THE THREE AREAS OF TRAINING

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"There are three areas in which the person who would be wise and good must be trained. The first has to do with desires and aversions—that a person may never miss the mark in desires nor fall into what repels them. The second has to do with impulses to act and not to act—and more broadly, with duty—that a person may act deliberately for good reasons and not carelessly. The third has to do with freedom from deception and composure and the whole area of judgment, the assent our mind gives to its perceptions. Of these areas, the chief and most urgent is the first which has to do with the passions, for strong emotions arise only when we fail in our desires and aversions.” —EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 3.2.1–3a

My brother's recent struggles have been a stark reminder of the importance of Stoic philosophy in navigating life's challenges. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus emphasized three key areas for personal growth. 

First, he stressed the importance of mastering our desires and aversions. My brother's addiction to drugs and gambling has led to a cascade of unfortunate events, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked desires. 

Second, Epictetus emphasized the importance of acting with purpose, rather than impulsively. My brother's actions, driven by addiction, have consistently led to negative consequences, from job instability to the potential loss of a cherished possession. 

Third, Epictetus stressed the importance of cultivating sound judgment. Developing the ability to perceive reality accurately is essential. My brother's clouded judgment, likely influenced by his addiction, may be hindering his ability to assess his situation honestly and make sound decisions.

Witnessing my brother's struggles has profoundly impacted my own life choices. I strive to avoid the pitfalls he has encountered by prioritizing self-control, actively avoiding substances that could lead to addiction and making conscious choices to live a healthy and balanced life. I also strive to act with purpose, prioritizing hard work and meaningful pursuits, focusing on building a fulfilling life based on my values and goals. Finally, I strive to cultivate critical thinking, challenging my own assumptions and seeking truth over self-deception.

While I cannot control my brother's choices, I can learn from his experiences. By embracing Stoic principles, I aim to live a life of purpose, guided by reason and virtue, and avoid the destructive path that addiction has led him down.

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