What I’ve been reading:
“Essays” by Michele de Montaigne
Montaigne is the subject of the last week’s Existential Espresso members essay “4 Life Lessons From the Most Underrated Philosopher You Are Not Reading.”
I consider Montaigne and his essays criminally underrated and overlooked amongst the general population.
Montaigne’s “Essays” are not a book that you just read once or twice. They are, just like Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” or Seneca’s letters, a book that you live with.
“Essays” are also one of the first books that I’ve put on my long-awaited book recommendations list that I am creating for you. You will be notified via Existential Espresso once it’s available to download. But if you want something that will get you prepared for how to approach the books I will share with you and get the most out of them, you can check out a free ebook I wrote for you, “The Lost Art of Reading.”
What I’ve listened to:
David Goggins on the Modern Wisdom podcast
You will find more real-life wisdom listening to what David Goggins learned from pushing his body and mind beyond what most human can imagine, than you will listening to most of the philosophy and psychology lectures available online.
And I am saying this as someone who spends the vast majority of his time online searching for and listening to lectures given by university professors, and treats listening to podcast more as my “free time” activity.
One of the biggest proofs that David Goggins is about walking the walk and not just giving you empty motivation and hype is the fact that he rarely does any podcasts, even though every biggest show in the world would have him as a guest. And while he could use that as an opportunity to promote himself and his books, he chooses to spend his time in that place where he learns the most - struggle.
There is a reason why one of the few podcast that he decided to do is Modern Wisdom. Chris Williamson, the host, is creating some of the most high-quality conversations available online.
You can watch/listen to the episode here, or on any other podcast streaming platform.
Also, I’ve written two essays on lessons I’ve learned from David Goggins. If you are interested, you can check them out here:
What David Goggins Can Teach You About Jungian Psychology
How to Prevent Burnout in the Race of Life
What I’ve been thinking about:
If you are not sharing your work with the world because you are afraid of what other people will think about it, I have good news for you.
Those who approach your work with the intention of truly seeing or hearing what it is that you have to share will be more supportive and less judgmental than you could ever imagine. Even if they don’t agree with what you are expressing or they don’t really enjoy it, they will respect the work you put in and your courage to put yourself out there.
On the other hand, no matter how hard you try, you will never be good enough for those who approach your work with the intention of judging it. There is nothing you could do to get their approval.
If this is true, and I promise you it is, why waste your time and energy worrying about how others will react to your work?
I wish I didn’t take me years to realize this. So please, don’t wait another day, let alone years.
Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.
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Great content. Show your work, keep it simple and be with and for the journey.