@philosophyminis: We often set out to be better, but somehow end up failing. We set out in January, or on Monday morning, or at a new job to do things differently, but we find ourselves falling into the same bad habits. And if that’s you, well, the Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca has some advice. Years before Seneca, Aristotle argued that there are two ways to become better. There’s a hard way and an easy way. The hard way is to philosophise. You sit down, you rationalise, and you work out a course of action that you have to stick to. But the easy way is to copy somebody that you respect. Live like they do. And so Seneca took this idea and turned it into a powerful visualisation tool. He said that we should choose somebody admirable and ‘keep their image always before our eyes. Make them your guardian and your pattern. And so we can get rid of bad habits with the help of someone standing by.’ So imagine a parent standing next to you, or a respected teacher from your past. Imagine a friend that you admire, or Dame Judi Dench. And as you talk and you behave, imagine that person standing next to you. Imagine them looking on. Because what Seneca, Aristotle, and modern psychology all agree on is that if you behave like somebody else, you will eventually become more like them. We are what we repeatedly do. So the next time you want to be better, or grow in any way, don’t just pull up your socks and give it a go. Imagine a cheerleader by your side. Because one of the best ways to learn anything is to copy somebody who is great at it. And becoming better — becoming more moral — is no different.

Mr. T :

The more you larp the less you larp

Dailyster317 :

There's no one I admire, I think that's the problem

🪲 :

Can you do one about the fear and anxiety of death?

Its a me a ber :

This is why “What would jesus do” is a good saying even if you’re not practicing the religion

Nappingnightowl 🇨🇦 :

I need you to do a sleep podcast. perfect voice. love your content

Haider Khalqi :

Jesus sun from God all light and beyond

-A B- 🇰🇪 :

Easy way works

Rogue Trader 1967 :

Powerful

Jay :

imagine your future self as that person you admire and you can do this without involving a third party at all

user2633740932859 :

Unfortunately I've tried the hard way too many times.

Tashunka :

This sounds like the blue print of Christianity

Rob Saint :

imitation is just another form of subjugation

k a i r o :

my cheerleader is a future version of myself.

jennie :

how do u avoid insecurity when you've "failed" to do what they would've done? say waking up early, person i'd admire would wake up and be productive but i find it difficult. how do u get over the shame of it?

Butler_Knight :

what would goku do

Sky Yego :

Never meet your heroed

James Backwell :

Sir, I would like you to know how much i enjoy and learn from your posts. They are well scripted, well presented and engaging. You give people a taste of some of the most important questions facing us, making philosophy relevant to this world turned upside down. Thank you.

Haider Khalqi :

old habits teacher

goikonomou :

BossYoutubeIoan :

peak

The_Explorer :

Word.

iamjustmiserableandstupid :

Makunouchi Ippo

Ady997 :

can you talk about utilitarianism ?

Definitely not me :

what's your view on God and religion?

ainabee :

I imagine halaand saying stretching is good for the body