The Person of "Perfect Virtue:" Classical Wisdom for Living a Good Life
We have come to a point in our lives where we are looking for better guidance than that of the noisy chatter in our minds.
On July 26th, at Mindset Shifts U, we begin our study of “Classical Wisdom for Living a Good Life.” Our study is divided into two parts, each eight weeks long with a break in between. The schedule for Part 1 is at the end of this post.
In Part 1, we will explore the writings of Epictetus, David Hume, and Adam Smith. In Part 2, we will consider works by Ralph Waldo Emerson, F. A. Hayek and Leonard Read (the late founder of the Foundation for Economic Education).
Having recently completed our study of Constructive Living, the words of Adam Smith in his The Theory of Moral Sentiments may resonate with you: “The most sublime speculation of the contemplative philosopher can scarcely compensate the neglect of the smallest active duty.” Despite being one of the greatest philosophers in history, Smith, like the other authors we will read, always emphasized practice rather than armchair reflection on lofty ideas.
Let's establish this upfront: Our individual well-being is inseparable from a flourishing society. Works of Adam Smith, Hayek, and others illuminate that point.
Smith wrote, “The man of the most perfect virtue, the man whom we naturally love and revere the most, is he who joins, to the most perfect command of his own original and selfish feelings, the most exquisite sensibility both to the original and sympathetic feelings of others.” Smith was clear that our happiness depends upon the flourishing of others.
Smith didn't expect "perfect virtue." He wanted us to strive to live a more virtuous life. Failure to achieve lofty goals is no justification for nihilistic despair.
Perfection is unattainable for both us and the world. The pursuit of perfection often breeds a need to control, ultimately leading to despair. Lives built on control are inherently precarious.
Worldly problems and personal problems are always with us. How then can we be at peace? How can society be at peace? The classical wisdom of Epictetus and others offers guidance on how to act our part with honor.
Contemporary author Robert Fulghum suggests we are like thirsty people “looking for a drink while standing knee-deep in a flowing stream.” How can that be?
For one thing, to use Fulghum’s metaphor, we don’t know we are in the middle of a flowing stream. We are too busy trying to get reality to conform to our desires, to notice our thirst can be quenched by the stream. We may refuse to drink the water because we insist that another beverage will better quench our thirst.
Our work at Mindset Shifts U brings us back to actionable ideas for removing barriers to living a meaningful life, but first, we must realize we are standing in the stream that Fulghum points to.
In The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith instructed, “Examine the records of history, recollect what has happened within the circle of your own experience, consider with attention what has been the conduct of almost all the greatly unfortunate, either in private or public life, whom you may have either read of, or heard of, or remember.”
Upon examination, perhaps we will find, as Smith did, “that the misfortunes of by far the greater part of them have arisen from their not knowing when they were well, when it was proper for them to sit still and to be contented.”
Smith was not advising us to sit still. Smith offered specific guidance to help us become aware of how our minds cause us to behave in non-virtuous ways, ways at odds with our well-being and that of society.
The 18th-century classical liberal Scottish philosopher David Hume is arguably the most crucial philosopher to ever write in English. As we will discover, Hume’s realizations were often centuries ahead of his time. From Hume’s A Treatise of Human Nature, we will consider one of his most crucial realizations:
For my part, when I enter most intimately into what I call myself, I always stumble on some particular perception or other, of heat or cold, light or shade, love or hatred, pain or pleasure. I never can catch myself at any time without a perception, and never can observe any thing but the perception.
In short, Hume observed that he could not find a steady version of himself, what we today call our self-concept. One of the most significant barriers to living a virtuous life is our defense of who we think we are.
That is why in our coming studies, Hume, Hayek, Leonard Read, Epictetus, and Ralph Waldo Emerson will challenge us to see beyond our self-concept. Once we are aware of a misguided mindset, willingness—not willpower—can help us drop false assumptions that no longer serve us.
Hume also observed that it is common to have a hyper-inflated belief in the power of human reason. If our reasoning power is not what we think it is, where can we turn? Hayek, Read, Emerson, and Smith will guide us.
Once again, what we will be reading and studying are principles that not only build a good life for ourselves and our families but also help humanity to flourish. Our lives are not separate from humanity around us.
Nothing we read will reduce the uncertainty that comes with being human, and nothing we read will guarantee that we will get what we want.
What we will read will help us return to the solid ground of our true nature, from which Love, Wisdom, and Peace can flow. As with our past sessions, as you consider fresh ideas, you may experience not an abrupt change but a softening that can make a difference in your experience of life.
We have come to a point in our lives where we are looking for better guidance than that of the noisy chatter in our minds. To not avail ourselves of what the greatest minds in history have discovered would be foolish.
Schedule for “Classical Wisdom for Living a Good Life, Part 1”
(The schedule for Part 2 will be posted later in the summer. )
Sessions 1 and 2: Weeks beginning July 26th and August 2nd
Enchiridion (Manual for Living) by Epictetus.
Enchiridion by Stoic philosopher Epictetus, like Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, has enduring appeal for its practical wisdom. Its actionable message is clearly expressed for those interested in removing barriers to a virtuous life. Both Adam Smith and David Hume were influenced by the Stoics.
Many public domain versions of this short work are available. For one option, see here.
If you want to invest in a modern and accurate translation, I recommend the translations by either Robin Hard or Robin Waterfield. Both also contain Epictetus’s Discourses, which we will eventually study at Mindset Shifts U.
Translation by Robin Waterfield
Sessions 3, 4, 5: Weeks beginning August 9th, August 16th, and August 23rd
Selections from David Hume
Session 3: “Of Personal Identity” found in A Treatise of Human Nature (Book 1, Part 4, Section 6)
Session 4: “Of the Influencing Motives of the Will” found in A Treatise of Human Nature (Book 2, Part 3, Section 3)
Session 5: “Of Liberty and Necessity” found in An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (Section 8)
Both Hume’s Treatise and Enquiry are readily available online. For example, the Treatise here and the Enquiry here.
Both of Hume’s volumes are also available in a single inexpensive print edition.
Did you know that Project Gutenberg EPUB files can easily be sent to your Kindle? Download the file and email it to your Send to Kindle email, which can be found at Amazon>Manage Your Content and Devices>Preferences>Personal Document Settings>Send to Kindle emails.
Sessions 6, 7, 8: Weeks beginning August 30th, September 6th, and September 13th
Selections from The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith
Session 6: Part 3, Chapters 1, 2
Session 7: Part 3, Chapters 3, 4
Session 8: Part 3, Chapters 5, 6
Many public domain versions are available. For one option, see here.
The Penguin Classics version is attractive and inexpensive if you want a print copy.
I am grateful for your support and for the opportunity to help guide you through this essential classical wisdom literature.
When you upgrade to a paid subscription, you will also receive immediate access to all previous sessions of Mindset Shifts U.
Thank you Prof Barry. Very much looking forward to it!
Indeed we are knee deep in a flowing stream! Rejoice!