1 00:00:00,333 --> 00:00:01,866 Stoic control dichotomy 2 00:00:01,866 --> 00:00:06,100 The broken leg, in the first century AD 3 00:00:06,133 --> 00:00:06,633 In Rome 4 00:00:07,400 --> 00:00:09,966 There was a master named Epaphroditos 5 00:00:09,966 --> 00:00:11,900 Owns a slave named Epictetus 6 00:00:12,833 --> 00:00:13,533 One day. 7 00:00:13,533 --> 00:00:15,500 And the owner started to twist Epictetus's legs. 8 00:00:16,200 --> 00:00:17,066 Twist hard 9 00:00:17,166 --> 00:00:17,766 Push harder 10 00:00:18,233 --> 00:00:20,233 Epictetus said a word calmly 11 00:00:20,566 --> 00:00:21,866 You'll break your leg if you twist it again 12 00:00:22,133 --> 00:00:22,866 The master did not stop 13 00:00:23,533 --> 00:00:24,366 And then... 14 00:00:24,400 --> 00:00:24,766 Broken leg 15 00:00:25,800 --> 00:00:27,433 Epictetus just said 16 00:00:27,500 --> 00:00:28,200 I told you. 17 00:00:28,900 --> 00:00:29,166 That's all. 18 00:00:30,066 --> 00:00:31,000 Didn't cry 19 00:00:31,033 --> 00:00:32,300 No crash 20 00:00:32,300 --> 00:00:35,200 None of us would react in that situation. 21 00:00:36,066 --> 00:00:37,166 And he said that. 22 00:00:37,166 --> 00:00:38,500 Just go on with your life 23 00:00:38,766 --> 00:00:39,166 Hello 24 00:00:39,166 --> 00:00:40,133 Hello. 25 00:00:40,166 --> 00:00:40,800 I am Wang Lijie 26 00:00:41,433 --> 00:00:43,066 Welcome to the fire of reason 27 00:00:43,066 --> 00:00:44,366 Stoic Practice 28 00:00:44,366 --> 00:00:44,800 Episode 2 29 00:00:45,766 --> 00:00:47,100 Before I go on 30 00:00:47,100 --> 00:00:48,133 I want to say one thing first 31 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:51,233 About how the leg broke 32 00:00:51,266 --> 00:00:52,966 History tells us otherwise. 33 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:54,833 Some say it's a birth disability 34 00:00:54,833 --> 00:00:56,433 Some say it's rheumatism 35 00:00:56,466 --> 00:00:58,666 There are also Christian theologians who cite documents from the time 36 00:00:58,700 --> 00:01:00,666 Said it was caused by the owner on purpose 37 00:01:01,733 --> 00:01:02,866 What I just said 38 00:01:02,866 --> 00:01:04,700 It's the most popular version. 39 00:01:04,700 --> 00:01:06,700 It is also the version that best reflects his philosophical spirit 40 00:01:07,733 --> 00:01:08,966 I choose to use it 41 00:01:08,966 --> 00:01:10,200 But I want you to know 42 00:01:10,233 --> 00:01:11,566 Its historical details are disputed 43 00:01:12,366 --> 00:01:12,966 OK 44 00:01:12,966 --> 00:01:13,366 Here we go. 45 00:01:13,700 --> 00:01:17,633 In the last episode, we dismantled the root cause of Stoics' misreading for 2,300 years 46 00:01:17,633 --> 00:01:19,533 It's not a philosophy of patience. 47 00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:21,400 Today's episode 48 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:24,766 I want to focus on one of the most interesting people in Stoic history 49 00:01:24,766 --> 00:01:25,400 Epictetad 50 00:01:26,333 --> 00:01:27,233 A slave 51 00:01:27,233 --> 00:01:28,333 A broken leg 52 00:01:28,333 --> 00:01:29,900 And he built it up. 53 00:01:29,933 --> 00:01:32,966 I think it's the most sophisticated psychological operating system in human history. 54 00:01:33,266 --> 00:01:34,700 I want to go back to that leg. 55 00:01:35,700 --> 00:01:37,000 Most people finish 56 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:38,933 The first reaction is too much tolerance 57 00:01:38,933 --> 00:01:41,900 The second question is whether philosophy is insensitive. 58 00:01:42,766 --> 00:01:43,800 These two reactions 59 00:01:43,833 --> 00:01:45,133 It's actually the same misunderstanding 60 00:01:46,033 --> 00:01:48,233 I'd like you to think about a question. 61 00:01:48,233 --> 00:01:49,100 Broken leg 62 00:01:49,133 --> 00:01:50,966 What can Epictetus do? 63 00:01:51,033 --> 00:01:52,666 Can he keep his legs up? 64 00:01:52,666 --> 00:01:53,266 No. 65 00:01:53,266 --> 00:01:53,833 It's broken. 66 00:01:54,533 --> 00:01:56,200 Can he punish his master? 67 00:01:56,233 --> 00:01:56,900 No. 68 00:01:56,933 --> 00:01:57,466 He is a slave 69 00:01:58,100 --> 00:01:59,466 Can he escape? 70 00:01:59,500 --> 00:02:00,233 No. 71 00:02:00,233 --> 00:02:01,933 Runaway slaves in those days would be hunted down 72 00:02:02,700 --> 00:02:03,733 In that situation 73 00:02:03,733 --> 00:02:05,366 The things he can really change 74 00:02:05,366 --> 00:02:06,766 Only one piece 75 00:02:06,766 --> 00:02:08,366 His judgment and reaction to the matter 76 00:02:09,133 --> 00:02:09,566 This 77 00:02:09,600 --> 00:02:12,533 That's where the whole philosophy of Epictetus began. 78 00:02:12,600 --> 00:02:16,066 He distilled this insight into a remarkably concise framework 79 00:02:16,100 --> 00:02:17,733 Later generations gave it a name 80 00:02:17,733 --> 00:02:18,766 It's called the control dichotomy. 81 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:21,200 Put all the things in the world 82 00:02:21,200 --> 00:02:22,466 Split into two categories 83 00:02:22,500 --> 00:02:25,200 Within your ability 84 00:02:25,233 --> 00:02:27,466 And beyond your reach 85 00:02:28,333 --> 00:02:30,500 Sounds simple enough to be a bit like crap 86 00:02:30,500 --> 00:02:31,400 Don't worry 87 00:02:31,400 --> 00:02:32,333 We unfold slowly 88 00:02:33,133 --> 00:02:35,033 Epictetus himself said 89 00:02:35,033 --> 00:02:36,800 It is within our ability. 90 00:02:36,833 --> 00:02:39,833 It's our judgments, desires, desires and aversions. 91 00:02:40,733 --> 00:02:42,566 It is beyond our ability. 92 00:02:42,600 --> 00:02:45,433 It's our bodies, our reputations, our wealth. 93 00:02:45,433 --> 00:02:47,466 And all the things that are not up to us 94 00:02:48,666 --> 00:02:50,166 He said the former 95 00:02:50,166 --> 00:02:51,600 Is your true kingdom of freedom 96 00:02:52,533 --> 00:02:53,300 The latter category 97 00:02:53,333 --> 00:02:54,700 It's something borrowed. 98 00:02:54,700 --> 00:02:57,233 Something that could be taken away at any time 99 00:02:57,233 --> 00:02:58,833 You put your energy there. 100 00:02:58,866 --> 00:02:59,466 It's a waste. 101 00:03:00,433 --> 00:03:01,933 Let me translate into a more modern language 102 00:03:02,733 --> 00:03:03,966 You have a meeting today 103 00:03:03,966 --> 00:03:05,266 The boss criticized you in public 104 00:03:06,133 --> 00:03:08,133 Break this thing down into two categories 105 00:03:08,133 --> 00:03:11,866 What the boss said, his tone of voice, what others think of you 106 00:03:11,900 --> 00:03:13,600 None of this is within your power. 107 00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:14,500 It is within your ability. 108 00:03:14,533 --> 00:03:15,833 Just one thing 109 00:03:15,833 --> 00:03:17,066 How do you respond 110 00:03:17,266 --> 00:03:18,233 How would you say? 111 00:03:18,266 --> 00:03:19,366 What do you do next? 112 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:21,866 You own a stock 113 00:03:21,866 --> 00:03:23,200 It's down 10 percent today. 114 00:03:23,933 --> 00:03:29,033 How the market works, how other investors judge, and how macro policies change 115 00:03:29,166 --> 00:03:30,166 Not within your scope 116 00:03:30,900 --> 00:03:32,300 Within your range 117 00:03:32,300 --> 00:03:36,233 Is your analytical framework still valid and whether your position management is reasonable? 118 00:03:36,500 --> 00:03:37,700 Did you notice 119 00:03:37,733 --> 00:03:41,966 Most of our anxiety, pain, anger, self-doubt 120 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:44,633 The root cause almost always comes from the same thing 121 00:03:44,666 --> 00:03:47,633 We pour our energy into the ones that are not within range 122 00:03:47,633 --> 00:03:49,200 Then complain about your inner drought 123 00:03:49,933 --> 00:03:51,733 I'd like to use a metaphor to illustrate this 124 00:03:52,666 --> 00:03:55,166 Think of all your attention and energy as a bucket 125 00:03:55,966 --> 00:03:57,333 You wake up every morning. 126 00:03:57,366 --> 00:03:58,233 This bucket is full 127 00:03:59,166 --> 00:04:01,233 Then you start watering it out. 128 00:04:01,233 --> 00:04:03,333 Pour on what others say about you 129 00:04:03,366 --> 00:04:05,866 Pour on why that happened yesterday 130 00:04:06,033 --> 00:04:08,433 Pour on the leader why not reuse you 131 00:04:08,466 --> 00:04:10,566 Why didn't the market go as you expected? 132 00:04:11,266 --> 00:04:12,466 Down all day 133 00:04:12,500 --> 00:04:13,400 The bucket is empty 134 00:04:13,400 --> 00:04:14,400 Nothing grew. 135 00:04:15,166 --> 00:04:15,866 This is not laziness. 136 00:04:16,033 --> 00:04:17,666 It's not hard enough. 137 00:04:17,666 --> 00:04:18,533 This is the wrong direction. 138 00:04:19,233 --> 00:04:21,900 You poured water on a land that will never belong to you 139 00:04:22,233 --> 00:04:22,966 This metaphor 140 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:27,200 In fact, it echoes one of the things Epictetus said repeatedly in the treatise 141 00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:30,733 You don't let anyone casually come in and manage your property 142 00:04:30,766 --> 00:04:34,400 But you give your heart to everyone who passes by 143 00:04:34,433 --> 00:04:34,800 To mess up 144 00:04:35,666 --> 00:04:37,266 Any external stimulus 145 00:04:37,300 --> 00:04:40,933 A criticism, a rise and fall, a cold look 146 00:04:40,966 --> 00:04:42,500 As long as you don't censor it 147 00:04:42,500 --> 00:04:43,933 It automatically takes over your mind 148 00:04:44,500 --> 00:04:45,133 OK 149 00:04:45,166 --> 00:04:47,600 There's a problem here that I have to make clear 150 00:04:47,633 --> 00:04:49,966 Because a lot of people are hearing this framework for the first time 151 00:04:49,966 --> 00:04:51,200 The first reaction is 152 00:04:51,200 --> 00:04:52,833 Isn't this just lying flat? 153 00:04:52,866 --> 00:04:54,033 Accept reality 154 00:04:54,033 --> 00:04:54,933 No resistance 155 00:04:54,966 --> 00:04:56,100 at the mercy of others 156 00:04:56,100 --> 00:04:56,833 Go with the flow 157 00:04:57,833 --> 00:04:59,200 I understand this reaction 158 00:04:59,200 --> 00:05:00,533 But it's the wrong reaction. 159 00:05:00,566 --> 00:05:01,633 It's completely wrong. 160 00:05:02,700 --> 00:05:05,066 The control dichotomy is not about giving up effort. 161 00:05:05,066 --> 00:05:07,300 It's about putting your effort precisely where your blade is. 162 00:05:08,400 --> 00:05:10,700 Epictetus himself is the best counterexample 163 00:05:10,966 --> 00:05:11,966 He is a slave 164 00:05:11,966 --> 00:05:12,966 Nothing. 165 00:05:12,966 --> 00:05:14,166 Broken leg 166 00:05:14,166 --> 00:05:16,700 Logically the least qualified to talk about inner freedom 167 00:05:17,500 --> 00:05:20,400 But he not only lived a more lucid life than many free men 168 00:05:20,400 --> 00:05:22,333 He was later released by his master 169 00:05:22,366 --> 00:05:24,333 First teach philosophy in Rome 170 00:05:24,366 --> 00:05:26,200 He was later expelled from Rome by the emperor 171 00:05:26,200 --> 00:05:29,033 To Nicopolis in northwestern Greece 172 00:05:29,033 --> 00:05:30,833 He founded his own philosophy school there 173 00:05:31,733 --> 00:05:34,166 His students came from all walks of life in Rome 174 00:05:34,200 --> 00:05:36,766 Even the emperor Hadrian himself visited his school 175 00:05:37,866 --> 00:05:39,700 A former slave with a broken leg 176 00:05:39,700 --> 00:05:42,633 Became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers of the Roman Empire 177 00:05:43,400 --> 00:05:44,966 It's going with the flow. 178 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:45,966 Is this called lying flat? 179 00:05:46,133 --> 00:05:48,233 The true logic of the control dichotomy is 180 00:05:48,233 --> 00:05:49,633 Put your limited energy 181 00:05:49,666 --> 00:05:52,366 Withdraw from the uncontrollable noise 182 00:05:52,400 --> 00:05:54,800 Focusing on the ones that can really make a difference 183 00:05:55,866 --> 00:05:57,100 It's not doing less. 184 00:05:57,100 --> 00:05:58,633 It's the right thing to do. 185 00:05:58,633 --> 00:06:00,666 And do it with more focus and power 186 00:06:01,566 --> 00:06:04,133 You take back the energy wasted in anxiety 187 00:06:04,166 --> 00:06:05,300 To refine your judgment 188 00:06:06,233 --> 00:06:08,700 Take back the energy wasted complaining 189 00:06:08,700 --> 00:06:09,733 To improve your operations 190 00:06:10,900 --> 00:06:12,400 You're not contracting. 191 00:06:12,400 --> 00:06:13,200 You are focusing 192 00:06:14,100 --> 00:06:15,200 That's addition. 193 00:06:15,200 --> 00:06:15,900 Not subtraction 194 00:06:16,366 --> 00:06:18,300 But I have to stop here. 195 00:06:18,333 --> 00:06:19,533 Because something interesting happened. 196 00:06:20,400 --> 00:06:23,100 I said the control dichotomy is addition. 197 00:06:23,133 --> 00:06:25,433 Focusing, strengthening, recovering energy 198 00:06:26,366 --> 00:06:27,333 This description 199 00:06:27,366 --> 00:06:30,466 Let go of obsession as I said before when I was talking about Buddhism 200 00:06:30,500 --> 00:06:32,333 Sounds about the same. 201 00:06:32,333 --> 00:06:33,233 But actually 202 00:06:33,233 --> 00:06:34,666 The direction of these two roads 203 00:06:34,666 --> 00:06:37,300 There's a subtle difference, but it's very real. 204 00:06:38,333 --> 00:06:40,133 What is the path to Buddhism? 205 00:06:40,133 --> 00:06:42,366 In the framework of consciousness-only I talked about earlier 206 00:06:42,366 --> 00:06:44,700 Just found the one who kept saying it was mine 207 00:06:45,033 --> 00:06:48,400 This is not good for me, it threatens my Mna consciousness 208 00:06:48,433 --> 00:06:49,833 Then through practice 209 00:06:49,833 --> 00:06:51,633 Slowly weaken its grip on you 210 00:06:52,333 --> 00:06:55,500 It's about letting go of that clutching self a little bit 211 00:06:55,533 --> 00:06:56,166 Subtraction 212 00:06:56,166 --> 00:06:57,533 Reduce to the end 213 00:06:57,533 --> 00:06:59,966 Even the one who wants to let go of the obsession, I am no longer obsessive 214 00:07:00,833 --> 00:07:02,033 What about the Stoic path? 215 00:07:02,033 --> 00:07:02,566 Quite the contrary. 216 00:07:03,200 --> 00:07:03,933 It means 217 00:07:03,933 --> 00:07:06,233 You have a true rational self. 218 00:07:06,266 --> 00:07:08,533 The self has judgment and will. 219 00:07:08,533 --> 00:07:10,600 It's the only thing you can have completely 220 00:07:11,533 --> 00:07:12,666 The direction of practice 221 00:07:12,666 --> 00:07:14,700 Is to reinforce the rational self. 222 00:07:14,733 --> 00:07:19,100 Let it not be hijacked by emotions, by external consequences, by the judgments of others 223 00:07:20,100 --> 00:07:21,133 Is addition 224 00:07:21,133 --> 00:07:23,966 Make the real you stronger and more aware 225 00:07:24,933 --> 00:07:26,066 Two scissors 226 00:07:26,100 --> 00:07:27,366 From different directions 227 00:07:27,366 --> 00:07:28,600 Cut towards the same line 228 00:07:29,500 --> 00:07:31,600 Buddhism is cut from selflessness 229 00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:34,133 Gradually dissolve the me that thinks I am dominating 230 00:07:35,133 --> 00:07:37,466 Stoics cut from the rational self 231 00:07:37,466 --> 00:07:40,166 Cut off the fake me that has been hijacked by emotions 232 00:07:40,166 --> 00:07:41,666 Leave the real rational subject 233 00:07:42,466 --> 00:07:44,133 Destinations look similar 234 00:07:44,133 --> 00:07:46,900 It's all about reducing unconscious automated responses 235 00:07:46,933 --> 00:07:48,966 Are no longer randomly overturned by external events 236 00:07:49,633 --> 00:07:51,166 But it's really the other way around. 237 00:07:51,266 --> 00:07:51,933 Certainly. 238 00:07:51,966 --> 00:07:55,233 Any cross-traditional comparison of three or two sentences is necessarily simplified 239 00:07:56,166 --> 00:07:57,933 Buddhism has a progressive side 240 00:07:57,966 --> 00:07:59,733 Stoics also have a side of letting go of obsession 241 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:03,333 But the differences in core path directions are real 242 00:08:03,366 --> 00:08:04,900 This tension should not be smoothed out 243 00:08:05,733 --> 00:08:08,166 There's a deeper problem behind it. 244 00:08:08,166 --> 00:08:11,633 Do you believe that there is a true rational self that needs to be strengthened? 245 00:08:11,633 --> 00:08:14,100 Or do you believe that all self is an illusion? 246 00:08:14,133 --> 00:08:14,933 Need to be seen through 247 00:08:15,666 --> 00:08:18,900 For 2,000 years, no one has given an answer that satisfies everyone 248 00:08:19,400 --> 00:08:22,666 We're just honestly putting that tension on the table today 249 00:08:22,666 --> 00:08:23,733 Carry it down. 250 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:24,933 Let's see Taoism again 251 00:08:25,566 --> 00:08:27,033 Lao Tzu said that those who are content are rich 252 00:08:27,033 --> 00:08:28,566 He also said that the husband is indisputable 253 00:08:28,600 --> 00:08:29,800 Therefore, the world cannot compete with it 254 00:08:30,866 --> 00:08:31,733 At first glance 255 00:08:31,766 --> 00:08:33,800 This is very similar to the control dichotomy 256 00:08:33,833 --> 00:08:35,500 Accept what you can't change 257 00:08:35,500 --> 00:08:36,733 Focus on what you can do 258 00:08:36,766 --> 00:08:37,600 Not fixated on results 259 00:08:38,666 --> 00:08:40,200 The surface is indeed similar 260 00:08:40,233 --> 00:08:41,933 But there's a fundamental difference at the bottom. 261 00:08:42,733 --> 00:08:44,133 What I said is not to argue 262 00:08:44,133 --> 00:08:46,033 It's not that you don't act 263 00:08:46,066 --> 00:08:49,166 It's about taking action, not owning, not fighting for results. 264 00:08:49,833 --> 00:08:51,733 Because Tao is already working 265 00:08:51,733 --> 00:08:52,833 You follow it. 266 00:08:52,833 --> 00:08:53,366 natural arrival 267 00:08:54,366 --> 00:08:55,966 I taught you to do it 268 00:08:55,966 --> 00:08:57,900 Don't get attached to the gesture and results of that doing 269 00:08:58,833 --> 00:09:01,066 Epictetad's focus is manageable 270 00:09:01,100 --> 00:09:02,100 It's augmented logos. 271 00:09:03,066 --> 00:09:06,500 Stoics believed that there was a rational order to the universe 272 00:09:06,500 --> 00:09:09,533 Human reason is the fractal manifestation of this order in humans. 273 00:09:10,566 --> 00:09:13,266 So Stoics encourages you to participate actively in the world 274 00:09:13,266 --> 00:09:16,333 Fulfill obligations, take responsibility, and strengthen rationality 275 00:09:16,366 --> 00:09:17,866 Use the power of reason to deal with everything 276 00:09:18,666 --> 00:09:19,600 Simply put 277 00:09:19,600 --> 00:09:21,700 Taoist nature is the flow of inaction 278 00:09:21,733 --> 00:09:23,300 Stoic nature is a rational order 279 00:09:23,966 --> 00:09:25,600 Both agree on one thing 280 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:27,733 Don't consume yourself for results you can't control 281 00:09:28,566 --> 00:09:29,833 But why not? 282 00:09:29,866 --> 00:09:31,366 The logic at the root is completely different. 283 00:09:31,700 --> 00:09:32,133 OK 284 00:09:32,166 --> 00:09:33,666 We continue back to Epictetus 285 00:09:34,700 --> 00:09:36,900 To really understand the control dichotomy 286 00:09:36,900 --> 00:09:39,766 You have to really understand this person's situation. 287 00:09:39,833 --> 00:09:42,766 Because his philosophy was not deduced from his study 288 00:09:42,766 --> 00:09:44,766 A man cornered. 289 00:09:44,766 --> 00:09:46,400 The only way out found in the corner 290 00:09:47,266 --> 00:09:48,466 When he was born 291 00:09:48,466 --> 00:09:49,200 There is no choice 292 00:09:50,233 --> 00:09:50,933 slave 293 00:09:50,933 --> 00:09:52,966 This is who he came into this world with 294 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:54,300 No one asked him if he would like to 295 00:09:55,300 --> 00:09:58,000 His name is Epictetus itself 296 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:00,333 In Greek it means to be acquired 297 00:10:00,366 --> 00:10:02,100 It literally means something that is possessed. 298 00:10:02,900 --> 00:10:04,533 Even the name reminds him 299 00:10:04,566 --> 00:10:05,566 You are someone else's property 300 00:10:06,233 --> 00:10:08,333 His owner, Epaphroditos 301 00:10:08,333 --> 00:10:10,066 Secretary to Emperor Nero 302 00:10:10,100 --> 00:10:11,233 Powerful in Rome 303 00:10:12,066 --> 00:10:13,433 In the early days of the empire 304 00:10:13,466 --> 00:10:15,766 Slave owners abused and even killed their slaves 305 00:10:15,800 --> 00:10:17,900 There's almost no real punishment. 306 00:10:18,866 --> 00:10:20,500 Epictetus's body 307 00:10:20,500 --> 00:10:22,066 Not his own in a legal sense 308 00:10:22,733 --> 00:10:23,466 Replace you 309 00:10:23,500 --> 00:10:24,133 How do you live? 310 00:10:25,133 --> 00:10:26,866 Most people's instinctive answer 311 00:10:26,866 --> 00:10:27,900 Or numb 312 00:10:27,933 --> 00:10:28,966 Or angry 313 00:10:28,966 --> 00:10:29,966 Or despair 314 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:31,833 Or just wait for the chance to escape 315 00:10:32,733 --> 00:10:34,266 These reactions are normal 316 00:10:34,266 --> 00:10:35,033 It's all human. 317 00:10:35,166 --> 00:10:37,533 Epictetus chose another path 318 00:10:37,533 --> 00:10:40,200 And you didn't always figure this out. 319 00:10:40,233 --> 00:10:41,766 He figured it out bit by bit 320 00:10:42,666 --> 00:10:44,400 He was exposed to Stoic philosophy 321 00:10:44,433 --> 00:10:47,266 And he met his teacher, Musonius Rufus. 322 00:10:47,266 --> 00:10:49,333 Start to really understand something 323 00:10:49,333 --> 00:10:51,200 If my body doesn't belong to me 324 00:10:51,233 --> 00:10:52,166 What is it that belongs to me? 325 00:10:52,933 --> 00:10:54,133 He thought about it for a long time 326 00:10:54,133 --> 00:10:55,766 Got an answer 327 00:10:55,800 --> 00:10:56,933 My judgment 328 00:10:56,933 --> 00:10:57,366 Belong to me 329 00:10:58,333 --> 00:11:00,266 My choice about anything 330 00:11:00,300 --> 00:11:00,633 Belong to me 331 00:11:01,400 --> 00:11:03,233 How do I respond to the world? 332 00:11:03,266 --> 00:11:03,600 Belong to me 333 00:11:04,633 --> 00:11:05,600 This is not the spirit of Ah Q 334 00:11:06,733 --> 00:11:09,466 Ah Q maintains self-esteem by distorting facts 335 00:11:09,500 --> 00:11:10,600 Got hit 336 00:11:10,666 --> 00:11:12,100 Said I was beaten by my son 337 00:11:12,133 --> 00:11:13,866 Pack humiliation into glory 338 00:11:13,900 --> 00:11:14,500 This is self-deception 339 00:11:15,433 --> 00:11:17,833 Epictetus doesn't distort any facts 340 00:11:17,866 --> 00:11:19,366 A broken leg is broken 341 00:11:19,400 --> 00:11:22,333 He just doesn't add needlessly painful judgment to the fact 342 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:26,633 He came up with a Greek name for it. 343 00:11:26,666 --> 00:11:28,166 Prohaeris. 344 00:11:28,166 --> 00:11:29,666 Can be translated into internal selection 345 00:11:30,666 --> 00:11:32,566 Not the will to grit your teeth 346 00:11:32,566 --> 00:11:34,366 But you are in any situation 347 00:11:34,400 --> 00:11:37,200 The ability I always have to choose how to respond 348 00:11:38,133 --> 00:11:39,833 This is the only thing you really have 349 00:11:40,166 --> 00:11:41,800 The master can break your leg 350 00:11:41,833 --> 00:11:44,233 But he can't break the way you judge the matter 351 00:11:45,166 --> 00:11:46,266 In that era 352 00:11:46,300 --> 00:11:48,200 Slavery is a natural social institution 353 00:11:49,033 --> 00:11:52,500 But Epictetus was the first to break it down. 354 00:11:52,500 --> 00:11:53,366 Who is really a slave? 355 00:11:54,166 --> 00:11:54,833 So he says. 356 00:11:54,833 --> 00:11:56,566 A master who owns slaves 357 00:11:56,600 --> 00:11:59,333 If you are afraid of other people's evaluations all day 358 00:11:59,333 --> 00:12:01,466 Sleepless for power gains and losses 359 00:12:01,500 --> 00:12:03,733 Worrying about the gains and losses of wealth 360 00:12:04,233 --> 00:12:05,500 Is he free? 361 00:12:05,666 --> 00:12:08,466 He is but a slave in another kind of bondage 362 00:12:08,500 --> 00:12:10,066 The shackles are not on the ankles 363 00:12:10,066 --> 00:12:10,600 In the mind 364 00:12:11,400 --> 00:12:12,133 reverse 365 00:12:12,133 --> 00:12:15,200 A person who is a slave with a broken leg 366 00:12:15,300 --> 00:12:18,533 If he stays awake about the things he can control 367 00:12:18,533 --> 00:12:21,533 We don't let our external circumstances overturn our internal judgments. 368 00:12:21,533 --> 00:12:22,233 He is free. 369 00:12:23,133 --> 00:12:24,100 Inner freedom 370 00:12:24,133 --> 00:12:25,100 Not given by identity 371 00:12:25,600 --> 00:12:27,000 You got it yourself. 372 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:27,833 Or didn't get it. 373 00:12:28,166 --> 00:12:28,833 OK 374 00:12:28,833 --> 00:12:30,400 I now want to put this framework 375 00:12:30,433 --> 00:12:33,966 Translate into something more specific that we can actually use today 376 00:12:34,700 --> 00:12:35,800 You are in the company 377 00:12:35,833 --> 00:12:37,266 The rating did not meet expectations 378 00:12:37,300 --> 00:12:38,066 What was your reaction? 379 00:12:38,766 --> 00:12:39,933 You are in the market 380 00:12:39,966 --> 00:12:42,333 A logic you like has been falsified 381 00:12:42,333 --> 00:12:43,133 What was your reaction? 382 00:12:44,066 --> 00:12:45,500 You and an important person 383 00:12:45,500 --> 00:12:46,666 Misunderstood each other 384 00:12:46,666 --> 00:12:47,766 Or misunderstood 385 00:12:47,933 --> 00:12:48,666 What was your reaction? 386 00:12:49,433 --> 00:12:50,533 In these situations 387 00:12:50,533 --> 00:12:52,100 What is there that you can control? 388 00:12:52,100 --> 00:12:53,633 What is beyond your control? 389 00:12:54,466 --> 00:12:56,033 The first step in controlling dichotomies 390 00:12:56,066 --> 00:12:57,566 Not giving an answer 391 00:12:57,566 --> 00:12:59,266 It's about forming a habit. 392 00:12:59,266 --> 00:13:01,266 The moment anything happens 393 00:13:01,266 --> 00:13:02,333 Stop 394 00:13:02,366 --> 00:13:03,400 Do this classification first 395 00:13:03,833 --> 00:13:07,066 This is what Epictetus repeatedly said about censoring your impressions. 396 00:13:07,066 --> 00:13:10,233 Between incoming information and your response 397 00:13:10,266 --> 00:13:11,666 Insert a rational checkpoint 398 00:13:12,666 --> 00:13:15,233 Ask every impression before it enters the door 399 00:13:15,300 --> 00:13:17,166 Are you within my ability? 400 00:13:17,200 --> 00:13:19,133 Or something I have no control over at all 401 00:13:20,100 --> 00:13:21,133 This checkpoint 402 00:13:21,166 --> 00:13:22,600 It doesn't make you cold. 403 00:13:22,933 --> 00:13:24,900 It's about not being taken away by the automated reaction. 404 00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:27,233 As I said in the last episode 405 00:13:27,266 --> 00:13:31,333 This is the same as what is said in consciousness-only between the automatic processing of mind and the conscious response 406 00:13:31,333 --> 00:13:32,966 Build that awareness 407 00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:34,766 They're highly similar at the operational level. 408 00:13:35,766 --> 00:13:36,900 Oriental said 409 00:13:36,933 --> 00:13:38,266 Be aware of your obsessions 410 00:13:38,933 --> 00:13:40,000 The West says 411 00:13:40,033 --> 00:13:40,933 Review your impressions 412 00:13:41,966 --> 00:13:43,400 It's the same action 413 00:13:43,433 --> 00:13:44,500 The language is different 414 00:13:44,600 --> 00:13:46,133 But Epictetus' framework 415 00:13:46,266 --> 00:13:48,866 It's more than just stopping and thinking. 416 00:13:48,866 --> 00:13:50,766 It also has this layer below 417 00:13:50,766 --> 00:13:52,333 This layer is rarely mentioned 418 00:13:52,366 --> 00:13:53,866 But I think it's the most powerful part 419 00:13:54,766 --> 00:13:56,766 Stoics had a very subtle attitude. 420 00:13:56,766 --> 00:13:58,166 It's called Operation Fringe Reserve. 421 00:13:58,966 --> 00:14:01,366 When you have classified the inner circle and the outer circle 422 00:14:01,366 --> 00:14:02,533 For things outside the circle 423 00:14:02,566 --> 00:14:03,733 It's not that you don't care 424 00:14:03,766 --> 00:14:05,200 Nor accept 425 00:14:05,200 --> 00:14:06,766 It's about doing what you do. 426 00:14:06,766 --> 00:14:08,866 And keep an outlet inside 427 00:14:09,666 --> 00:14:10,566 What do you mean? 428 00:14:10,566 --> 00:14:11,000 For example? 429 00:14:11,833 --> 00:14:13,700 You are going to participate in a very important proposal today 430 00:14:14,133 --> 00:14:15,133 You want to get this project? 431 00:14:16,066 --> 00:14:17,833 It's not that I don't care about the outcome. 432 00:14:17,833 --> 00:14:19,200 Whatever the result is 433 00:14:19,233 --> 00:14:20,066 That really sucks 434 00:14:20,933 --> 00:14:21,733 I think we should be talking about this. 435 00:14:21,766 --> 00:14:22,966 I'm fully prepared 436 00:14:22,966 --> 00:14:24,400 I do my best. 437 00:14:24,433 --> 00:14:26,766 I do what is within my power. 438 00:14:27,433 --> 00:14:28,533 At the same time 439 00:14:28,566 --> 00:14:30,300 The customer doesn't nod at the end. 440 00:14:30,300 --> 00:14:32,133 Out of my control 441 00:14:32,133 --> 00:14:34,800 So I'm not betting my inner stability on that outcome. 442 00:14:35,833 --> 00:14:36,366 full force 443 00:14:36,366 --> 00:14:37,000 But don't bet 444 00:14:37,900 --> 00:14:39,066 Investors know this best 445 00:14:39,866 --> 00:14:42,366 You can get the process exactly right. 446 00:14:42,366 --> 00:14:44,566 Research, judgment, positioning 447 00:14:44,600 --> 00:14:46,266 There is evidence for every step 448 00:14:46,266 --> 00:14:48,866 But the market can go against your logic in the short term 449 00:14:49,766 --> 00:14:52,566 If you break down every time you hold a position 450 00:14:52,566 --> 00:14:53,866 It's not that you have poor judgment. 451 00:14:54,066 --> 00:14:57,166 It's you who bet your mental health on something you can't control 452 00:14:57,200 --> 00:14:57,700 Variable 453 00:14:58,733 --> 00:15:00,800 This is what Stoic calls discipline of action 454 00:15:00,800 --> 00:15:02,100 Full action 455 00:15:02,133 --> 00:15:03,766 And keep an outlet inside 456 00:15:04,233 --> 00:15:05,933 Accept that the results may not be as expected 457 00:15:06,800 --> 00:15:07,633 Not pessimistic 458 00:15:07,633 --> 00:15:09,400 It's the psychological structure of risk management. 459 00:15:10,433 --> 00:15:11,666 And at the level of desire 460 00:15:11,700 --> 00:15:13,733 Epictetus was even more direct. 461 00:15:13,966 --> 00:15:15,466 True free training 462 00:15:15,500 --> 00:15:16,100 It starts with desire. 463 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:18,633 It's not that you can't have desires. 464 00:15:18,633 --> 00:15:20,566 You check your desires. 465 00:15:20,600 --> 00:15:22,966 Does it point inside or outside the circle? 466 00:15:23,233 --> 00:15:25,066 I want to be liked by everyone 467 00:15:25,100 --> 00:15:25,766 outside the circle 468 00:15:25,766 --> 00:15:27,500 You can't control what everyone thinks of you 469 00:15:28,533 --> 00:15:30,233 I want my children to succeed 470 00:15:30,266 --> 00:15:31,166 outside the circle 471 00:15:31,166 --> 00:15:32,366 The child's choice is his own 472 00:15:33,066 --> 00:15:35,100 I want it to keep going up. 473 00:15:35,133 --> 00:15:35,900 outside the circle 474 00:15:35,900 --> 00:15:37,833 The short-term trend of the market is not in your hands 475 00:15:38,766 --> 00:15:41,266 When you find that your desires are directed outside the circle 476 00:15:41,266 --> 00:15:43,966 Epictetus doesn't mean forcibly suppressing it 477 00:15:43,966 --> 00:15:44,666 I think we should be talking about this. 478 00:15:44,700 --> 00:15:45,800 Rephrase it. 479 00:15:46,766 --> 00:15:48,033 From what I must 480 00:15:48,033 --> 00:15:49,733 Change to if possible 481 00:15:49,766 --> 00:15:50,166 I hope 482 00:15:51,133 --> 00:15:53,200 It has to be what I want from this 483 00:15:53,200 --> 00:15:54,700 Change it to I will try my best. 484 00:15:54,700 --> 00:15:56,133 Also I accept any result 485 00:15:56,966 --> 00:15:58,000 The difference between words 486 00:15:58,033 --> 00:16:00,000 Behind it is a fundamental change in psychological structure 487 00:16:01,033 --> 00:16:04,600 The former is betting one's emotional stability on an external variable 488 00:16:05,400 --> 00:16:07,800 The latter is achieved while fully investing 489 00:16:07,833 --> 00:16:09,266 Maintain your inner safety margin 490 00:16:10,000 --> 00:16:10,766 Speaking of which 491 00:16:10,766 --> 00:16:12,300 Let's make a comparison 492 00:16:12,300 --> 00:16:13,800 Put the three traditions together 493 00:16:14,833 --> 00:16:15,800 Buddhism 494 00:16:15,800 --> 00:16:16,466 Let go of obsession 495 00:16:17,500 --> 00:16:18,533 The core lies in 496 00:16:18,566 --> 00:16:21,566 That I am dependent and insubstantial 497 00:16:21,566 --> 00:16:23,100 Obsessed with anything 498 00:16:23,133 --> 00:16:24,966 Including being obsessed with my success 499 00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:27,400 It's all about consciousness automatically grabbing identity 500 00:16:28,366 --> 00:16:30,500 Liberation is the dissolution of the grasping itself. 501 00:16:31,500 --> 00:16:32,466 Taoism says 502 00:16:32,500 --> 00:16:33,133 fight for 503 00:16:34,200 --> 00:16:34,966 action 504 00:16:34,966 --> 00:16:36,033 But not possession 505 00:16:36,066 --> 00:16:37,500 Don't compete for results 506 00:16:37,500 --> 00:16:39,400 Because the Tao works right there. 507 00:16:39,433 --> 00:16:40,500 You conform to it. 508 00:16:40,500 --> 00:16:40,900 That's enough. 509 00:16:41,866 --> 00:16:42,966 Stoic said 510 00:16:42,966 --> 00:16:43,833 Focus Control Circle 511 00:16:44,800 --> 00:16:47,333 Desire, judgment, will. 512 00:16:47,333 --> 00:16:48,466 These are your kingdoms 513 00:16:48,900 --> 00:16:50,000 Defend it 514 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:51,000 Strengthen it 515 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:52,833 Put all your energy into this 516 00:16:52,833 --> 00:16:54,433 Remain calm about everything outside the circle 517 00:16:55,500 --> 00:16:57,666 All three are answering the same question 518 00:16:57,666 --> 00:16:59,566 How to deal with things beyond our control 519 00:17:00,766 --> 00:17:02,266 The Buddhist answer is 520 00:17:02,300 --> 00:17:03,700 Get rid of the me who wants to control 521 00:17:04,666 --> 00:17:06,066 The Taoist answer is 522 00:17:06,066 --> 00:17:07,100 Just do it 523 00:17:07,133 --> 00:17:08,300 Not clinging to the results of doing 524 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:10,733 The stoic answer is 525 00:17:10,733 --> 00:17:12,333 Clearly demarcate boundaries 526 00:17:12,333 --> 00:17:14,033 Do your best within the boundaries 527 00:17:14,033 --> 00:17:15,233 Remain calm outside the border 528 00:17:16,266 --> 00:17:17,000 Three roads 529 00:17:17,033 --> 00:17:18,233 Three kinds of wisdom 530 00:17:18,233 --> 00:17:19,333 There is overlap 531 00:17:19,333 --> 00:17:20,700 There are real forks. 532 00:17:21,500 --> 00:17:23,566 We don't have to decide which is better. 533 00:17:23,566 --> 00:17:25,200 But we can ask ourselves 534 00:17:25,233 --> 00:17:27,600 Which one is more suitable for you now? 535 00:17:27,600 --> 00:17:29,666 Which one is in a particular situation? 536 00:17:29,700 --> 00:17:30,800 Is what I really need 537 00:17:31,733 --> 00:17:33,400 One more tool in the toolbox. 538 00:17:33,433 --> 00:17:34,100 Not a bad thing 539 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:36,666 Now let's do something very practical. 540 00:17:36,700 --> 00:17:38,766 Because I think what I've talked about today 541 00:17:38,766 --> 00:17:41,566 It shouldn't just be over with a nod that makes sense 542 00:17:42,500 --> 00:17:46,100 One of the most important points Epictetus emphasized throughout his entire teaching 543 00:17:46,133 --> 00:17:47,533 You understand the truth 544 00:17:47,533 --> 00:17:48,466 Doesn't mean you'll use it 545 00:17:49,266 --> 00:17:51,600 It's like reading ten swimming books 546 00:17:51,600 --> 00:17:53,300 You still choke when you jump into the water 547 00:17:54,133 --> 00:17:55,866 His simplest daily exercise 548 00:17:55,900 --> 00:17:57,233 No preparation required. 549 00:17:57,233 --> 00:17:58,300 No need to meditate 550 00:17:58,333 --> 00:17:59,666 It doesn't take a specific time. 551 00:17:59,666 --> 00:18:00,933 You just have to remember one thing. 552 00:18:01,833 --> 00:18:02,933 Every time next time 553 00:18:02,933 --> 00:18:06,366 You're feeling anxiety, anger, frustration, grievance. 554 00:18:06,666 --> 00:18:09,666 Or any kind of uncomfortable emotion arises 555 00:18:09,700 --> 00:18:10,900 Do one thing first 556 00:18:10,933 --> 00:18:12,366 Just one thing 557 00:18:12,366 --> 00:18:13,300 Ask Yourself 558 00:18:13,333 --> 00:18:14,166 In this matter 559 00:18:14,166 --> 00:18:16,066 What is within my ability? 560 00:18:16,933 --> 00:18:17,766 Just this one question 561 00:18:18,800 --> 00:18:22,833 It forces your brain to automate panic from this terrible 562 00:18:22,833 --> 00:18:25,033 Switch to an active perspective on what I can do now 563 00:18:25,633 --> 00:18:27,100 It's not about killing emotions. 564 00:18:27,100 --> 00:18:28,800 It's about giving the emotions an outlet. 565 00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:31,000 Guide it into a directional question 566 00:18:32,133 --> 00:18:33,966 The first sentence of the manual is 567 00:18:33,966 --> 00:18:35,700 Some things are within our power 568 00:18:35,700 --> 00:18:36,233 Some are not there 569 00:18:36,966 --> 00:18:39,166 When did you really understand this sentence? 570 00:18:39,166 --> 00:18:41,233 Your life will start to look a little different 571 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:42,666 Attention 572 00:18:42,666 --> 00:18:43,666 It's a little different. 573 00:18:44,566 --> 00:18:45,733 Not immediately enlightened 574 00:18:45,733 --> 00:18:46,933 Not immediately invincible 575 00:18:46,966 --> 00:18:47,600 It was a little bit. 576 00:18:48,266 --> 00:18:49,800 Because the exercise itself 577 00:18:49,833 --> 00:18:51,600 It's like Epictetus said. 578 00:18:51,600 --> 00:18:53,133 It's a daily lesson. 579 00:18:53,133 --> 00:18:54,200 Not a one-time epiphany 580 00:18:54,566 --> 00:18:56,566 And I'll leave you with one final twist. 581 00:18:56,566 --> 00:18:57,466 But I think it's worth mentioning 582 00:18:58,266 --> 00:19:00,500 Epictetus didn't leave any autographs. 583 00:19:01,366 --> 00:19:02,566 All his teachings 584 00:19:02,566 --> 00:19:06,200 It was all recorded by his student Arian sitting in class 585 00:19:06,266 --> 00:19:08,533 It is the treatise and manual we have today 586 00:19:09,466 --> 00:19:10,366 He lectures. 587 00:19:10,366 --> 00:19:11,533 Others remember 588 00:19:11,533 --> 00:19:12,866 He didn't leave a word for himself. 589 00:19:13,666 --> 00:19:15,733 A person who has never been free in his life 590 00:19:15,966 --> 00:19:18,733 In the end, he influenced the entire Western civilization with his ideas for two thousand years 591 00:19:19,066 --> 00:19:20,400 I don't know how you understand this. 592 00:19:21,133 --> 00:19:22,600 Every time I think of it myself 593 00:19:22,600 --> 00:19:24,866 It's a wonderful feeling. 594 00:19:25,300 --> 00:19:26,900 As if he spent his life 595 00:19:26,933 --> 00:19:29,066 Living the control dichotomy as the best footnote 596 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:32,133 The fate of his body is not in his hands 597 00:19:32,166 --> 00:19:33,300 The Power of Thought 598 00:19:33,300 --> 00:19:34,000 It's all in his hands 599 00:19:34,866 --> 00:19:35,866 And that power 600 00:19:35,866 --> 00:19:37,133 He chose to give it to everyone 601 00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:38,900 OK 602 00:19:38,933 --> 00:19:40,333 Today's episode 603 00:19:40,333 --> 00:19:43,866 We started with Epictetus' broken leg. 604 00:19:43,900 --> 00:19:46,500 Disassembles the three layers of the control dichotomy 605 00:19:46,500 --> 00:19:51,066 The boundaries of judgment, retention in action, and the recalibration of desire 606 00:19:51,700 --> 00:19:53,233 Your energy bucket today 607 00:19:53,266 --> 00:19:56,033 How much water is poured on things that are beyond your control 608 00:19:56,900 --> 00:19:58,100 Welcome to chat in the comment area. 609 00:19:58,766 --> 00:19:59,400 I am Wang Lijie 610 00:19:59,833 --> 00:20:00,400 See you next time.