Wisdom Shared Through Others' Words

Many words have been spoken by Plato, Zeno, Chrysippus, Posidonius, and by a whole host of equally excellent Stoics. I'll tell you how people can prove their words to be their own - by putting into practice what they've been preaching.

— Seneca, Moral Letters, 108.35; 38

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Eat like a human being, drink like a human being, dress up, marry, have children, get politically active - suffer abuse, bear with a headstrong brother, father, son, neighbor, or companion. Show us these things that you truly have learned from the philosophers.

— Epictetus, Discourses, 3.21.5-6 

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Again, of all the things that come to us by nature we first acquire the potentiality and later exhibit the activity (this is plain in the case of the senses; for it was not by often seeing or often hearing that we got these senses, but on the contrary we had them before we used them, and did not come to have them by using them); but the virtues we get by first exercising them, as also happens in the case of the arts as well. For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them, e.g., men become builders by building and lyre players by playing the lyre; so too we become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.

— Nicomachean Ethics, Book 2, Chapter 1

But we must add ‘in a complete life.’ For one swallow does not make a summer, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy.

— Nicomachean Ethics, Book 1, Chapter 7

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A Personal Introduction

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I am not a trained philosopher, psychologist, or therapist. All I can do is share what I have learned from my life and the invaluable content I continuously seek. I don't claim to offer new knowledge—rather, I share insights presented to me by ancient philosophers, modern authors, therapists, professors, and other intelligent individuals who have influenced my journey.

Throughout this blog, I will primarily draw from long passages by Aristotle, the Stoics, and contemporary authors. I've chosen to emphasize their words over my own interpretations. In most cases, it's better to hear directly from these historically significant authors rather than through analysts and interpreters—particularly given my own limitations in philosophical discourse and writing.

"Acta non verba" is a Latin phrase meaning "Actions, not words." This embodies the timeless wisdom that actions speak louder than words. You become what you habitually feel, think, and do—shaped by how you spend your time and direct your attention. Meaningful change requires more than a few weeks of virtuous behavior; it demands consistency over time.

Focus on the Classics

Reading texts directly from their source, rather than summaries, offers irreplaceable value. These classics have endured for good reason, earning the continued respect of readers across generations. Modern authors build upon these foundational works, and to truly participate in this ongoing dialogue, one must engage with the original texts.

These works can be challenging to read; this difficulty is both a rite of passage and an opportunity for growth. The struggle enhances our understanding while developing our reading and writing capabilities. In an age dominated by artificial intelligence and automated summaries, we must return to what grounds us—the first principles and original wisdom of philosophers like Aristotle and the Stoics. Understanding life's fundamental truths defines our humanity.

Personal Growth and Modern Applications

Over the years preceding this blog's creation, I've gained clarity about what truly matters—where to focus my energy and what concerns to set aside. My priorities center on myself, my family, my friends, and my purpose. I strive to do my best while accepting what lies beyond my control.

This blog serves as both a personal journal and a public resource. The writing process has revealed insights I might have otherwise missed. Because this platform is also for my own reflection, I've included references to pop culture that resonates with me personally. These modern connections demonstrate how ancient wisdom finds support in contemporary research, highlighting the timeless nature of these foundational insights.

Upcoming Book

This blog has helped crystallize my thoughts for my forthcoming book, The Philosopher's Guide to Divorce, Life and Relationships. The book's description:

Life's greatest challenges demand wisdom from every source—high and low, ancient and modern, profound and playful. Through the lens of divorce and relationship recovery, this book draws unexpected connections between philosophical giants (Aristotle, the Stoics), literary masters (Tolstoy, C.S. Lewis, Marilynne Robinson), and beloved pop culture icons (Tarantino, Rocky Balboa, the Grateful Dead, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Together, they illuminate a path toward understanding what truly matters in life and love.

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Content Recommendations

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While I connect the historical classics with modern content, I will provide links where this amazing content can be purchased. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.