Chapter 117
Stop Overthinking, Start Living
1.You will be fabricating much trouble for me, and you will be unconsciously embroiling me in a great discussion, and in considerable bother, if you put such petty questions as these; for in settling them I cannot disagree with my fellow-Stoics without impairing my standing among them, nor can I subscribe to such ideas without impairing my conscience. Your query is, whether the Stoic belief is true: that wisdom is a Good, but that being wise is not a Good.[1] I shall first set forth the Stoic view, and then I shall be bold enough to deliver my own…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
The Academic Escape Hatch Audit
Think of a current problem in your life that you've been discussing, researching, or analysing for weeks without taking action. Write down the problem, then list every way you've been thinking about it versus what concrete steps you could take today. Set a timer and force yourself to identify one action you could complete in the next 24 hours.
Consider:
- •Notice if you start making the exercise more complicated than it needs to be
- •Pay attention to how your brain tries to add more research or planning steps
- •Ask yourself: Am I solving this or just feeling smart about it?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you got so caught up in planning or analysing something that you missed the chance to actually do it. What did that cost you, and how would you handle it differently now?
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