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Today’s Daily Stoic Meditation outlines how you do not need to punish yourself.
Even if you make mistakes, even if you blunder, you do not need to make it worse with great punishment.
(a repost from my 2022 ver!)
“Philosophy calls for simple living, but not for penance — it’s quite possible to be simple without being crude.”
— SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 5.5
The Need
Whenever something particularly bad occurs, many have the notion to go straight to punishment.
If this is perhaps, a criminal offence, then that idea may be justified.
However, people often seek to punish themselves even for the tiniest things!
No Self Flagellation Needed
Within philosophy, there is no need for self punishment.
Within philosophy, there is no need to hate yourself.
Within philosophy, there is just simple living.
You do not need to punish yourself or others to the point of pain.
Philosophy does not require that — it requires;
- Kindness
- Understanding
- Forgiveness
