I think the last Irish Novel I read was Angela's Ashes and that's kinda cheating cause the author was writing it once he was in New York already.

Oh hey, here in California. YOur local library lets you download HOOPLA and Libby both with Free-to-the-public audio books, e-books and even books and movies.

https://inleo.io/@adambarratt/bookbabble-51-the-daily-stoic-by-ryan-holiday-stephen-hanselman

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The Daily Stoic: A Path to Wisdom and Tranquility

Brian's latest episode of Philosophers Notes TV delves into "The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday and Steven Hanselman, a remarkable compilation of 366 meditations that draw from the timeless wisdom of ancient philosophers such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. This book is a synthesis of ancient stoic philosophy and modern application, aiming to provide readers with practical insights for everyday life.

A Fusion of Ancient and Modern Wisdom

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Brian expresses his admiration for the book, reiterating that it has earned a spot among his top recommendations. He emphasizes that stoicism is not just a philosophy but a practical guide that has influenced many great leaders throughout history, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The appeal of "The Daily Stoic" lies in its ability to take profound philosophical teachings and present them in a digestible format, offering a daily meditation that encourages readers to reflect on their responses to life's challenges.

The Foundation of Stoicism: Control and Response

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At the core of stoic philosophy, as highlighted in the book, is the critical distinction between what is within our control and what is not. According to Brian, this fundamental principle serves as a vital tool for personal growth. He reminds viewers of the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." This encapsulation of stoicism urges individuals to focus on their actions and thoughts, underscoring the importance of maintaining virtue in every situation.

Tranquility: The Essence of Living with Purpose

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Brian introduces the concept of youth amia, a Greek term meaning tranquility, as outlined by Seneca. He explains that achieving tranquility requires clarity about one’s values and the courage to adhere to them. This pursuit can be disrupted by self-doubt and the incessant comparison to others. To cultivate tranquility, one must focus on personal journeys rather than succumbing to external pressures. By developing a grounded sense of self and commitment to one’s path, individuals can foster a life resplendent with energized tranquility.

The Benefit of Letting Go

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Utilizing the teachings of Epictetus, Brian emphasizes the importance of not knowing everything. Modern distractions—from social media to pop culture—can drain energy and detract from personal growth. The stoic approach encourages individuals to deliberately choose what to engage with, allowing for clarity and focus on what truly matters. By freeing oneself from the need to stay constantly informed about trivial matters, one can redirect energy towards more meaningful pursuits.

Embracing Life’s Challenges

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In an engaging metaphor, Brian relates stoicism to the world of boxing. Just as a boxer expects to be hit in the ring, so too must individuals prepare for life's inevitable challenges. By reframing difficulties as opportunities for growth, individuals can transform setbacks into a training ground for resilience. This perspective encourages a proactive mindset, urging one to face life head-on rather than withdraw in times of difficulty.

The Art of Acquiescence: Accepting Reality

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Brian concludes with a profound lesson in acquiescence—the stoic practice of accepting reality without resistance. Rather than lamenting life's unpredictability, the stoics advocate for embracing it. This acceptance fosters inner peace and allows individuals to rise above their circumstances. Brian connects this idea to the modern philosophy of amor fati (love of one’s fate), suggesting that embracing every life situation, even the negative ones, can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth.

Conclusion: A Stoic Journey

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In summary, "The Daily Stoic" serves as a guide to integrating stoic principles into daily life. By focusing on what is within our control, prioritizing tranquility, letting go of unnecessary distractions, preparing for life's challenges, and accepting reality with grace, individuals can cultivate a life of wisdom, purpose, and resilience. As Brian eloquently states, the essence of stoicism is to train ourselves to respond with virtue, making the most of each moment. This profound philosophy not only enriches individual lives but also cultivates a community of wise warriors prepared to meet life’s challenges head-on.

Through practical application of these timeless ideas, readers are invited to embark on their own journey of optimal living.

💪🏽😎👍🏽

good one, read that a fee weeks ago 🪷🧘🏾🪷

Sounds interesting... well, just enough to keep going!

https://inleo.io/@adambarratt/bookbabble-76-the-happiness-advantage-by-shawn-achor-53p

https://inleo.io/threads/view/adambarratt/re-leothreads-mdxzwrnc

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The Happiness Advantage: Rethinking Success and Happiness

In modern society, we are often conditioned to believe that hard work leads to success, which in turn yields happiness. However, what if this conventional wisdom is fundamentally flawed? This question lies at the heart of Sean Achor's influential work, The Happiness Advantage. Achor, a professor of positive psychology at Harvard, challenges the standard narrative and provides compelling evidence that happiness may actually be the precursor to success, not the other way around.

Revising the Happiness Equation

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Traditional thinking suggests that if we toil hard and achieve our goals, we will be rewarded with happiness. Achor's research, however, indicates that this sequence is backward. Happiness is not merely the byproduct of success but is, in fact, a critical driver of it. Through extensive research, including over 200 studies involving more than 275,000 participants, Achor shows that positive emotions enhance our motivation, resilience, creativity, and productivity. In essence, cultivating happiness can provide us with a significant competitive edge in various aspects of our lives.

The Principles of the Happiness Advantage

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Achor outlines specific patterns that enable individuals to exploit the happiness advantage in both personal and professional realms. Here are some key principles he discusses:

1. Cultivating Happiness

To elevate our happiness, Achor suggests several evidence-based strategies:

• Meditation: Regular meditation has been shown to reduce stress and increase overall well-being.

• Anticipation: Finding something to look forward to can enhance our enjoyment and positivity. Studies reveal that anticipation often accounts for more happiness than the activity itself.

• Acts of Kindness: Engaging in conscious acts of kindness not only boosts the recipient’s mood but also enhances the giver's happiness.

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• Exercise: Physical activity is a well-known mood enhancer and contributes to improved mental health.

• Utilizing Signature Strengths: By focusing on our unique strengths, we can foster a sense of fulfillment and engagement.

2. Mindset Matters: The Fulcrum and the Lever

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Achor introduces the notion of the fulcrum and the lever, emphasizing the power of mindset in maximizing our potential. According to him, the length of the lever represents the extent of our perceived abilities, while the position of the fulcrum symbolizes our mindset. Studies reveal that a positive mindset leads to more favorable experiences. Achor references a classic research experiment from 1979, where elderly participants were instructed to behave as if they were decades younger. This simple mental shift resulted in noticeable improvements in physical and cognitive abilities, illustrating how mindset can genuinely alter our reality.

The Tetris Effect: Shaping Our Perspectives

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Achor's concept of the Tetris effect pertains to how our brains seek patterns in the world. He distinguishes between two types of mindsets:

• The negative Tetris effect, where individuals focus on unresponsive patterns that hinder success.

• The positive Tetris effect, whereby individuals are trained to recognize opportunities that foster success.

By consciously training our minds to adopt a more positive Tetris effect, we can enhance our productivity and effectiveness.

Embracing Failure: The Art of Falling Up

How we respond to failure is crucial. Achor outlines three potential paths following a setback:

1. No Change: We remain stagnant, failing to learn from the experience.

2. Escalating Negativity: The setback leads to further decline.

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1. Falling Up: We leverage adversity to grow stronger and more capable.

Adopting the third path—viewing setbacks as learning opportunities—is essential for personal growth and resilience.

The Importance of Social Connections

In a world where isolation can often be the norm, Achor highlights the transformative power of social support. His research shows that strong social networks not only contribute to happiness but are also linked to better performance in various life domains. A longitudinal study from Harvard found that individuals with fewer social connections were significantly more likely to suffer from depression, demonstrating just how critical relationships are to our overall well-being.

Conclusion: Redefining Happiness

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In The Happiness Advantage, Achor implores us to reconsider the role of happiness in our lives. Instead of perceiving it as a mere outcome of success, we should view happiness as an essential component to foster success. Achor's evidence encourages us to prioritize the cultivation of happiness, reminding us that it is a choice we can actively make rather than a reward reserved for high achievers.

Ultimately, happiness is not just an emotional state; it is a powerful force that can enhance our mental and physical well-being, leading to success in our personal and professional lives. As Achor notes, “Happiness is not the belief that we need to change; it’s the realization that we can.” By changing our perspective, we open ourselves up to infinite possibilities for growth and fulfillment.