Behavioral Philosophy

In this episode, we will discuss actionable philosophy

When I read philosophical texts and listen to other podcasts or audiobooks, I find that philosophers ponder a lot of issues and concepts that pertain to human living.  They delve into esoteric ideas and attempt to solve the most difficult of human problems.

However, I find that the true value of philosophy lies in the actions it produces. It is more than thinking about issues; more than talking about concepts; more than a mental exercise. 

I believe its about actionable items, practicing virtues and actually doing the things that we spend so much time thinking, pondering, and talking about. 

In the book nichomachean ethics, Aristotle describes a number of virtues. These virtues include

courage

temperance

generosity

magnificence

magnanimity

right ambition

good temper

friendliness 

truthfulness

wit

justice

One of the great stoic philosophers- marcus aurelius suggests that no matter how bad or seemingly undesirable a situation becomes—we always have the opportunity to practice virtue, to use the situation as an opportunity to be our best selves.

A situation that would be ordinarily annoying or aggravating is an opportunity to practice good temper. 

That co-worker that constantly talks negatively about you behind your back gives you an opportunity to practice friendliness and magnanimity. 

Even though you might not have much in terms of finances or resources, you always have the opportunity to practice generosity

A task that seems so daunting to achieve gives you an opportunity to practice courage

I personally believe that philosophy should be about action. it shouldn’t be a solely mental exercise. it shouldn’t be just about extended esoteric conversations that go on in circles and lead nowhere. I believe it should about action, and practicing the ethics and virtues that we have agreed upon to be high virtues. 

Practicing these virtues brings philosophy to life. You become a philosopher not by going to the library and reading books, or going to your lakeside cabin to ponder all of humanities problems, but by acting in a way that depicts these virtues. 

faith without works is dead. 

I made a decision to put these virtues into action and live in alignment with the values that I hold dear. I found myself more centered, calm and free. And when something happens to move me away from it, I try my very best to go back to that internal rhythm. 

“When jarred, unavoidably, by circumstance, revert at once to yourself, and don’t lose the rhythm more than you can help. You’ll have a better group of harmony if you keep on going back to it.”

-Marcus Aurelius

This has been another episode of the nomad show. Thank you for listening. 

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