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June 28th

NO SELF-FLAGELLATION NEEDED

“Philosophy calls for simple living, but not for penance—it’s quite

possible to be simple without being crude.”

—SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 5.5

arcus’s meditations are filled with self-criticism and so are the
writings of other Stoics. It’s important to remember, however, that
that’s as far as it goes. There was no self-flagellation, no paying penance,
no self-esteem issues from guilt or self-loathing. You never hear them call
themselves worthless pieces of crap, nor do they ever starve or cut
themselves as punishment. Their self-criticism is constructive.
Laying into yourself, unduly depriving yourself, punishing yourself—
that’s self-flagellation, not self-improvement.
No need to be too hard on yourself. Hold yourself to a higher standard
but not an impossible one. And forgive yourself if and when you slip up.