Thursday, January 5, 2023

Stoicism: An Introvert's Philosophy?

An introvert prefers to spend time alone to recharge. They may appear shy, but that's not always the case.

Being among groups of friends, family and even strangers can be stimulating and rewarding.  But small talk and pointless conversations draws down an introvert's energy. Eventually, they withdraw and spend time alone to re-energize. Introverts enjoy time alone with no distractions in order to recharge their inner strength. 

Stoicism
An Introvert's Philosophy? 

The Meditations
B
y Marcus Aurelius

Zen Story
Is That So?


A beautiful girl in the village was pregnant. Her angry parents demanded to know who the father was. At first, resistant to confess, the anxious and embarrassed girl finally pointed to Hakuin, the Zen master whom everyone previously revered for living such a pure life. When the outraged parents confronted Hakuin with their daughter's accusation, he simply replied:

"Is that so?"

When the child was born, the parents brought it to the Hakuin, who now was viewed as a pariah by the whole village. They demanded that he take care of the child since it was his responsibility. 

"Is that so?

Hakuin calmly accepted the child.

He cared for the child for many months until the daughter could no longer withstand the lie she had told. She confessed that the real father was a young man in the village she had tried to protect. The parents immediately went to Hakuin to see if he would return the baby. With profuse apologies, they explained what had happened. 

"Is that so?"

Hakuin handed them the child.


Stoicism
The Power Of Indifference

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