📖 Current Read; 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living — Ryan Holiday
A Productive Use For Contempt
Today’s Daily Stoic Meditation outlines how contempt can actually be used to our advantage, if you use it productively.
You can read more in my article here.
“Just as when meat or other foods are set before us we think, this is a dead fish, a dead bird or pig; and also, this fine wine is only the juice of a bunch of grapes, this purple-edged robe just sheep’s wool dyed in a bit of blood from a shellfish; or of sex, that it is only rubbing private parts together followed by a spasmic discharge — in the same way our impressions grab actual events and permeate them, so we see them as they really are.”
— MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 6.13
Contempt
What?
Contempt is the belief that things are less important and not worth consideration, leading to them being disregarded and maybe even ignored.
The Risks of Contempt
Contempt in itself can be seen as a negative trait, and there’s lots of risks that run if you prioritise contempt over anything else.
Risks such as:
- You may overlook a great opportunity.
- You may treat someone with disrespect.
- You may ignore somebody pivotal to your work.
- You may embarrass yourself if you act in a rude way.
When you regard someone or something as inferior, and you pay it no mind, you are only ruining your own opportunities.
A Productive Use
We can turn contempt, and literal thinking, into much needed objectivity.
Take Marcus’ quote, for example. He outlines that fine wine is just the juice of grapes, and that the food before us is simply a dead bird, fish or animal.
Seeing things in such a light, although slightly cynical, is also objective.
If you can turn contempt into objectivity, in other words, if you can see things as they really are, you’ll be much better off.
Objectivity
Objectivity is being able to see and recognise things without any previous bias or judgement.
Seeing what is truly there, not what you want to be there, is important in so many ways.
Ways such as:
- Improved and more accurate decision making.
- Less deliberation.
- Less risk of mistake or embarrassment.
- Less need for temporary pleasure.
Turn your contempt into objectivity.
Idea of the Week. 💭
Do It Right Now
This idea stems from a 3 step framework proposed by author James Clear, which aims to help you achieve exceptional results.
You can read more in my article here.
Clarity
Of course, before you can take action, you must gain clarity on your goal. Without the clarity, all your efforts will be misguided!
Prioritise Action
With clarity on your goal, aim or or task, prioritise action.
Maintain a bias toward action. — James Clear
Without action, you will not achieve those exceptional results. It’s a harsh truth, yet it is one worth accepting and acknowledging.
You need action if you ever want to move forward.
You will have to take action, you will have to take the first step, you will have to get the ball rolling. It is your responsibility.
If you fail to do this, you’ll stay exactly where you are; stagnant.
If you achieve this, you’ll take great leaps in the direction of your dreams.
Why Now?
The better question here is probably, why not?
When you have clarity on the absolute essential, why not get things into motion?
Now
There is no better time to act than now.
You have everything you need, the best thing you can do is simply go for it, right now.
Quote of the Week. 🗣
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, on great work.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
To end, here’s a question from me! ⚡️
How can you get out into nature today?
Thanks for reading!
Sam. 😆
