P06 · Discipline and Character
Daily conduct and kindness
Embodying philosophy in everyday action, generosity and unpretentious service.
Cues
Showing 7 of 7 cues
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.”
“Cleverness is a gift, kindness is a choice.”
Two ears and one tongue for listening
Zeno of Citium remarked that we have two ears and one tongue because nature intended us to listen twice as much as we talk.
“If it is not right, do not do it, if it is not true, do not say it.”
“If you can, show them the better way. If you cannot, remember that this is why you have the gift of kindness. The Gods too are kind to such people, and in their benevolence even help them achieve some ends - health, wealth, fame. You can do it too. Or tell me - who is stopping you?”
“To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school ... it is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically.”
Philosophy as a way of life
In the ancient Stoic sense, a philosopher is not an academic theorist but a practitioner of the art of living who masters inner discourse rather than tethering contentment to worldly success and luck.