A Trained Mind Is Better Than Any Script

A Trained Mind Is Better Than Any Script

Meditation for June 12, 2021

June 12, 2021 7:00 AM

“In this way you must understand how laughable it is to say, 'Tell me what to do!' What advice could I possibly give? No, a far better request is, 'Train my mind to adapt to any circumstance.' … In this way, if circumstances take you off script … you won't be desperate for a new prompting.”

- Epictetus, Discourses, 2.2.20b-1; 24b-25a

Plans for the day, week, month, or year can fall short of what the future holds. Stoicism does not ensure we have foolproof plans for our future. Instead, Stoicism guides us by encouraging us to adapt and change with our circumstances.

Conclusion

Concentrating on the strategy rather than the tactics. Thirsting for knowledge and learning instead of skipping to the answers. Adapting when the script fails.