[downerending]

This reminds me a lot of my most recent divorce negotiations, and indeed, I don't understand how so many people deal so well with these catastrophes.

Take it from me: Don't get overly attached to money, things, or really even people. Think of it all more as a ride that you get to enjoy for a while, and then you get off.

If you're killing yourself at your job with the thought that you'll someday retire happily or otherwise get to start a happier phase of life (or even just be thanked for your hard work), disabuse yourself of that notion. The money you're piling up can be taken from you in a flash, or become worthless to you due to more overwhelming developments.

I saw a homeless man the other day with two dogs. The dogs were obviously happy, and had no concern that they were poor and might have had a much richer life. They had their health, weren't starving, and there were interesting things to do that day. I strive to live like those dogs.

[taberiand]

The Greek and Roman philosophers had these concerns solved ages ago with the Stoics and others. Happiness comes from within, whatever situation we might find ourselves in.

[Karto]

And more spot on the cynics, whose name just says it : get inspired from those dogs. (although admittedly their name comes from the "swift dog's gymnasium", their gathering place, they themselves started embracing the pun as it was very fitting with their reasoning)

[taberiand]

True, the Cynics were what first came to mind from the parent comment, but to be honest I just prefer Stoicism.

[downerending]

Yes, and don't forget the Epicureans. And Quohelet.

And maybe a dash of Walt Whitman: https://www.all-creatures.org/poetry/ar-I-think-I.html

"I think I could turn and live with [the] animals..."

[voxl]

Ah stoicism, toxic masculinity lite

[taberiand]

That doesn't gel with my understanding and experience of Stoicism. What makes you think of it that way?

[glouwbug]

Hollywood popularized Han Solo, Clint Eastwood, and the likes as the Stoic Male archetype which recently became the poster boy for toxic masculinity.

Shame though, because Stoic derives from Latin for porch. The Stoics sat and shared their ways of a happy life on porches.

Stoicism does not subscribe itself to the male gender - it is a pursuit, much like Taoism or Buddism, to reach peace within the Logos, or rather the grand chaos that is the universe itself.

Anyone of any descent or gender may become one with the Logos.