Chapter 109
When Smart People Need Each Other
1.You expressed a wish to know whether a wise man can help a wise man. For we say that the wise man is completely endowed with every good, and has attained perfection; accordingly, the question arises how it is possible for anyone to help a person who possesses the Supreme Good. Good men are mutually helpful; for each gives practice to the other’s virtues and thus maintains wisdom at its proper level. Each needs someone with whom he may make comparisons and investigations. 2. Skilled wrestlers are kept up to the mark by practice; a musician is stirred to…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Excellence Community
Think about an area where you want to maintain high standards - your work, parenting, health, or personal growth. Draw three circles: people who lower your standards, people who match your standards, and people who challenge you to be better. Be honest about which circle is largest in your life right now.
Consider:
- •Notice if you're spending most time with people who make excellence feel unnecessary or unrealistic
- •Identify specific people who share your values but might challenge your thinking
- •Consider how you could spend more time with people in the 'challenge you to be better' circle
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when being around the wrong crowd made you lower your standards, and a time when being around the right people helped you rise to the occasion. What was different about those two situations?
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