What does the author think is most important in life?
According to the author, one of the most important things in life is to set proper goals worth pursuing for yourself. Tranquility is also very valuable and worth pursuing in the Stoic view.
How to live a good life?
Distinguish what is under our control, what is partially under our control, and what is completely not under our control.
What is an example of something completely under our control?
What we value, and thus determine our life goals, is completely under our own control.
What is an example of something we only have partial control over?
We can control the amount of effort we spend, but not the outcome.
What are two examples of things completely out of our control?
- The past
- Other people’s thoughts and behaviors
How to do negative visualization?
- Imagine losing important things like bank account, eyesight, dear relatives.
- Imagine the end of life - everything comes to an end.
How to deal with hedonic adaptation?
- Practice negative visualization
- Retrospectively imagine never having the things you value
How to deal with temptations?
Break down the temptation to see its components clearly.
How to deal with grief?
- Experience the grief itself, not amplifying it
- Avoid emotional feedback
How to deal with old age?
- Set proper goals for life, don’t waste time