Good And Evil? Look At Your Choices

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Welcome to another episode of Navigate the Day! Today’s episode focuses on the concept of good and evil as described by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. He argued that what is truly good or evil lies within our reasoned choices and judgments, rather than external circumstances. Our choices determine the morality of our actions, and things outside of our control are neither good nor evil.

In light of this, our journal prompt for today is: “What evil comes from my own choices?” Upon reflection, I realized that willful ignorance and negative self-talk are two areas where I could improve. By choosing to ignore other people’s experiences and perspectives, I am preventing myself from being empathetic and potentially perpetuating harm. Additionally, expressing my negative thoughts without regard for their impact on others is not fair or kind.

However, as Epictetus reminds us, our choices and perceptions determine the morality of our actions. By reframing my thoughts and choosing to be more mindful of others, I can create positive change in my life and potentially in the lives of those around me. While it may be a challenge to remain patient and composed, particularly when my vanity is at stake, I am learning to embrace the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination.

So let us take inspiration from Epictetus and recognize that the power of good and evil lies within our reasoned choices. By choosing to be mindful, empathetic, and kind, we can make positive changes in our lives and in the world around us. Thank you for tuning in to Navigate the Day, and we will see you next time!

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

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