A WISE person Must Know, A LACK OF FRIENDS INDICATES THAT person is very | Stoicism

Seneca once said true happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future but what if our present is marked by a profound solitude welcome to our journey today where we explore a thought provoking aspect of life the significance of friendships or rather the impact of their absence picture life as a vast sea where each of us sails our own ship friendships are the winds that fill our sails guiding us through life's turbulent waters but what happens when these winds fall si

lent when the lack of friendships isn't just about missing company but a deeper more complex issue of trust that builds invisible walls around us it's crucial to understand that a small circle of friends is not a flaw for some a tranquilcy with gentle waves is their chosen voyage yet when solitude turns into a relentless storm when the absence of friends brings more chaos than calm it's time to chart a new course remember the number of connections is not as important as their quality seeking gen

uine meaningful relationships can fortify and empower you in this video will delve into the nuances of friendship scarcity we aim to help you grasp the underlying issues and if you choose find practical stoic solutions you'll learn how a lack of trust intertwines with the absence of friends and crucially uncover stoic strategies to construct a sturdy bridges towards more fulfilling and authentic connections remember nurturing personal growth and social skills is a beacon in our journey so stay w

ith us until the end of this video as we set sail on this enlightening exploration let's embark on this voyage together one shyness or introversion it's essential to delve into the stoic philosophies profound insights stoicism a Timeless Guide offers a unique perspective on transforming shyness from a barrier into a pathway for self discovery and growth the journey begins with self acceptance a cornerstone of stoic teaching Marcus Aurelius a revered stoic philosopher in parts of Vital Lesson emb

racing our true nature is the first step towards transformation this acceptance of one's inherent shyness or introversion is not a resignation but a starting point for self awareness and growth the stoic approach emphasizes the power of the present moment advocating for a focus on what lies within our control this philosophy encourages action in the now particularly in social contexts it teaches us not to be ensnared by fears of future outcomes or past regrets this perspective frees us from the

shackles of expectations allowing us to act in alignment with our principles unhampered by fear a Seneca another stoic sage advises empathy is crucial by understanding that everyone has their internal struggles we move beyond self preoccupation fostering more genuine and compassionate interactions this shift in focus from self perception to authentic human connections is liberating a stoic principle that resonates deeply in this context is detachment from outcomes in the pursuit of friendships t

he emphasis should be on the process rather than the result this approach alleviates the pressure associated with shyness enabling a more natural and straightforward interaction by concentrating on authenticity and virtue in our social engagements we align with stoic values reducing the anxiety linked to acceptance or rejection to reinforce this stoic perspective consider the words of epititis we have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak this quote underscores t

he importance of listening and understanding and forming meaningful connections a practice particularly relevant for those overcoming shyness in our modern lives these stoic teachings offer practical guidance they encourage us to embrace our nature focus on the present practice empathy and detach from outcomes thereby enriching our social experiences and personal growth the stoic approach not only addresses the challenges of shyness but also transforms them into opportunities for developing deep

er more authentic connections in our contemporary world stoicism with its focus on virtue resilience and practical wisdom offers invaluable guidance in these situations imagine you're in a place where interactions are rare and connections seem distant stoicism teaches us to use these moments as opportunities to grow and contribute to the greater good one practical step is community volunteering stoicism emphasizes the importance of societal contribution when you volunteer you're not just living

out stoic virtues you're also meeting people who share your values be it a local cleanup a charity event or helping at a community centre these activities forge bonds through shared experiences consider attending workshops or seminars in your professional field this not only sharpens your skills but also connects you with like minded professionals similarly engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or group sports can foster natural relaxed interactions these settings allow friendships to bloss

om in the midst of nature's tranquility joining forums or groups that align with your interest can also be a gateway to meaningful relationships active participation might even lead to real life meetups and let's not forget the stoic practice of gratitude especially in social pursuits appreciating and valuing the connections you already have fosters a positive mindset making you more open and inviting to new friendships to enrich our discussion let's reflect on a story from the stoic philosopher

Seneca he once said true happiness is gone to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future Seneca's wisdom reminds us that the joy of friendship lies not in the quantity but in the quality and the present moment in conclusion dear listeners if you find yourself feeling a lack of friends remember the stoic way seek opportunities to contribute to learn and to engage with the world around you cherish the connections you have and stay open to the ones that are yet to come your journ

ey towards meaningful friendships is also a journey towards personal growth and fulfillment let's embrace these opportunities with a stoic heart and an open mind 3 trust issues and friendships it's crucial to reflect on your own values expectations and vulnerabilities this self reflection is a key stoic practice helping you understand your own stance in the complex stance of human relationships ask yourself what makes me hesitant to trust understanding your own fears and apprehensions is the fir

st step in overcoming them in the stoic view virtue is our compass when it comes to trust virtues like honesty integrity and benevolence are your guiding stars look for these qualities in others as signs of a character worthy of your trust a person who embodies stoic virtues is likely to be a steadfast companion on your life's journey remember we can't control everything people's actions are often influenced by external factors beyond their control and they might not always meet your expectation

s stoicism teaches us to accept the unpredictable nature of human interactions maintain your emotional balance a concept known as equanimity in stoicism this balance helps you respond to trust challenges rationally and compassionately leading to healthier relationships stoicism isn't just about internal reflection it also advocates for open and honest communication if trust issues arise address them directly this transparency is in line with stoic values and paves the way for genuine meaningful

connections let's turn to a story from the stoic philosophers to illuminate this further consider Seneca who once said true happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future this applies to trust as well enjoy the present moments with those around you without overly fixating on future uncertainties to conclude my friends remember that trust is a journey not a destination reflect on your own values seek virtue and others accept the unpredictability of life maintain emot

ional balance and communicate openly these stoic principles will guide you towards more fulfilling and trustworthy relationships let these lessons be your beacon illuminating your path to a more serene and resilient life thank you for joining us on today's exploration of stoicism if you've journeyed with us to this point you're truly embracing the stoic path share your thoughts by commenting stoic friendship to reflect on how this perspective shapes your social connections stay with us as we con

tinue to uncover more profound stoic wisdom 4 lack of social skills Marcus Aurelius's wisdom serves as a guiding light accept the things to which fate binds you and love the people with whom fate brings you together but do so with all your heart this profound statement underpins the stoic approach to social skills and interactions embracing oneself fully is the first step in this journey recognizing that every individual regardless of their social acumen holds inherent value is a cornerstone of

stoic thought this understanding fosters authentic connections unburdened by self doubt stoicism teaches the value of gradual progress in life's various facets including the development of social skills rather than plunging into intimidating social scenarios a stoic approach advocates for a gradual immersion into diverse social environments this strategy helps in cultivating confidence at a comfortable pace resonating with the stoic ideal of steady measured growth Marcus Aurelius's counsel to ch

erish those we encounter by fates design underscores the significance of approaching social interactions with virtue as the guiding principle emphasizing qualities such as kindness empathy and understanding in our interactions not only refines our character but also enriches the social fabric engaging in conversations with genuine curiosity asking insightful questions and valuing different perspectives foster an atmosphere of open and meaningful dialogue this authentic interest in others not onl

y deepens our understanding of them but also lays the foundation for sincere connections practicing positive affirmations in line with stoic teachings such as focusing on personal strengths and recognizing one's worth prepares one to enter social situations with a confident and self assured mindset in moments of rejection or social awkwardness stoic resilience comes to the four understanding that while external events are outside our control our reactions to them are within our power is a quinte

ssential stoic principle to augment this perspective consider the words of Seneca another stoic philosopher true happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future this quote resonates deeply with the modern struggle of balancing social expectations with personal contentment in today's fast paced world where social interactions are often fleeting and superficial stoicism offers a refreshing approach it encourages us to cherish the present moment in the connections we ma

ke without being overly concerned about future outcomes the stoic wisdom is not only timeless but also profoundly relevant in our contemporary society offering a beacon of guidance for those navigating the complexities of social relationships 5 changing circumstances just like the ever changing tides our relationships to ebb and flow it's a natural part of life that the dynamics of our friendships will evolve especially during significant life transitions this is where stoicism with its profound

wisdom offers us a guiding light it teaches us the art of healthy detachment reminding us that change is an integral part of the human experience when friendships loosen as circumstances shift it's crucial to understand that this isn't a sign of personal failure or inadequacy instead view it through the stoic perspective that external events including the complex dynamics of relationships are often beyond our control as life ushers us into new and unfamiliar environments stoicism encourages us

to seek community in these spaces it's about being proactive attending local events joining clubs or groups that resonate with our interests and making an effort to integrate into new surroundings this proactive approach doesn't just expand our Social Circle it fosters a deeper sense of belonging stoicism values the power of mindful reflection especially during times of change it's an opportunity to introspect to ponder over our values aspirations and the type of relationships we yearn for this

reflective practice becomes a compass guiding our social interactions as we navigate the uncharted waters of life's transitions let's draw inspiration from a story of the stoic philosopher Seneca he once said true friends are the whole world to each other and he who is a true friend to another is a friend to himself this highlights the stoic belief in the value of self reflection in friendships Seneca's life teaches us that even in the face of changing circumstances the essence of true friendshi

p remains constant it's about being a friend to oneself and thereby to others in conclusion remember my fellow Stoics that life's transitions are not just challenges but opportunities they are moments to grow to reflect and to embrace the new as you move through these phases carry with you the stoic lesson of healthy detachment and introspection let these guide you in forming meaningful connections and in finding your place in the ever changing tapestry of life remember in the grand scheme of th

ings it's not the number of friends but the quality of your relationships that truly enriches your life 6 shifting priorities as your career takes flight or as you embrace the responsibilities of family life your focus naturally shifts this is where stoicism steps in teaching us to navigate these changes with Grace and resilience it's about accepting these phases in life understanding that they not only reshape our schedules but also the very nature of our social interactions stoicism isn't just

about enduring these shifts it's about thriving in them by embodying virtues like wisdom courage and justice whether it's in the realm of your career or within the heart of your family stoicism urges us to strive for excellence in every aspect of our lives this philosophy teaches us to value the quality of our relationships over their quantity when life's demands pull you in different directions and time becomes your most valuable asset stoicism advises focusing on fostering a handful of deep m

eaningful connections these connections are not just add ons to our life they are its very essence remember Stoics don't just collect friends they cultivate friendships that are authentic and profound as Seneca once said true friendship is a plant of slow growth in the face of changing priorities it's not about how many friends you have but the depth and quality of the few you choose to journey with this approach to relationships deeply rooted in stoic philosophy is not just a strategy for manag

ing time it's a pathway to a fulfilling and meaningful life so as you navigate the ebbs and flows of your own life remember to cherish and nurture those few but significant relationships they are the anchors that keep us grounded no matter how the tides of our priorities may shift which inherently includes the ability to create and nurture friendships when confronting mental hurdles like anxiety or depression stoicism doesn't merely suggest resilience it provides a framework for building it this

resilience is rooted in philosophical practices that strengthen our inner fortitude allowing us to weather the storms of emotional turmoil this in turn lays a stable foundation for both personal well being and the ability to connect with others stoicism isn't just about enduring hardships it's about transforming them it encourages mindfulness and meditation tools that when woven into the fabric of our daily lives help manage mental health by practicing mindfulness we learn to confront and disma

ntle negative thought patterns this empowers us to engage more genuinely and openly in social interactions paving the way for deeper connections the stoic pursuit of tranquility is particularly resonant for those navigating the rough seas of mental health Seneca a renowned stoic philosopher once said true happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future this sentiment echos the stoic principle of focusing on the present moment a practice that fosters inner peace and c

onsequently a more invading space for friendships to flourish by adopting stoic virtues individuals not only journey towards personal tranquility but also create an environment where meaningful friendships can thrive even in the face of life's challenges in our modern world where the pace of life often feels relentless these stoic principles are not just philosophical musings but practical tools they guide us in cultivating a mindset that not only enhances our mental well being but also enriches

our social lives as we embrace these teachings we learn that fostering mental health and building friendships are not just parallel paths but intertwined journeys leading us towards a more harmonious and connected existence 8 Lifestyle choices this often stems from our lifestyle choices be at our packed schedules or preference for solitude but stoicism and ancient philosophy still profoundly relevant today offers us guidance on how to navigate these choices while still nurturing meaningful rela

tionships consider this are the commitments filling your days truly reflecting your core values especially in building meaningful connections stoicism teaches use the art of self reflection helping use distinguish between what's necessary and what may be hindering our social well being it's about finding a balance yes responsibilities are important but so are the connections we forge with others stoicism isn't about having a multitude of friends it's about the quality of those friendships it enc

ourages us to prioritize relationships based on virtue and shared values rather than convenience this might mean having fewer but more meaningful interactions remember efficient time management is a stoic virtue by applying this principle you can optimize your schedule to accommodate both productivity and social time let's take a leaf from the book of Seneca a renowned stoic philosopher he once said true happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future this can be app

lied to our social lives it's about being present in the moments we share with others cherishing the quality of these interactions over their quantity in conclusion my friends the stoic journey teaches us that a lack of friends doesn't define us rather it's an opportunity to reflect on our choices and align them with our values it's about making room in our lives for relationships that enrich us even amidst the hustle of modern life so take a moment to consider your priorities and remember in th

e pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life every choice counts nine differences in interests in our journey through life we often find ourselves navigating the intricate web of human relationships where differences in interests can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation but here's a stoic perspective that sheds light on how to bridge these gaps and foster meaningful connections stoicism with its profound wisdom teaches us to embrace the diversity of human interests instead of seeing differences

as obstacles stoics view them as avenues for growth and learning they remind us that it's natural for not everyone to share the same passions and there's tranquility in accepting what lies beyond our control stoicism isn't just about endurance it's about adaptability in the realm of diverse interest this philosophy encourages us to step out of our comfort zones this isn't just about personal growth it's about widening our circle of potential friends stoicism teaches us to look beyond specific i

nterests and focus on what unites us as humans are shared values emotions and life experiences are the fertile ground for genuine connections Marcus Aurelius a revered stoic philosopher once said what unites us is far greater than what divides us this sentiment echoes in the stoic approach to friendships when interests diverge stoicism advises us to strengthen the triad of friendship goodwill shared values and mutual understanding it's about nurturing goodwill finding common ground and values an

d fostering understanding this approach helps us overcome the barriers posed by differing interests leading to lasting and meaningful connections stoicism encourages us to weave a tapestry of friendships with the threads of acceptance adaptability curiosity and the pursuit of virtue this tapestry rich in diversity and strength provides warmth and meaning to our lives the famous entrepreneur Jim Rohn once said you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with similarly Tim Sande

rs former executive of Yahoo stated your network is your net worth who your close friends are can determine your future of wealth and prosperity Thomas C Corley author of several books on the wealthy spent five years researching to find a commonality among affluent individuals surprisingly he discovered that wealthy people never interact with a certain type of person those who are pessimistic and negative in his book Change Your Habits Change Your Life Corley wrote wealthy people mostly those wh

o have used their abilities to become rich are very particular about choosing their companions naturally you can only succeed with the people you frequently interact with so the more you want to succeed the more you need to associate with competent people a common trait among the wealthy is choosing successful friends with similar goals people who are not only successful in life but also have a positive spirit 86% of the wealthy individuals in Corley's list associate with people who are as succe

ssful or more successful than themselves it's not surprising that they limit their interactions with people who are negative lack progressive spirit and have no ambition Corley further stated long term success only occurs when you have a positive mindset and the will to strive in every daily task you wouldn't want someone constantly spouting negativity to dampen your own will to strive this is not the first time that pessimistic unmotivated individuals have been listed as people to limit interac

tions with since the 1930s reporter journalist Napoleon Hill conducted similar research after studying 500 millionaires these millionaires all achieve their status through personal effort and a prolonged work process in his 1937 published book Napoleon Hill mentioned people succeed by naturally applying habits and the power of thought from those they are close to there will be no success for those who are negative in their thoughts and wish to spread their negativity to others if you feel stuck

or having difficulty progressing the way you want look at the people around you most people adapt to whatever environment they find themselves in this is a psychological reaction that experts call the external locus of control where they believe external factors like fate or luck determine their lives therefore these individuals tend to unconditionally accept whatever life brings them who is the closest person to you right now how did they become part of your close circle of friends is their beh

avior intentional or just convenient do these people raise your standards or do they make you settle for even lower standards than what you could achieve if you want to improve and succeed in life the people around you must be those who raise your standards as the famous speaker Tony Robbins once said your life reflects the standards you set for yourself or what you're willing to tolerate most people are willing to tolerate poor relationships poor finances and jobs they despise if not such thing

s wouldn't occur in their lives recently I received help from Ryan Holiday author of several famous books personally I have always been very satisfied with my handwritten drafts however every time I send a draft to Ryan he tells me why and how it could be made 10 times better than it currently is and he gradually brings me up to those standards looking back at the products I was once very satisfied with I truly feel embarrassed in fact the standards for my work were much lower than the standards

Ryan set for my work the same thing happened with the advisor for my doctoral research I sent her a research paper that I was extremely pleased with but she wasn't she then asked me to rethink everything and delve deeper although this is challenging and sometimes discouraging it's how you can become better this doesn't just apply to work relationships what about your life partner do they raise your standards do they help you become a better person than you are now conversely what do you contrib

ute to them the 80 20 rule applies to everyone and their group of friends 20% of people are moving forward 60% are almost imitating those around them and 20% are regressing most people are a direct reflection of those around them if the people around them set low standards they also lower their own standards if the people around them have higher standards they are naturally elevated in summary be around people who can elevate your thinking and unleash your energy conversely you should also be su

ch a person to help those around you the quality of your life and work is determined by the standards you set for yourself and the standards of those around you if you want to become better you need to be around people who help you set higher standards if everyone around you is better and has higher standards than you you will quickly learn from them your level of talent and potential are actually unrelated if the people around you do not help you realise it we all know that many people have unt

apped potential don't let yourself be one of them clearly that's the case a constantly complaining colleague can be distracting if the person you work with is always cheerful your mood is likely to improve as well but did you know that there's another thing that's also contagious mentioned in the article motivation a study conducted at Northwestern University in 2017 found that sitting within 7.5 meters of a productive colleague can improve your work efficiency by up to 15% however if it's a poo

r colleague work efficiency can decrease by as much as 30% perhaps you should try relating this to your current situation are you working near any incompetent colleagues have you noticed a decline in the quality of your work conversely are you working near any competent colleagues does working with them make you feel more energized it's not just the people around us even the books you read podcasts you listen to and social media accounts you follow can determine your success or failure the last

point is a personal warning for me the accounts I follow on Instagram Twitter YouTube have shaped my life just as much as the people around me in the real world what I see and hear in these apps has become my reality and we can't forget Facebook I think anyone who has spent a few minutes on it would agree with me it's a breeding ground for all kinds of emotions this means like it or not every time you log into one of these social media accounts you become a sponge absorbing all sorts of emotions

from your feed so here's a challenge I have for you think about what you want your reality to be re evaluate your social media accounts be careful with whom you follow not just in real life but also online choose wisely because these accounts will shape your reality I filtered my feed and now only follow a few people whom I want to shape my reality do I regret the people I've unfollowed not at all my feed is now of higher quality and I feel happier every time I spend time on it here are some ti

ps I always keep in mind when filtering social media accounts I think they will be helpful for you when you want to choose a teammate a role model a mentor or simply someone to follow on social media remember these choose the right person to seek advice from just because everyone has their own opinion doesn't mean you have to listen to all of them it will take a lot of effort to filter out and remove the bad influences choose your role models wisely role models are different from mentors mentors

are people with more experience than you with a track record of success role models are people you interact with everyday you can learn from a mentor for many years but you should change your role models frequently changing role models will force you to learn grow and develop as we reach the end of our exploration into why a lack of friends might not be a detriment but rather a reflection of a stoics journey towards self reliance and inner peace I invite you to reflect on how these principles r

esonate with your own life stoicism teaches us the value of quality over quantity especially in our relationships it encourages us to find strength and contentment within ourselves rather than seeking external validation I challenge you to apply these stoic principles in your daily life to seek personal growth and happiness from within and now I'd love to hear from you how do you interpret the idea of having fewer friends through the lens of stoicism share your thoughts in the comments below and

let's continue this enlightening conversation if you've watched until the end comment the stoic flow to let me know I believe you'll find it insightful and enriching thank you for joining me on the stoic journey and remember the path to wisdom is always open for exploration