This is Why You Can’t Try To Avoid Criticism | Ask DS | The Daily Stoic

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily Stoic” podcast, the hosts answer questions from listeners and fellow Stoics, providing ancient wisdom for everyday life. They explore the topic of criticism and how to navigate it in a stoic manner.

Main Takeaways

Embracing Criticism and Staying True to Yourself

• Criticism is inevitable, no matter how hard you try to avoid it.
• Marcus Aurelius faced harsh criticism in his time and still does today, but he stayed true to himself and his personal mission.
• Don’t try to conform to others’ expectations or win their favor, focus on what is meaningful and fulfilling to you.

The Power of Re-reading and Philosophy in Everyday Life

• Re-reading ancient texts can offer new insights and perspectives as you grow and change.
• Re-reading books that were influential earlier in your life can offer new solutions and insights as you grow and change.
• Philosophy was never just what happened in a classroom, it was a set of lessons from the battlefield of life.
• Philosophy was originally used by soldiers, politicians, parents, and the Stoics to help them navigate the unpredictability of life and manage their emotions.
• Anyone can be a philosopher and benefit from the insights of some of the smartest people who ever lived.

Applying Stoic Principles in Leadership and Personal Growth

• Your life can be every bit as important, unique, and impactful as those of famous people like Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan.
• Reluctant leaders often possess the character traits of great leadership.
• No role is too small to apply philosophical principles.
• The four values of stoicism are courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom.
• Perception is a key discipline in stoicism.
• Domestication of emotions is an important concept in stoicism.
• Stoicism doesn’t eliminate emotions, but aims to control them in high-stake situations.
• Domesticating emotions is more attainable and impactful than aiming for perfection.
• Having no opinion can be a powerful tool in avoiding conflict and micro-managing.
• Controlling emotions can give you an edge in business and personal growth.
• Directed action done in the service of the whole is important for effective teamwork.
• Busy idleness can be counterproductive, and having initiative tied to a strategy is key.
• Having a clear plan and sense of where each decision or action fits is important for meaningful progress.
• Striving for high standards and craftsmanship can lead to excellence.
• Taking one’s work extremely seriously and doing it great is intrinsically rewarding.
• Making things as good as they can be is what one wants to do.
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a work that stands the test of time because it was crafted with care and personal attention to detail.
• Personal and accessible works can have a lasting impact on people.

Summary

Embracing Criticism and Staying True to Yourself

Criticism is an inevitable part of life, and no matter how hard you try to avoid it, it will find its way to you. Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic philosopher, faced harsh criticism during his time and continues to face it today. However, he remained steadfast in his personal mission and stayed true to himself. Instead of conforming to others’ expectations or seeking their favor, focus on what is meaningful and fulfilling to you. Embrace criticism as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

The Power of Re-reading and Philosophy in Everyday Life

Re-reading ancient texts can offer new insights and perspectives as you grow and change. The wisdom contained in these texts can provide guidance and support in navigating the challenges of life. Philosophy was never confined to the classroom; it originated from the battlefield of life. Soldiers, politicians, parents, and the Stoics used philosophy to navigate the unpredictability of life and manage their emotions. Anyone can be a philosopher and benefit from the insights of some of the smartest people who ever lived.

Applying Stoic Principles in Leadership and Personal Growth

Regardless of your role or position, you can apply stoic principles to lead a meaningful and impactful life. Your life has the potential to be as important, unique, and impactful as those of famous individuals like Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. Reluctant leaders often possess the character traits of great leadership. Stoicism emphasizes courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom as core values. Perception and the domestication of emotions are crucial disciplines in stoicism. By controlling emotions in high-stake situations and having no opinion when necessary, you can avoid conflict and micro-managing. Controlling emotions also gives you an edge in business and personal growth. Directed action done in the service of the whole is important for effective teamwork. Having a clear plan and understanding how each decision or action fits into it is essential for meaningful progress. Striving for high standards and craftsmanship, even in unseen details, can lead to excellence. Taking your work seriously and doing it to the best of your ability is intrinsically rewarding. Works like “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius stand the test of time because they were crafted with care and personal attention to detail. Personal and accessible works can have a lasting impact on people.

Conclusion

Criticism is unavoidable, but it can be embraced as an opportunity for growth. Stay true to yourself, focus on what is meaningful to you, and apply stoic principles in your everyday life. By controlling emotions, having a clear plan, and striving for excellence, you can lead a fulfilling and impactful life.