Summary

The website content discusses the philosophy of Stoicism and the importance of appreciating one's own blessings rather than coveting what others have, emphasizing gratitude, intentional living, and the futility of material possessions in achieving true happiness.

Abstract

The article delves into the Stoic philosophy, particularly the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, to encourage readers to focus on the blessings they already possess rather than desiring what others have. It suggests that society's tendency to continuously chase new possessions and relationships is a result of cultural conditioning. The text prompts introspection on the frequency of feelings of gratitude versus desires for more and questions the satisfaction derived from accumulating material wealth. It advocates for a life of intentional living, where one appreciates and is content with what they have, leading to a more fulfilling life free from the pursuit of external validation. The author emphasizes that true joy comes from within and not from possessions or social status.

Opinions

The author believes that American culture promotes a never-ending cycle of desire and accumulation, which ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and regret.
It is argued that material possessions do not bring happiness and can instead lead to financial and physical burdens, as well as a sense of emptiness.
The article suggests that individuals often realize the importance of appreciating people and possessions too late, often reflecting on these thoughts on their deathbed.
The author posits that intentional living, gratitude, and generosity are key to experiencing a full and meaningful life, as opposed to the endless pursuit of more.
Hoarding is seen as a physical manifestation of fear, indicating a lack of trust in the future or a fear of not having enough.
The piece encourages readers to question their desires and consider the impact of acquiring new possessions on their emotional and financial well-being.
The author expresses a personal conviction that the universe reciprocates gratitude and generosity, suggesting a karmic element to the philosophy of appreciating and giving.

Philosophy & Stoicism

Their Grass Is Merely A Different Shade Of Green

Stoicism: Stop Looking Across The Fence

Don’t set your mind on things you don’t possess as if they were yours, but count the blessings you actually possess and think how much you would desire them if they weren’t already yours. But watch yourself, that you don’t value these things to the point of being troubled if you should lose them. — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.27

Questions We Need To Ask Ourselves

What sticks out to me the most from the quote above is this one sentence: “[…], but count the blessings you actually possess and think how much you would desire them if they weren’t already yours.”

Before we jump into this read, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves a few questions:

How often do I wish for things I don’t already possess?
How often do I state and feel gratitude for the things I possess?
How often do I state and feel gratitude for the people in my life?
Do I tend to count my blessings, or do I tend to count others’ blessings?
Am I appreciative of the life I have now?

Everyone Is Guilty of Coveting

Everybody has coveted, at some time or another, what someone else has, and most people still covet what others have on a daily. American culture has taught society to chase new things and new people continuously instead of appreciating who and what you have in the present moment.

Why is it challenging to appreciate the good things and people we have in our lives now?
Why is it that after we accumulate more things, we don’t feel any happier?
Why is it that we often regret not cherishing and appreciating the people in our lives until it’s too late — usually on our death beds?

As I reflect on these questions myself, I easily recognize that all of the answers to these questions are within my control. I can take action now to appreciate who and what matters most, and no, it’s not materials, which only provide more feelings of emptiness. But if materials matter most to you, this is a perfect opportunity to re-prioritize.

Stop Looking Across The Fence

We always want more. Will it ever stop? For most, no. Many will continue desiring what their neighbor, their favorite celebrity has, or the person on social media showing off their life has. Many will continue aspiring for gigantic lifestyles they can show off on their Instagram pages for likes. Many will continue the empty pursuit of material possessions until they realize it’s a game with zero winners. Many will continue to hoard things until they realize how more things only add inconvenience and imprison their owners financially and physically.

But for you, all of this can change if you embrace intentional living.

“The grass isn’t greener on the other side; it’s merely a different shade of green.”

Question Your Desires

I don’t need a gigantic house if there are only 2–4 humans in my family. I don’t need to upgrade my car every 2 years — especially if I’m a remote worker. I don’t need to overhaul my closet every year completely. I don’t need to display my life on social media in exchange for anticipated external validation. I don’t need to buy something every day. I don’t need much at all. I only need what I need; the rest is icing on the cake that I can intentionally obtain.

Before You Acquire, Inquire

Will the attainment of this desire add genuine joy to my life?
Will the attainment of this desire add any sort of stress (i.e., financial, mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual) to my life?
Do I genuinely want this, or do I merely think I want this?

Take An Inventory Of Your Things

Look around you. What do you not need? What do you no longer use? What can you give away today that could bless something else that has less than you?

Fight the urge to gather and hoard — The Daily Stoic, p149

Stay in the habit of taking an inventory of your things to ensure you aren’t on the path of hoarding and holding onto things that serve no active purpose for your life. The things that are sitting around unused are indirectly taking up space in our lives.

Hoarding is a physical manifestation of fear.

Gratitude & Generosity Always Win

I’ve noticed that the more grateful I am and the more generous I am, the more the universe returns to me.

Find opportunities to give and be grateful in small, medium, and big ways daily. Living a generous life filled with gratitude will ensure you experience an intentional life, a magnificent life, and a full life.

It always feels better to give than to consume.

Final Thoughts

Question: What happens when you take your blessings for granted? Answer: They start to disappear.