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Consider Your Failings Too
Focusing on the Daily Stoic Meditation for August 31 — Consider Your Failings Too, as outlined by Ryan Holiday in the bestseller 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance and the Art Of Living.
“Whenever you take offense at someone’s wrongdoing, immediately turn to your own similar failings, such as seeing money as good, or pleasure, or a little fame — whatever form it takes. By thinking on this, you’ll quickly forget your anger, considering also what compels them — for what else could they do? Or, if you are able, remove their compulsion.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 10.30
On criticising others
Criticism can be a difficult thing, both to give and to take.
Nobody likes to be criticised — we feel that our character has been attacked, and it often leads to feelings of inadequacy and failure.
Most of us also find it difficult criticising others — we don’t want them to be hurt by our words, and we also don’t want them to feel any hatred towards us for giving them the criticism.
Despite how awkward, uncomfortable and sometimes painful criticism can be, it’s an important part of life. We must be able to give and receive criticism objectively — that is, without taking…
