Dear Friends,
Thank you for reading and listening this week! Below is a short contemplation from Epictetus and links to this week’s videos and meditations.
A quick note (and request) before we begin: I’ve been producing In Search of Wisdom ad-free for almost three years now. Since I’d like to keep the podcast ad-free (if possible), I decided to start a Patreon to solicit support for the show.
By becoming a Patron of the show (for as low as $2 per month), you’ll gain benefits like early access and episode transcripts. You can learn more here and become a supporter. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Until next week, be wise and be well!
📿 On Praising Providence
This week’s contemplation comes from the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. In his Discourses, Epictetus wrote,
From everything that is or happens in the world, it is easy to praise Providence if a man possesses these two qualities: the faculty of seeing what belongs and happens to all persons and things and a grateful disposition. If he does not possess these two qualities, one man will not see the use of things which are and which happen: another will not be thankful for them, even if he does know them. If God had made colors but had not made the faculty of seeing them, what would have been their use? None at all. On the other hand, if he had made the faculty of vision, but had not made objects such as to fall under the faculty, what in that case also would have been the use of it? None at all. Well, suppose that he had made both but had not made light? In that case, also, they would have been of no use. Who is it then who has fitted this to that and that to this? […]
***Listen to a longer version of this week’s contemplation courtesy of The Wisdom School podcast (Apple or Spotify).
Contemplation Questions (Pick one or create your own!):
How does this passage apply to daily life?
What does it mean to praise providence?
This Week’s Videos…
***If you enjoy any of these videos, please consider liking, sharing, commenting, and subscribing on YouTube.
This Week’s Meditations…
—
Thank you for reading/listening this week; I hope you found something useful.
Until next time, be wise and be well,
J.W.
P.S. Feel free to comment, ask questions, or make suggestions!