1. Don’t Fear God Epicurus believed that whatever entity created the cosmos, it could not possibly be impressed by anything humans are capable of doing. When you can move mountains, why would you be interested in watching ants build a mound? So we need not worry about God’s judgment because God isn’t lording over humans. He’s just not that into us.
Yes. #4 is tricky. I imagine Epicurus under capitalism. Would he have joined Occupy? Would he have a Facebook account? It's a fun game to play with the ancients as figments of our imagination. Another game we play is we stand on the shoulders of both ancient and more recent giants so as to see further ahead, but under present conditions, we're not always steady on our feet. Still, we do find ways to endure terrible situations, often in ways we can neither anticipate nor explain in hindsight. Perhaps, we're stronger than we realize.
Yes, we are soooo adaptable! It's a strength but also a weakness, cause we often get used to and put up with things that we really shouldn't put up with. Somedays, I don't want to be strong and resilient and accommodate those that make things worse for me.Ya know?
I know. About ten years ago, after about ten years of conscious attempts at "adaptation", I started to refuse to adapt. It was one one those moments - the body said 'no'. I certainly wouldn't describe the path of refusal as a marketable solution, but it gives me good material for Substack posts. My refusal "to accommodate those who make things worse for me" becomes fuel for my story. Sure, writing into the void doesn't feel like an adequate response to capitalism, but it's a fun start. And I do find much value in these ancient recipes for being at peace in the struggle.
I think I am entering a non-accommodation era. If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a no. Do not get use to this state of affairs, it’s fucked up and bullshit.
Yes. #4 is tricky. I imagine Epicurus under capitalism. Would he have joined Occupy? Would he have a Facebook account? It's a fun game to play with the ancients as figments of our imagination. Another game we play is we stand on the shoulders of both ancient and more recent giants so as to see further ahead, but under present conditions, we're not always steady on our feet. Still, we do find ways to endure terrible situations, often in ways we can neither anticipate nor explain in hindsight. Perhaps, we're stronger than we realize.
Yes, we are soooo adaptable! It's a strength but also a weakness, cause we often get used to and put up with things that we really shouldn't put up with. Somedays, I don't want to be strong and resilient and accommodate those that make things worse for me.Ya know?
I know. About ten years ago, after about ten years of conscious attempts at "adaptation", I started to refuse to adapt. It was one one those moments - the body said 'no'. I certainly wouldn't describe the path of refusal as a marketable solution, but it gives me good material for Substack posts. My refusal "to accommodate those who make things worse for me" becomes fuel for my story. Sure, writing into the void doesn't feel like an adequate response to capitalism, but it's a fun start. And I do find much value in these ancient recipes for being at peace in the struggle.
I think I am entering a non-accommodation era. If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a no. Do not get use to this state of affairs, it’s fucked up and bullshit.
Non-accommodation: that's the word! I always feel a subtle thrill when I find a fitting word to describe something important.