I

April   30th

WHAT    IS  IN  KEEPING WITH    YOUR    CHARACTER?

“Just   as  what    is  considered  rational    or  irrational  differs for each    person, in  the same    way what    is

good    or  evil    and useful  or  useless differs for each    person. This    is  why we  need    education,  so

that    we  might   learn   how to  adjust  our preconceived    notions of  the rational    and irrational  in

harmony with    nature. In  sorting this    out,    we  don’t   simply  rely    on  our estimate    of  the value   of

external    things, but also    apply   the rule    of  what    is  in  keeping with    one’s   character.”

—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 1.2.5–7

t is easy to get wrapped up in our own opinions of things. It’s as if we’re adhering to invisible scripts
—following instructions or patterns we don’t even understand. The more you question these scripts and
the more you subject them to the rigorous test of your education, the more you’ll be your own compass.
You’ll have convictions and thoughts that are your own and belong to no one else.
Character is a powerful defense in a world that would love to be able to seduce you, buy you, tempt
you, and change you. If you know what you believe and why you believe it, you’ll avoid poisonous
relationships, toxic jobs, fair-weather friends, and any number of ills that afflict people who haven’t
thought through their deepest concerns. That’s your education. That’s why you do this work.