person's path as more accomplished, more interesting, and we get lost on our own path.
I can relate on that. Maybe that's the reason why I want to do and study a lot of things. And sometimes I'm not sure if I really want to do X thing.
So many lost souls riding the Facebook train. Tik tok serves as the caboose.
Marcus Aurelius: "Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present."
“The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.” -Alan Watts. It’s funny, so much of our lives we waste trying to worship or do something right, that we don’t realize how much is passing by. The destination doesn’t matter, you’ll always get where you want to be. Pay attention to what’s going on around you, you’re supposed to have fun
actually its serving God.....Because one day you will die
@@Kainthemain In your opinion but highly disagree. A divine being isn't so petty that it would create an entire universe for the means of being served. It is beyond that sort of frail ego
@@chillociraptor5007 Aye. I heard from the masters. Chop wood. Carry water.
@@chillociraptor5007 Its not my opinion. We were made too serve him. Thats our whole reason for existing. How can you know what the divine wants when you dont even read his texts. He clearly states in the Quran "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me"
Verse (51:56). Even in the bible it says "The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise" Isaiah 43:21. And for you even think for a second that you have the abilty to think what God thinks is incredible arrogant. His wisdom is far beyond what any of us can imagine. Fact is everyone worships something,money,power, ego etc. But worshiping anything other than God in a proper manner is just a mirage of living and your not living your true purpose.
@@Kainthemain you know those texts weren't written by god right? While believing in something is noble I do not exist to serve anyone except my truest best self. And I think a God would find that a good incentive. Youre also just as ignorant as me in what you're saying and you don't even realize it. Respect your beliefs but respectfully disagree that that is our purpose. I personally believe our purpose is to be an image of god. To work towards a state of being akin to a divine grace. That does not come from trying to make sense of and worship something beyond our comprehension, that comes from understanding and serving ourselves. Becoming better, loving people. Not just for our brothers and sisters around us but for everything on this planet. By your logic may I ask why other creatures dont worship god? Why are we the ones that need to?
I was raised stoic. However I was raised to know we are here to help each other to thrive.These are great questions and may raise more questions.. Love, light and joy to everyone.
♥️
I was raised stoic-reformed
Words and ideas of religion books and your generous soul
Reality speaks differently, horriblly, surprinsigly...
Greetings from Morocco
Stoicism isn’t being silent and acting all hard being stoic is taking the hits life gives you and not complaining but standing up and taking the next step forward
Found this page one day randomly...And now I'm on the 3rd book written by Ryan...It really changed my entire life and the life of those around me. Can't even express how grateful I am
I was always the Master of my own life. With Stoicism I’m now the Master of everything! Not in a controlling way. I mean I can deal with anyone or anything.
thats so awesome
*"When something is important enough for you, you do it even if the odds are against you."*
I hope this message helps you. 🙂
"If it was easy than everyone would do it ". " What ever doesn't kill you ,only makes you stronger!"
@@williamk1452 " if it doesnt kill you, it will probably leave a nasty scar!" " if it moves, tax it. if it keeps moving, regulate it. When it stops moving, subsidize it!"
Awesome advice. Kinda like if you knew there was money in your yard you would dig the whole thing up. It isnt easy that's why so many dont do it. The ones who "WORK" for it, "WILL GET IT. " Yes Sir awesome advice for sure.
Wasn’t that Elon Musk who said that?
animal liberation cough what?
My greatest accomplishment was raising 4 human beings who are more successful that I ever was. They are my legacy, they are doing what I only dreamed of. They are who I spend my time with.
Hey, I'm a stroke survivor, and I'm one of the "hopelessly lost" you mentioned, and it's been SO awful...that I just decided in watching this video, that I choose instead to be "lost, but hopeful", because whatever help I can gather to become "un-lost", I'll take. Thank you Ryan.
@@ProxyAuthenticationRequired thank you :) ...best to you too.
Your hardest times often lead to your greatest moments of your life. *Keep going.* Tough situations build strong people in the end. 💯🙏
Absolutely beautiful, Thank you. 😀💫😍🥰😁🌌🫂🌹🤗💖🌝
Um.. nope. 20 years after graduating and still haven't landed even a job interview, all life does is get worse and worse.
"Doing your best matters." This can apply to every aspect of life.
I am unsure which algorithm brought this video to me, but it is extraordinarily timely, and I plan to return to it many times in the days ahead. Happy to have found your work and synthesis of these ideas, Ryan. Be well.
im glad it brought me to it as well
The universe has a unique ability to give us what we need, when we need it. I needed to hear this today, of all days. Thank you, Ryan.
@Miles Doyle bible was written by men
@@LazyRare But most importantly..God inspired those men to write it.
Y TY yup
@@m.reynolds9663 Sure if God is their own brain and experiences then yes. This is nothing more than rational thinking from intelligent men.
The universe is not even aware of us
We’re homeschooling our son and we’ve discovered how much we love watching your videos together! We were wondering if you would consider writing a book for children on Stoicism? Thank you always for the outstanding content!
Donald Robertson is currently creating a book on stoicism that’s accessible for children! Hope this helps :)
You are very lucky if your son is watching this guy daily😇🙏🏾
Check out "The Boy Who Would Be King" - An all ages fable about Stoicism at dailystoic.com/king
Why do you homeschool?
We also homeschool and we've setup a "course" around 'Meditations' and 'Man's Search For Meaning'... A bit of back story, or son (12) is starting to fall into nihilistic ideas he must be getting from pop culture. So we want him to be provided with the tools to combat those tendencies... We've already listened to 'The Obstacle Is The Way' with him and noticed an improvement.
Lesson plan:
Read (at least) one excerpt from 'Meditations' per day and write about (at least) one. Length of the excerpt is irrelevant, just read one. You pick the one you want to write about, but it has to be positive, e.g. why you like it or how you can apply it...
We're studying WWII this year so one of the books we'll be reading is 'Man's Search For Meaning'.
We will have regular family discussions about both books, discussing how they relate to each of our lives... We also preview all the videos on this channel and watch the applicable ones with him... Discussing them as well.
This kind of stuff should be mandatory education in schools. The practical no nonsense nuggets of wisdom that make life far more manageable and fullfilling.
I had zero direction in my late teens and early 20s until I found stoicism practices. They changed my life.
You think school is about teaching knowledge. School's primary function. Is to teach you to sit still, be quiet and obey orders.
@@ivannasha5556 That is a good definition of school back in the days. Nowadays, school is like: you're all good, you won't fail even if you do, because we won't fail you, because that would totally screw you up and break your spirit.
You really help me in my recovery almost life ending injury nearing 35 months of brutal rehab its been so mentally tough you have kept me on this side of the ground. Love ya bro
I can't imagine the inner strength and perseverance its taken to get through that. Wow. What an inspiration
.Many blessings to you .
The internal battle to overcome the child in my mind, the child who wants to complain and run away from the difficulty or obstacle is tough. I catch myself getting down, frustrated, pissed off. When I catch myself I have to work hard to overcome those thoughts by progressively disassociating them from my self, having a good hard look at them and then FORCE myself to ask the tough questions as in the video. It is a battle and takes a lot of energy, but it is slowly getting easier and is beginning to take less time and effort than before. No progress will ever be made towards what I really want by indulging my inner child, so the only option left is work. It is HARD work, but the only really worthwhile work I will ever do. And in the end my own maturity and self control improves.
Yeah brother...The ⏰ goes up and down and repeate itself...dragging you and me or else...)))
Thanks for sharing so honestly 👍👍
This resonates so much with me! I am right there with you brother! Keep focusing on the Big Picture!
i’m going through the same issues, but as long as we can be aware of what we’re doing and looking for solutions to overcome we are one step further. we got this.
I've never found something so relatable before, I hope it gets better for you tho
This is one of the people who gave gave me the courage to start my UA-cam channel 2 months ago about self development and now have 69 subs and almost 50 hours watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so much lessons that I couldn’t have learned without getting started in the 1st place
I'm 70, I wish I had seen this when I was 25. While I have been very successful (in the way most Americans see success) I have always wondered why I did all the things I accomplished. Was it for "Me" or for the sake of trying to be good for others. I hope people remember me for the later because I truly tried. Cheers
wow I'm 18 years old and I think it would be very educative to know about your journey, your experiences and advices can be really helpful. Thank you sir and have a good one.
I've been called a Stoic for my entire life, and I have observed myself gradually changing throughout the years, considering that I have "evolved". But I can see that my change is a facade, because reacting to pointless situations only waste away your energy and psyche. Your videos have reminded me of what I need to consider as important and what as not. I look forward to watching your videos.
I admire your willingness to be honest with yourself.
Some days I drift...and I do not even catch the fact that it is a drift day. Then I catch the drift, look back and realize my drift has been weeks. I wish I could catch my drifting sooner, but when I do it seems the right video or message populates in front of my eyes. Great message to end this most recent drift.
"were killing time as time is killing us". That hit too hard but on a good way. I'm glad I found this. In a strange place in my life where I am trying to find out my next steps as my professional life is changing. Do I keep on the trudging path of sitting at a screen 10 plus hours a day or do I make a change to do something I truly want. With a family and home to take into consideration, it's not the easiest decision to make. But then again, they are the most important thing to me and keeping them happy and safe makes me happy. Great video!
It's best to regret the things we don't do, rather than the things we do. Not knowing, is worse than trying and failing. If you TRULY want to make the change, you'll find a way to do it. Good luck, mate
Mike, I think you can do both. The one thing that you never want to do is lay on your death bed thinking “what if?”, “should I have?”, “could I have?”. I am 53 years old and I JUST started to live my life in a way that is fulfilling and also keeping my family safe & secure. You can do it. Listen to your heart before you lose the ability to even hear anything. Have faith in yourself and God. You WILL alright.
I think it's a quote from a song by oceans ate alaska
@@shmclaren6902 thanks for this ,i never knew i needed to read this today morning
@@MP-cc5rv i think you meant it the other way around. its better to regret the things we do than the things we don't
One of the most worthwhile questions I ask myself is "Who are you trying to impress?" Can't count how many times this has helped me be a better listener & more humbled appreciator of life.
I would suggest worry/fear is not always destructive. When Covid hit, and I realized how unconnected I was in my new area, not having yet found “my tribe”, fear motivated me to learn how to grow my own food and prep for the unexpected in ways I previously hadn’t. I taught myself a lot of new things and gained confidence because of it.
I agree with u
Fear and worry are natural, so it ends up being about what actions you take. Do you get motivated and learn to prep food like you did? Or do you spend your day in a state of panic, complaining about what you can't control. Courage for example comes from fear, so in the end it comes to our reaction.
I don't think it's about the fear, but what you do with the fear. The questions is: Were you motivated by the fear, or motivated to conquer the fear?
Fear is normal; there is nothing wrong with fear. But if we are held back by fear and it takes control of us, there is nothing we can do. In this instance, fear was a factor-however, I would argue that it wasn't the fear that gave your confidence, but the drive to conquer the fear.
What do you think?
@@sethmcmullen2332 My confidence came from how I was able to turn an “Oh shit” circumstance into a “Hell yeah” outcome.
It's amazing how Stoicism encourages us to accept things as they are. Very enlightening
I know these are important questions to ask because of the instant anxiety I felt.
Reflecting on myself has been the most difficult journey of my life.
I keep trying to remember that in difficulty and struggle there is growth.
What are your biggest challenges/fears and how did you overcome them? If I may ask, that is.
Agree. I spent far too long people pleasing & needing others approval . Which never works. 1. You can't please everyone & not everyone will like you and 2. Some see it as a sign of weakness & use it to exploit & manipulate your good intentions.
Reflecting on myself has been the focal point of the last few years for me as well. The major take-aways from that refection contain my biggest weaknesses and the things I am most proud of in myself. As I find compassion for myself and nudge up against my growth-edges, I find that those weaknesses and that pride become one in the same. But I know it will feel different for everyone... Keep going
Thank you for that. ❤️
Leaving social media and some friend groups this year has been liberating. Now I can focus on my family, my investments, and my coming business.
Q1: Who are you spending time with?
A1: *Looks around* does my cat count?
cat: *knocks glass off table*
u: Is This Who You Want to Be Right Now??
Nah only People count.
@@Alex-hu8gj Cats>people in any regard
4 cats 😺 yea they do very much!
Of course your cat counts. Your phone doesn't count lol.
chillin and taking rest can also be alive time, an often overlooked fact in hustel culture
The meaning of life is to make yourself happy without hurting others in the process.
That's a good way to see it
True
I liked how you quoted Seneca,... are we wasting life, ?
and then you reiterated it with...
Are we killing time?
....
So in theory, time is life,
Measured... ❤❤❤
Shout out to Seneca.. 😎
When I was in tough situation with one of my family every thing that i valued in life just melted away until this day
"If you play for the name on the front of the jersey, they will remember the name on the back". Love it!!
This makes life seem like such a serious endeavor, with so much responsibility for the individual to constantly be improving, striving, questioning his/her motives and actions. I agree this is good to do at times, but the way this person makes it sound, like life is all about winning or losing, getting better or getting worse, which implies a constant judging of yourself, as well as others. It's no coincidence many of the examples he uses are men in the military, or from professional sports- arenas where it's all about winning.
That's interesting especially when looking at doing and being - as in we are human beings not human doings...mixing from multiple sources may help.
Depends on what you want for yourself, what you want from your limited lifespan, and how you benefit and affect those around you.
@@nommohunzuu9298 And where you are in life. I'm retired and my kids are grown. I really just want to enjoy myself and have a lot of fun with the few years I have left. I feel I've earned it. Now if I could just get my husband to retire too so I have someone to do things with. I guess I never found a cause that I wanted to work on till I die. Some people have that, I don't.
@@grannygoes7882 You can still get that. Its an 'over-arching purpose'! If you hope to live long into your retirement, then finding an over-arching purpose and staying committed to it will help you. people who have one tend to live longer than those who dont(taking into account those things simply beyond your control) What brought you here in the first place to watch this?
His approach to stoicism reminds me of the guys who tell Christians that God wants them to get rich.
I do what I want when I want where I want and with who I want. Blessed and grateful…….
12 daily questions, cool. It reminded me "a questioned life is a life worth living". 12 is too much to begin with, then I choose 3 that will take the more out of my day. After being used to them, making a habit to pay attention, I will add more questions.
*1 Who you spend time with?*
This is a simple question with wide meanings: what types of books I'm reading? What channels and videos? Who I'm talking with? Am I spend enough time with my close ones?
Sometimes I can get stuck watching the same type of videos, books, or spending more time with unknown people online than with my friends and family.
To remind myself the type of people and content I want to spend time with will help me, as I will improve my relationships, moods and as they say "garbage in, garbage out" then I have to be selective of what I consume/spend time with.
*2 What is under your control?*
This is something I have to ask myself frequently, I'm used to freak out thinking of how things are uncertain, then focusing on things I can control will let me calm. Things as my actions, attitudes and plans.
*7 Are you doing your job?*
The example given was about paid work, but I understood it way bigger than that. Am I doing my role? Some of my roles are sister, granddaughter, daughter, friend, colleague, citizen and human being.
What is my job as sister? What I expect me to do or others expect? Am I doing it? Am I improving on it? What can I do? What I want to do?
This is important to me, but I never thought about it this way.
Thanks.
My son listened to this video it has changed him for the better. THANKYOU so much.😚
"A life is made of up days"
"How we spend our lives is our we spend our days."
I love these statements! So many nuggets of helpful info in his videos : )
"Alive time or dead time?"......."Get busy living or get busy dying" (Shawshank Redemption) - great stuff.
*Asking ourselves daily to define what we want out of life is a nice reminder when we get off track , as the World and all its distractions tries often to derail us from our goals.*
Life matters. Experience it.
The "who is it for?" question is an easy one to answer.
In my case, it's for the people who like the same comedy content as I do. So I make stuff that I like.
There is no need for market research as I'll only be fulfilled by creating what I want to make.
Making money from creating comedy is, when it happens, a positive byproduct.
So I have a part-time job that I don't care about so that I can create work I do care about with integrity.
So a perfect day would include, but not limited to, creating work I care about doing, and doing so with integrity and passion.
No one makes you worst. You alone are responsible for that journey.
Rare when a UA-cam video makes you take written notes. Beautiful. Thank you 🙏.
It is a question of what you focus on. Focus, focus, focus! Do not become distracted by the things and people around you. Maintain your objective!
Often I think of an ubiquitous thing old people say, that is the fact you tend to resent the things you did not do in life when you can no longer do them. So, I frequently wonder about the things I keep myself from doing, that I shy away from. We should get more in the habit of taking more risks in life; by being bold and going for what we want to do, instead of what society thinks we should do.
I'm old and I agree with that. I often think of the miss opportunities I had when I was young. I also had a mother who was very frustrated professionally and very bitter. Every time I pushed myself and put myself out there, she thought of something negative to say about it. I see now she felt better about herself when I didn't succeed. Sad but true.
@@grannygoes7882 Very sad but all too common. It reminds me of the story of the crabs trapped in a cage/net. Every time a single crab would try to find an escape, one or more of the others would crab it and hold it back! That goes back to the question: who am I spending my time with? Thank you for sharing!
Saved my life. This Stoicism. Turned my life upside down.
Love these questions. It's so important to stay on point with yourself, your truest ideas of what you want, who you want to be, so you don't wake up at 50 and ask, "Where did my life go?"
As a 70 year old retired person I love most questions and directions. Working, making more money and other questions have no relevancy to one in my position. I listen to a lot of these kinds of postings but no one helps the retired person ponder how to spend the last quarter of our lives n
”God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.”
asKING the question... you crown yourself KING when u are asking questions...
he who answers is not king.. thus in a police interview a cop will often say "I am asking the questions" this statement really means he is in control... questioning is POWER
Thank you Ryan ....you have been a vital key in my journey to self discovery , it's been absolutely crazy but amazing and beautiful lifting the veils of all my fears and bad habits and leaving behind all past programming. To becoming the best version of myself mentally, physically and emotionally ✨🌱🧘🌻
I really enjoyed this. Haven't watched Ryan Holiday for so long.
“How we spend our lives is how we spend our days” sheesh 🔥 definitely gonna be adding a video on this to my channel. Love that quote thanks so much for this 🙏
That last question put a knot in my throat… Life is meaningful if we intend to make it meaningful, then we realize it is beautiful with its ups and downs… Thanks Ryan, working on the daily stoic journal everyday!
I love that you built an office for yourself and disguised it as a bookstore - LOVE IT RH ;)
I’ve watched countless UA-cam videos on Self Help, Motivation, Self Discipline etc. hundreds maybe but this by far has probably had the most thought provoking impact. Time to reflect on what was said then act.
I found this this so useful. Instead of fleeting jumbled thoughts of what I need in my life after situations Ive found incredibly stressful , actually devoting an hour to it & writing it down gave me a feeling of purpose & being in control & I now have a routine & a plan . Thank you.
There’s lots of really good stuff in this video! It’s all “basic”, and yet most of humanity hasn’t come to grips with it.
This resonates with me on a profound level. Tough questions that challenge the status quo that I've blindly accepted for too long. Thanks for sharing this.
this is just a general video that resonates with everyone if they had a choice they would follow. its the default of human condition
We kill time while time is killing us 💎💎💎
This is very self focused. However, we are at our very best when we live for the benefit of others. We don't have to be slaves but nothing fills the mind with intelligence, the spine with courage, and the heart with love, like charity and kindness. One needs to be careful to avoid virtue signaling but we tend to have our own needs fulfilled when we help others from a sense of selflessness.
I always have been a firm believer in The Meaning of Life is for you, and only you, to define on your own, by your own actions and decisions. No one can tell you what your own life should mean.
Ryan represents us Modern Stoics...
I'm feeling incredibly overwhelmed right now.
I absolutely love this, Thank you Ralph. I value doing inner work and healing, my friends, Family, Nature to help people in life and Empathy and compassion is important too. Love ,Peace, Light to you Ryan and everyone. Thank you universe. 🌝💖🤗🌹🫂🌌😁🥰😍💫😀
Best advice I’ve ever gotten.
If it’s worth doing; it’s worth doing badly.
Meaning: doing the thing not perfectly is better than not doing the thing for fear of it not being perfect.
Stoicism is cold comfort for the hard determinist and/or depressive realist. We don't choose beliefs, we accept as provisionally true, that which we are convinced of. The question 'are you doing your job?' is reliant on a belief in teleology.
I was hoping for a comment like this tbh
Bro. That’s why I’m spending time with YOU. Having you, Jocko and all the goods in my ear all the time. Trying to get better
How much Beyer do you need to get?
I watch this video at least once a day, or some of it depending on how much time I have. I am changing my own life thanks to some sound advice from a good man. I will continue to come back to it once I have practiced enough to form a habit of asking myself without the help of a video. I really enjoy listening to you Ryan, cheers mate.
Your work is most important and measured by the time spent on it.
Ugh, this video hit me square in one of my biggest philosophical pet peeves - not just once, but twice: the notion that somehow we are choosing what to think, feel, etc.
2:00 "I don't need to have an opinion on the fact that it's raining."
This is one of my biggest philosophical pet peeves, this idea of being opinion-less, much less being able to choose to be. That's not how the human mind works. We don't set out to form opinions, then go through some conscious process of developing it. Opinions are merely thoughts that arise from external stimulus.
When we encounter a new stimuli or piece of information, we form opinions about it. Now, we can decide an opinion isn't worth sharing, or focusing on. We can also endeavor to leave those opinions on the back burner until we gather further information to develop it into a more informed opinion, but YOU ALREADY HAD an opinion over the fact that it was raining, even if you decided it wasn't important and moved onto something else.
Having "no opinion" is functionally impossible.
05:31 "What am I missing by choosing to worry or be afraid?"
Again, that's not how it works. I guarentee you nobody out there looks at a situation that doesn't worry them, and decides "I would like to worry now." Worrying is a thought, fear is an emotion, and these are not things we choose. They, like opinions, are things that occur naturally within our brains before we've even had a chance to deeply consider the thing that is causing them.
Yet again, we can make efforts not to focus on the fear or worry (though even that is sometimes difficult or even impossible) but if we ARE afraid, we can't simply switch that off (or at least, most people can't. I suppose an absolute zen master may be able to just dismiss emotion entirely, but that's a corner case that is not reflective of the human experience.)
....
This way of thinking bothers me for two reasons: 1) Just the general fact that I believe truth matters, and thus spreading diversion from the truth is a bad thing to do, but also 2) The myth of choosing our mental and emotional states encourages stigmatization based on these states, because they're believed to be a choice. This is why people with serious depression get told to "just cheer up", why homophobes and the like think sexuality is a choice and someone can just choose not to become romantically or sexually drawn to the people they are, etc. If the thoughts that occur to us are a choice, then they can be morally judged, can be the source of blame, can delegitimize someone's right to their own emotional and psychological experience, etc. It's just not a good thing for us as a society to entertain.
It’s true that emotions are not on switches we can simply toggle to change. This is a limitation of a quick video that does not go into detail on the how. A perspective change is required, and that is a skill which requires practice. Similar techniques are taught through cognitive behavioral therapy.
How funny. Look up what a phobia is. You are way off on this one
It's not really about not allowing yourself to have the opinion, it's about expending the energy being concerned about the situation. Take the raining example. I hate the rain, and obviously when it rains I have a bad opinion of it. But is there value in spending mental or emotional energy in complaining about it? Not really.
Don't waste your energy on what you can't control is basically the heart of it. At least, that's what I take from it.
@@bradthompson5383 I prefer sunshine :)
Rain is nice for its restorative qualities, but I hate having to go outside in it, haha.
Don’t think you really understand the point. Sure, maybe you can’t control your immediate emotional state, or your knee-jerk reactions, but you absolutely CAN control your attitude.
If someone says something hurtful to you, you might be upset. Natural response, can’t control that. You absolutely CAN control whether you keep dwelling on it and letting it hurt you, or understanding why you feel the way you do, addressing this, and then moving on.
I believe the Hillel quote is this: "“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”"
So good to sit down quietly, watch this video, let it all sink in and get all these little nudges to point me in a beautiful direction of life, thank you for that 🙏
The meaning of life ? Is to do what matters the most of family ,friends , and others to live happy and peaceful harmony.
I’m so happy I found Ryan. I need his example so badly , having such a hard day today and his daily podcast was on suicide , my guides are listening for sure
@Miles Doyle The person you're replying to was talking about the man in the video. I don't remember Ryan endorsing any of that claptrap.
@Miles Doyle you don’t know what boul breath smell like you ain’t never heard from him
@@CloudyMcCloud00 That's so unnecessary 😔
Are you not mature enough to understand that everyone has different beliefs and that it's OK not to have some condescending remark each time that said belief doesn't align with yours.
What is it about someone mentioning GOD that makes people feel so superior?
@@LynnAgain83 The posting I was criticising included the words, "you cannot be saved by your own works" -- which is the opposite of the point of this video, and so is attempting to undermine it, which I disagree with. But, of course, the poster is entitled to their opinion, as I am to mine, and you are to yours. (It's God-botherers preying on the vulnerable that gets my goat.)
I really hope you`re doing okay. It will get better!
I’ve followed Ryan for a long time , what a beautiful mind and person . Ryan you help!
Ryan, my family and I were so fortunate to visit The Painted Porch this past weekend. It was amazing experience and now every video you upload from there has a very special meaning for us. My kids really enjoyed the children’s books corner. We had our books purchased there stamped by Adriana. Can’t wait to go back!
"What stands in the way, becomes the way"- thank you for your book Ryan. Now I've found a way for structuring my creativity and following my path. My bosses are paying me what I'm worth whether they want to or not. (Getting large sponsorships and building new websites with 140 overtime hours etc). Life has always been hard, but you have showed me the way to become more than I was before. Thank you for helping me answer life's true question. Why are we here? To be better than yesterday. I look forward to discovering the rest of your research and teachings on your channel.😊
Always on point. I love your excerpts so much, my wife bought one of your books as a gift . Reading and learning from the stoics is the real gift. Thank you sir.
The last question reminded me that some time ago I came to a foundamental realisation that the meaning of life is ultimately a creative question. The life is what you make of it. Yet you cannot truly create without inspiration. If you do something without inspiration it would feel meaningless. That's why many people find themselves lost, depressed in our world. Many can get stuck in something like a "writer's block" towards life. People need inspiration to fully live.
My advise it to get acquainted with art, literature, philosophy from the young age, they are a great source of inspiration.
Ryan, you have become one of the most treasured writers of my life. Thank you for all your work and dedication to thinking about creating a life of intentional living. You really matter to me and I mention your writing nearly every day to a stranger, I work with a lot of community.
Free Time! Most valuable physical asset, man posseses.
When someone asks, who am I? I think we are like a bottle of wine, we can be anything at a point of time. It's the choice we make at that point who we want to be.
I’m not sure where I’m going or what I want. But whats important to me is maintaining my happiness, because… I’m fragile. When I’m in depression I can’t move. I neglect every aspect of my life even going as far as quitting whatever Job I have at the time. I can go on and on but yeah
This channel is simply amazing and very insightful! It has proven a great help in my life to find meaning, thank you!
I saved this video as a “watch later” video and I just now watched it … and glad I did as I needed the content/context more than I realized. 🙏🏼
I think that one of the best teachers in my 50 years life has been the covid times. If I survive and come out on the other side I'm going to be much wiser and be happy for what I actually have instead of trying to live in a fantasy world
A truly strong man is who they are regardless of who they are around. To transcend the influence of others and influence them instead no matter where they are in life to be better.
Make no mistake, the bell tolls for thee!
I definitely did the right thing years ago by walking away from a lot of friends who where not good for me. Also I wrap my head around some people who would give this video a thumbs down.
I constantly try to find answers, but often it's when I ask the right questions that help me the most.
This one was incredibly powerful. Thank you Ryan.
this is just a general video that resonates with everyone if they had a choice they would follow. its the default of human condition
Ryan. You've changed my life. Thank you!
When I hear someone gibe the advice to think of these questions, I always end up wondering: did these become a part of my way of thinking and outlook because I studied philosophy - or did I decide to study philosophy because it speaks to my inner-most self? It can be surprising at times to meet (senior) people who not yet know how to ask themselves these questions. - But I'll admit, it takes practice and repetitin to ask oneself these grounding questions - and not forget them in times when you feel lost.
I love that these videos make me stop, think, evaluate and make changes.
It'd be really cool to have this channel blossom into interview-based content where you are introducing other walks of life that practice stoic teachings. How do they set up their day, what are their challenges, what kind of people do they want to be? And as an expert in this field, being able to be a sounding board for them and a link into their life for viewers.
Good idea
@@lindamon5101 yeah I'm an idiot, found his interview videos 😬
You r the company that you keep