Chapter 88
Defending Your Heroes Against Critics
DEFENCE OF SENECA AND PLUTARCH The familiarity I have with these two authors, and the assistance they have lent to my age and to my book, wholly compiled of what I have borrowed from them, oblige me to stand up for their honour. As to Seneca, amongst a million of little pamphlets that those of the so-called reformed religion disperse abroad for the defence of their cause (and which sometimes proceed from so good a hand, that ‘tis pity his pen is not employed in a better subject), I have formerly seen one, that to make up the parallel he…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Influence Network
Draw a simple map with yourself in the centre. Around you, write the names of 5-7 people who significantly shaped how you think about work, relationships, or life. For each person, note one key idea or approach you learned from them. Then honestly assess: if someone criticised these influences today, which ones would make you most defensive and why?
Consider:
- •Notice which influences feel most central to your identity
- •Consider whether your defensiveness protects the idea or your ego
- •Think about how you can separate useful wisdom from personal attachment
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone criticised a person or method that was important to you. How did you react, and what did that reaction teach you about yourself?
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