We Take The Bitter To Get To The Sweets
The Daily Stoic22 Okt 2018

We Take The Bitter To Get To The Sweets

“The hunter worthy of the name always willingly takes the bitter if by so doing he can get the sweet, and gladly balances failure and success, spurning the poorer souls who know neither.”

Theodore Roosevelt was talking about the philosophy of hunting when he said this, but he was also describing his philosophy of life. This is how the Stoic looks at things as well.

So much of life is outside of our control, and indeed much of that is bitter. We set out to do something and we are quickly beset by challenges, by loss, by other people’s frustrating tendency to think about themselves over our needs. Yet we continue to put up with this. Not just because we have to, but because we know what’s on the other side is wonderful: friendships, success, excellence, life-changing experiences.

It is said that Marcus Aurelius was dour, but his Meditations is full of odes to the many sweets of life. Seneca’s writing, too, captures life’s great balancing act--he speaks of how unpredictable and unfair fate can be just as eloquently as he speaks of joy and flourishing.

If today ends up being another one of those days for you, try to remember what Roosevelt was talking about. Try saying to yourself, ‘I am taking the bitter to get to the sweet.’ Say, ‘It all balances out and I am lucky to have both when so many have neither.’ In this way you will not only grow stronger and more able to endure any misfortune that comes your way, but you will also be more grateful for and appreciative of the gifts you are given as well.


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episoder(2892)

BONUS | You Can't Let The Setbacks Win

BONUS | You Can't Let The Setbacks Win

When jarred by circumstances, Marcus Aurelius writes, we have to revert back to ourselves. We have to come back to the rhythm. We have to intervene. We can't let the challenges win.Let’s not write the...

2 Feb 2min

Sometimes You Just Lose (But That’s No Excuse) | A Proper Frame Of Mind

Sometimes You Just Lose (But That’s No Excuse) | A Proper Frame Of Mind

We have to stay at it. We have to accept the losses that come…without accepting the status quo. We should not give up. 📘 Grab the hardcover edition of The Daily Stoic here: https://store.dailystoic.c...

2 Feb 7min

This Is Why You Have To Care

This Is Why You Have To Care

Immigration is a complicated issue. Crime is complicated. But this is not complicated.👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free list...

1 Feb 11min

Why Bert Kreischer Thinks He Needs a Stoic Coach

Why Bert Kreischer Thinks He Needs a Stoic Coach

Bert Kreischer and Ryan continue their conversation about the tension between discipline and indulgence, why Bert sometimes feels better hungover than sober, and the pull of routines built around puni...

31 Jan 37min

The Age of Catos is Gone (or Is It?) | Ryan Holiday Owes Everything To This One Book

The Age of Catos is Gone (or Is It?) | Ryan Holiday Owes Everything To This One Book

It always feels like the traditional values are slipping away…Maybe they are. Maybe they aren’t. 📕 Pick up your own Premium Leather Edition of Meditations - Marcus Aurelius (Gregory Hays Translation)...

30 Jan 14min

This is the Day You Start | What Does Living A Virtuous Life Look Like?

This is the Day You Start | What Does Living A Virtuous Life Look Like?

Sometimes life happens, but here’s your second chance. Now is the best time to start being the person you want to be. Let’s not write the year off just yet. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge ...

29 Jan 17min

Bert Kreischer Has a Stoicism Problem

Bert Kreischer Has a Stoicism Problem

Bert Kreischer wants to be Stoic. It just doesn’t come naturally. In this episode, he talks with Ryan about why Stoicism feels almost impossible for him, why criticism still gets under his skin, his h...

28 Jan 45min

Do You Think They Liked It?

Do You Think They Liked It?

This is what philosophy is about, what discipline is as a virtue: Doing things you don’t want to do.Let’s not write the year off just yet. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge is opening back up...

28 Jan 3min

Populært innen Business og økonomi

stopp-verden
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
dine-penger-pengeradet
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk
rss-borsmorgen-okonominyhetene
e24-podden
finansredaksjonen
pengesnakk
livet-pa-veien-med-jan-erik-larssen
utbytte
pengepodden-2
rss-sunn-okonomi
tid-er-penger-en-podcast-med-peter-warren
morgenkaffen-med-finansavisen
stormkast-med-valebrokk-stordalen
okonomiamatorene
lederpodden
liberal-halvtime
rss-markedspuls-2
lederskap-nhhs-podkast-om-ledelse