At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: “I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?”

So you were born to feel “nice”? Instead of doing things and experiencing them? Don’t you see the plants, the birds, the ants and spiders and bees going about their individual tasks, putting the world in order, as best they can? And you’re not willing to do your job as a human being? Why aren’t you running to do what your nature demands?

You don’t love yourself enough. Or you’d love your nature too, and what it demands of you.

Marcus Aurelius

Here's an awkward topic...

Nowadays there are an awful lot of good writers, astute writers, insightful writers. Same goes for videos and podcasts. More and more people have something to say, and want to be heard. Others are seeking ways to monetize their passions and expertise. There are countless Substacks and YouTube channels one can subscribe to... and then feel somewhat obliged to consume every single piece they publish.

But your time is valuable. Your great-grandfather didn't spend hours every day educating himself by reading or watching (unless he was somehow paid to). Education without practice is stifling, and by my reckoning most of us do a lot more consuming than creating; a lot more learning than practicing. It's overwhelming.

All I'm saying is: Be selective. Don't feel obliged to 'keep up with the Joneses' by consuming articles/videos/podcasts. You have 16 waking hours in a day - Some of them are for consuming, sure, but the lion's share are for doing. And some must be reserved for silent contemplation. Give yourself permission to unsubscribe, skip and ignore.

And if this channel doesn't make the cut, I'm happy for you. Do great and fulfilling things with your day.