133 Comments
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Grant Finlayson's avatar

Thank you. Ironically I am grateful the algorithm brought this to my attention, with perfect timing. I could not have articulated this better, but have been pondering it all in pieces for years.

This will be the first post I have shared on this platform, and is worthy of being the very last.

Respect.

Stoic Wisdoms's avatar

That means a lot, Grant. Thank you for sharing it.

Kathleen Grover's avatar

I feel exactly the same, marveling at the irony. I think this may be one of the best pieces I’ve read anywhere online. It brought to mind things I’ve known for years but have allowed myself to “forget”. I’ve allowed (or possibly aided and abetted) my drift from these principles in the rush to avoid painful realities, justifying much of it because I’m focused on larger world events. I appreciate the references. I’m already reminding myself that compulsively grabbing and hoarding every bit of information is precisely what I shouldn’t be thinking. I do intend to print this (I’m of an age where reading from a piece of paper is more comforting) and will sit quietly with it each day. The author has also reminded me that I possess a treasure far beyond material wealth. I live 20’ from several hundred acres of undeveloped National Park land. I live with quiet so complete it feels like a physical presence. There is no light pollution at night, and a glorious sunset over a small mountain 20 miles away begins each evening. I share this paradise with deer, wild turkeys, squirrels and chipmunks, and other assorted wildlife. I used to spend hours staring at the night sky or walking through the woods. An injury several years ago limited my mobility causing me to spend my days sitting or lying down, filling the hours with endless movies and news. I lost the habit of being present, blocking out life instead of living it. I’m so grateful to the author for this reminder.

Sherry's avatar

This is a MUST read!

While reading each and every one of the skills - I resonated with them.

It helped me understand my divorce, my broken heart

Malika's avatar

Same! I could have written this comment!

Michael Ed's avatar

Of all the 5, you see that "Attention" ?

Thats the key.

If one cannot manage their attention, they will be prune to distractions.

Click baits, binge-forever-scrolling, video games, unnecessary chats, unnecessary SM comments, notifications from different apps etc.

I switch off all notifications, except emails, which have been streamed down to important ones. No Social media 💯, only reading online, in books and watching intellectual videos on YT.

"Where ever attention goes, energy flows. "

Nomad's avatar

This has been one of the most interesting readings I had in a while.

The world is turning into something I don’t like seeing and worry for my daughters growing into it, but this is the kind of approach I intend to take, act instead of react, help them build a solid foundation for a harsh world they’ll grow into, steer away from the instant gratification narrative but focus on consistency, structure and determination. The only way is through, like it or not, it is what it is and that’s a powerful affirmation to accept.

Thank you for putting this together and keeping it free to share with as many readers, subscribers or not, that you can reach.

Best regards.

Stoic Wisdoms's avatar

Thank you! Your daughters are lucky you're paying attention.

Mando-Geo's avatar

So many great nuggets in this post - one of your best! And thanks for the resources for further reading. I’m an adult educator and the topics highlighted here are in perfect alignment with what I aim to convey to students above and beyond the curriculum - a complexity toolkit of sorts. I hope you consider one day publishing these essays in a book. Thanks again!

Stoic Wisdoms's avatar

That means a lot coming from someone doing this work in a classroom. A book is something I think about. We'll see.

Maureen Hanf's avatar

Please. Thank you.

Vicki Reissig's avatar

So much wisdom here. I’ll be sharing with others as well, and will encourage them to take the time and attention needed to read every word and actually THINK about what you are saying. I always appreciate your writings, but this one is by far the most powerful I have read to date. Thank you!

Wendy's avatar

Best Substack Ever Written!

Stoic Wisdoms's avatar

That's very kind. Thank you.

Omer Brault's avatar

Good day, everyone,

First & foremost, Thank you for this article.

A huge eye opener for me, especially with Adaptability.

I’m almost 66 & lost my job last October.

Unfortunately, i still need to work.

Have been applying with no concrete results.

Your article made me realize that I need to make some changes about myself; become more adaptable.

Incredibly grateful for the time that you spent putting this together.

I’ve also saved it so that I can use it as a reference.

I’ve also shared it with both of my children.

Omer

Kim's avatar

Omer,

Your comment caught my attention as I was in a similar situation. Best wishes on your adaptability journey, and I hope you find what you want soon.

Omer Brault's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Kim.

Sofia's avatar

I think this is the best thing i've read this year so far! I'm beyond amazed on how much wisdom and resources are here for free!! Thank you!

Pat's avatar

Amazing! Just what I needed 🙏🏼

SelfDriven Careers's avatar

Seriously don't have any words to describe... The insights you present goes beyond the tips, AI, Business or whatever transactional world is perceived. I think this article offers a great humanitarian service by bringing a fresh perspective through your knowledge, experience and ability to see the future.

You are like the modern day Nostradamus of tech world. I'm lucky to have come across your channel. Can't thank you enough 🙏🙏🙏

Mancman44's avatar

I found your article very well written. Articulate, well structured, and providing deep insight and some excellent advice. Thank you.

Stoic Wisdoms's avatar

Appreciate that. Took a while to get this one right, so that's good to hear.

Mancman44's avatar

You’re welcome.

Cathie Campbell's avatar

Thoughts so well articulated and essential in a world too busy and distracted to think. One of the best posts of reflective advice I’ve read.

Nina's avatar

A brilliant essay that tests the skills it sets out to craft. Thank you for taking the time to research and write and, most importantly, share.

Amberyle's avatar

Thank you for this incredible article and for making it free. It’s so important, especially today, and I appreciate the way you have made each topic approachable. I am sharing with friends and family.

Caroline's avatar

I've just re-read this post and it hits harder 2nd time round. Time to practice what I read!

Roan Paul's avatar

Exceptional and insightful. Your article rings so true/relevant and brilliantly expounds these essential skills for this epoch of human history. Your topic got my attention through the algorithm and I gave the article my attention to be formed by it. Thank you.