Cicero
Lucretius
Oh well
Seneca
Plotinus
Taoism
Wu-wei is the Taoist principle of effortless action, aligning with the natural flow of the universe through non-interference.
In Taoism, the concept that closely aligns with “the art of letting go” is Wu Wei
Key Principles of Wu Wei:
- Accept things as they are
- Embrace imperfection
- Implement mindfulness
Yin and yang
- Can not have one without the other (in any thing, high is only high because of low, light can only be know from darkness)
Koans
"In zen, we don’t find the answers. We lose the questions."
"What is the colour of wind?"Buddha
Four noble truths as preached by Buddha are that the life is full of suffering (Duhkha),
Eight fold Path (astangika-marga) as a way to extinguish the sufferings are
- right views
- right resolve/aspiration
- right speech
- right action/conduct
- right livelihood
- right effort
- right mindfulness
- right concentration.
Cicero
Lucretius
Oh well
Seneca
Epictetus
Stoicism, an ancient philosophy founded in Athens around 300 BC, stands as one such enduring beacon of wisdom. At its core are four virtues that serve as a roadmap for living a life of purpose and integrity:
- Courage
- Temperance
- Justice
- Wisdom
"Something bad happens" Epictetus.
Wait for to check. Yes, That's what I thought. It's not in my control.
"If they are wise, do not quarrel with them; if they are fools, ignore them"Marcus Aurelius
"Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them."
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."
"We should discipline ourselves in small things, and from these progress to things of greater value."
"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."Plotinus
Time line
600 BCE 500 BCE 0 CE 100 CE 200 CE 300 CE
│ │ │ │ │ │
│
├─ Lao Tzu (~6th century BCE)
│
├──────────────────────────── Buddha
│ (c.563–483 BCE)
│
│ ┌─────────────┐
│ │ Cicero │
│ │ (106–43 BCE)│
│ └─────────────┘
│ ┌─────────────┐
│ │Lucretius │
│ │(c.99–c.55 BCE)│
│ └─────────────┘
│
│ ┌────────────────────────┐
│ │ Jesus │
│ │ (c.4 BCE – 30 CE) │
│ └────────────────────────┘
│
│ ┌────────────────────────┐
│ │ Seneca │
│ │ (c.4 BCE – 65 CE) │
│ └────────────────────────┘
│
│ ┌────────────────────────┐
│ │ Epictetus │
│ │ (c.50–135 CE) │
│ └────────────────────────┘
│
│ ┌────────────────────────┐
│ │ Marcus Aurelius │
│ │ (121–180 CE) │
│ └────────────────────────┘
│
│ ┌────────────────────────┐
│ │ Plotinus │
│ │ (204/5–270 CE) │
│ └────────────────────────┘
│Some Context and Explanation
- Lao Tzu (c. 6th century BCE):
Traditionally regarded as the founder of Taoism, his seminal work, the Tao Te Ching, explores ideas of balance, natural order, and effortless action. Although he is not part of the Roman tradition, his ideas are a hallmark of ancient Eastern philosophy. - Buddha (c.563–483 BCE):
Born in what is now Nepal/India, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) taught the path to enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. His insights have deeply influenced Eastern philosophy and spirituality. - Cicero (106–43 BCE):
A Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher, Cicero played a vital role in introducing Greek philosophical ideas—especially Stoicism and Academic Skepticism—to Roman political and cultural life. - Lucretius (c.99–c.55 BCE):
A Roman poet and philosopher, Lucretius is best known for his didactic poem De Rerum Natura (“On the Nature of Things”), which explains Epicurean physics and ethics in poetic form. - Jesus (c.4 BCE – 30 CE):
Central to Christianity, Jesus’ teachings and parables introduced a spiritual and moral framework that would eventually influence philosophy and ethics in the Roman world and beyond. - Seneca (c.4 BCE – 65 CE):
A Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist, Seneca’s essays and letters on ethics, virtue, and the art of living provided guidance on how to handle wealth, power, and adversity. - Epictetus (c.50–135 CE):
Born a slave, Epictetus became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers. His teachings, collected by his pupil Arrian, stress the importance of inner freedom, personal responsibility, and focusing on what is in one’s control. - Marcus Aurelius (121–180 CE):
As Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius is best known for his work Meditations, a series of personal reflections on duty, the nature of the universe, and the practice of virtue. - Plotinus (204/5–270 CE):
A key figure in the development of Neoplatonism, Plotinus built a comprehensive metaphysical system that influenced later Christian, Islamic, and Jewish thought by emphasizing the One, the Intellect, and the Soul.