Six mistakes mankind keeps making century after century - Cicero

Timeless Mistakes: Cicero on the Pitfalls of Human Nature

Foreword: The Roman philosopher Cicero astutely observed recurring errors humans perpetuate across time, hindering their growth and well-being.

Quote: “Six mistakes mankind keeps making century after century: Believing that personal gain is made by crushing others; Worrying about things that cannot be changed or corrected; Insisting that a thing is impossible because we cannot accomplish it; Refusing to set aside trivial preferences; Neglecting development and refinement of the mind; Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do.”

A Modern Translation:

• We wrongly think we'll profit by harming others.

• We waste energy fretting over the uncontrollable.

• We dismiss possibilities just because they're beyond our reach.

• We cling to petty fixations.

• We neglect to cultivate our minds.

• We try to force our beliefs and ways of life on others.
  
  

Simple Explanation: This quote highlights common human failings that sabotage our happiness and progress. It urges us to recognize the futility of pursuing gain at others' expense, the need to focus on what we can control, a willingness to expand our perspectives, flexibility in letting go of unimportant things, the importance of lifelong learning, and respect for the individuality of others.

Question:

• Which of these mistakes do you find yourself most prone to?

• How can you mindfully shift your perspective on success?

• Can you think of times when worrying prevented you from finding solutions?
  
  

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Deep Dive:

• Cicero's wisdom aligns with the Stoic emphasis on virtue. Stoics believed true fulfillment comes from living in accordance with reason and focusing on our inner moral development, not external gains at others' expense.

• Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, repeatedly emphasizes the importance of accepting what's outside our control and directing our energy towards our character cultivation. This aligns with Cicero's warning against wasting time on uncontrollable concerns.

• Epictetus famously said, "It's not things that upset us, but our judgments about things." This echoes Cicero's point about needless worry and self-imposed limitations rooted in how we perceive challenges.

• Stoics encouraged ongoing philosophical study and critical self-reflection, which parallels Cicero's call for mental refinement. Neglecting this, they believed, made us prone to ignorance and vice.

• Seneca, in his Letters from a Stoic, champions respect for individual autonomy and warns against the futility of imposing our views. This resonates with Cicero's final point about the wrongheadedness of dictating others' beliefs and actions.

Applicable Situations:

• Workplace Conflicts: This wisdom helps navigate competition without malice, and to focus on personal excellence rather than undermining others.

• Dealing with Setbacks: Stoic principles remind us to control our responses to misfortune, directing energy towards finding solutions.

• Relationships: This wisdom promotes letting go of petty grievances, fosters intellectual growth, and emphasizes respect for others' perspectives.

Action Items:

• Practice Self-Awareness: Identify times when you act selfishly or harbor needless worry.

• Choose Your Battles: Focus on what you can control and shift your perspective on things you cannot.

• Cultivate Curiosity: Be open to new ideas and embrace life as a learning journey.

Modern Connections:

• Steve Jobs famously said, "Stay hungry, stay foolish," reflecting a Stoic-like thirst for knowledge and refusal to accept limitations.

• In the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness," the protagonist, Chris Gardner, faces numerous setbacks and challenges but perseveres through adversity with unwavering determination and integrity, embodying the Stoic virtues of resilience and fortitude.

• Similarly, in the song "I Lived" by OneRepublic, the lyrics inspire listeners to embrace life fully, accepting both its joys and sorrows, echoing the Stoic principle of living in accordance with nature.

• Additionally, in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch exemplifies Stoic values through his unwavering commitment to justice and moral integrity, despite facing opposition and prejudice.

• The song "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen echoes the Stoic idea of releasing anxieties about external circumstances that are beyond our control.
  
  

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