How to Escape the Compulsion of Comparing Yourself to Others (Seneca: Letter #123 - On the Conflict Between Pleasure and Virtue)

The Stoic Jew

Synopsis: Yesterday we discussed the “disease” of the relative value system, and the pain and unhappiness that comes from comparing yourself to others. Today we discuss the “cure” for this disease, as prescribed by Seneca and the Rambam. Some may find this remedy to be difficult to implement in practice, but I argue that even if a total implementation is unrealistic, we can at least work on making an effort to move in the right direction.

Sources:
- Seneca, Letter #123: On the Conflict Between Pleasure and Virtue
- Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer ha’Mada, Hilchos Deios 6:1
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If you have questions, comments, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail.
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Stoic texts:
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Letters from a Stoic Master (Seneca)
The Discourses of Epictetus
The Enchiridion (Handbook) of Epictetus
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