Wisdom, Skill, and Judgement II

Epictetus

Daily Reflection

It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgements concerning them.

—Epictetus

Epictetus reminds us that we are cultivating judgement all of the time, whether we are aware of it or not.

We can cultivate a judgment that is perhaps ego-centric and fearful, or we can practice a judgement that is built upon experience, trust, and calculated risk.

In my experience, the primary difference between these two phases of life is often the security, safety, and predictability one has in their life.

When one’s basic needs are met (and then some) they then might feel safe enough to experiment, try new things, take risks, and thereby increase their judgment and practice their wisdom. Until then, anxiety is often a friend which keeps them safe through the trials of surviving.

So today, perhaps we can consider our own life.

Are we cultivating judgement? If not, what is the obstacle which stands in our way?

To quote another famous Stoic quip, perhaps “the obstacle is the way.”

I…