Chapter 1: The Journey of Learning and Growth

Life is an ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding.

As children, the thrill of learning was palpable. Every new skill brought excitement and a sense of accomplishment. Each small victory pushed us closer to the adults we admired. With dedication and practice, we grasped fundamental concepts—colors, numbers, letters, and sounds—expanding our understanding of the world around us.

Initially, we eagerly absorbed new information, following instructions closely and embracing challenges without hesitation. This laid the groundwork for new neural connections, which strengthened through practice. As we progressed, we began with small tasks, learned incrementally, adapted based on our mistakes, and repeated the process. This straightforward method became a familiar path toward improvement.

Long ago, the Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus articulated this approach in his lecture "On Training": "Following the acquisition of knowledge, practical application is essential to truly benefit from what we've learned."

However, as we age, our brains tend to cling to established pathways, making it increasingly difficult to forge new ones. While this may not hinder our grasp of basic knowledge, it stifles our ability to develop essential skills—particularly the skill of thinking.

It's ironic that we often overlook the most fundamental of abilities: thinking itself. Why is there no structured method for enhancing our thinking skills as children? Why doesn’t improving our thought processes excite us?

Although we receive ample guidance on what to think—from parents, educators, and various institutions—few resources focus on how to think effectively. Enhancing our thinking can be viewed through the Stoic lens as a means to better navigate challenges, make sound decisions, form well-considered opinions, and manage our desires and aversions.

Ultimately, these aspects are entirely within our control. In essence, improving our thinking fosters wisdom, which gradually elevates our happiness and tranquility—a prospect worth getting excited about!

Applying Reason to Thrive

According to Stoic philosophy, our capacity for reasoning distinguishes us as humans. It is our ability to apply reason virtuously that enables us to flourish and achieve happiness.

"Happiness (flourishing) is an activity of the soul in accordance with perfect virtue." — Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics 1.13

This gift carries a responsibility—to maximize our reasoning skills for our own well-being. The Stoics referred to this as living in harmony with our nature. As Seneca wisely noted, "As long as you live, keep learning how to live." To align with our nature, we must commit to learning how to think.

This endeavor extends beyond mere contemplation. We must translate our enhanced reasoning into actionable steps in our daily lives.

Better Thinking Leads to Better Actions

Our abilities and character are ultimately reflected in our actions. We cannot merely think our way to goodness; our reasoning remains invisible until it manifests in actions.

Thus, we can approach the improvement of our thinking with the same methodical steps we used as children. We start small, learn incrementally, adjust based on our errors, and practice consistently. This approach embodies the essence of philosophy. Musonius Rufus stated, "Philosophy is nothing else than to seek out what is right and proper through reason and to practice it through our deeds."

Since our actions stem from our thoughts, enhancing our thinking is the precursor to enhancing our actions. Leonardo da Vinci reminded us, "Practice must always be founded on sound theory." Those who focus solely on practice without theoretical grounding are like sailors navigating without a compass.

When we learn to make better decisions, we must act on those decisions. When we learn to confront challenges, we must take steps towards overcoming our fears. When we understand what lies within our control, we must prioritize that focus. When we grasp the concept of acting for the greater good, we must begin to act.

What Thinking Better Is Not

As we delve into the essence of reasoning and wisdom, it's crucial to clarify what it is not. David Schwartz's "The Magic of Thinking Big" illustrates this point:

The tale is told that when Einstein was asked how many feet are in a mile, he replied, "I don’t know. Why should I fill my brain with facts I can find in two minutes in any standard reference book?" This underscores a vital lesson: knowledge is not synonymous with wisdom.

Practical philosophy emphasizes being good over merely knowing what goodness entails. While understanding goodness is the first step, true adoption occurs only when we embody goodness through our actions.

Techniques for Better Thinking

Now that we comprehend the significance of improved thinking and its benefits, let's explore practical methods to achieve it. Here are five Stoic techniques designed to enhance both your thinking and actions, each accompanied by a clear definition and actionable steps:

1. Negative Visualization

   • Theory: This technique involves regularly imagining negative scenarios that could occur, cultivating gratitude for what we have and preparing us for potential challenges.
   • Practice: Begin by listing valuable aspects of your life. Schedule sessions to reflect on what losing these might entail, enhancing your appreciation and preparedness.

The first video titled "Living Like A Stoic For 30 Days" explores practical applications of Stoic principles in daily life, illustrating how negative visualization can be integrated into your routine.

2. Dichotomy of Control

   • Theory: Originating from Epictetus, this concept delineates what is within our control—our opinions and actions—from what is not, such as external circumstances.
   • Practice: Use a writing exercise to categorize recent challenges into "Completely within my control" and "Not completely within my control," allowing for a clearer focus on actionable elements.

3. The Reserve Clause

   • Theory: This practice involves acknowledging that outcomes may not always align with our intentions, helping to mitigate disappointment.
   • Practice: For every plan, append "Fate permitting" to maintain awareness that not all outcomes are within our control, fostering resilience.

The second video, "HOW TO LIVE LIKE A STOIC - Stoic Philosophy Explained!" provides insights into practical Stoic techniques, including the reserve clause, for navigating life's uncertainties.

4. Memento Mori
   • Theory: This Latin phrase serves as a reminder of life's transience, urging us to value our time and focus on what matters.
   • Practice: Integrate daily reminders to contemplate mortality, reinforcing the importance of living fully.
5. Amor Fati
   • Theory: Translated as "love of one's fate," this attitude encourages acceptance of life's events, embracing both challenges and joys.
   • Practice: Prepare responses to potential setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth.

Final Thoughts

By mastering these techniques, you can gradually enhance your thinking and, consequently, your actions. Remember to start small: learn a little, try a little, improve, and repeat.

For further guidance on refining your thinking, consider accessing a comprehensive starter kit filled with Stoic resources, continuously updated. Begin your journey of self-improvement, and as Marcus Aurelius advised, let your thoughts color your soul.