"We are not affected by what happens to us, but by what we tell ourselves about what happens to us." Epictetus

i have spent all my life worrying about things that have never happened. -Mark Twain

“We suffer more often in imagination that in reality.” - Seneca

"A person who thinks all the time, has nothing to think about except thoughts..." -Alan Watts

100% true. Only after going to therapy I’ve realized the majority of my thoughts is out of touch with reality and I just project my childhood views of the world and relationships further into adulthood with absolutely no reason. Well that’s a long journey to get rid of it but the process is captivating anyway. Wish everyone clear thoughts and peace of mind ❤

My mind is my worst enemy. Great video.

I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented on one of your videos, but you’ve gotten me through some of the truly sketchiest moments in my life lol. So, with the utmost sincerity, thank you very much.

"If thoughts are not accurate reflections of reality, but merely our constructed interpretations of it, we must exercise caution in accepting them as truths. However, in many cases, people are eager to take certain thoughts as truth, especially when this truth aligns with their own perceptions. And before we know it, people with similar but inaccurate convictions of reality clam together, forming an echo chamber that increases the magnitude of these convictions." Very well put.

I introduced your channel to my ex as we both love philosophy. We even read The Daily Stoic and discuss it together. We broke up because he accused me of cheating. He apologized later and acknowledged that those were unfounded suspicions . But in the end, he still thought I cheated. I hope he sees this video and applies what he learns from this in his life. He’s a good guy and i still think of him. 😔

Basically, most things are a matter of perspective. If you can learn to look at things in a different way, you can overcome many challenges in life.

Constant thinking can detach you from reality… I try to think less but haven’t made much progress, n it’s exhausting too 😢 As kids we were happier coz we didn’t have these thoughts we knew less, we doubted less n had faith in ‘systems’ of world more, but growing up it changes as we see more n more Or maybe I’m just thinking too much to it…..

Just because you think it, doesn't mean its true... This first came to me in my late 20s after reading a book about the idea... It changed my life and I could not believe how long I lived in misconception before this realization and how much I had tortured myself... It is something I have tried to share with everyone I know.

Been feeling unsafe with my mind today. Thanks, I needed this! 💖

Cognitive Distortions are something that most people will suffer from at one point in time in their lives. it's generally these distortions of reality that lead to mental afflictions like anxiety and depression. The longer we live in the distortion the harder it becomes to break; like practicing a sport or a musical instrument, we get better at these things with time. Mind reading and fortune-telling, are also some of the things we need to watch. When we begin to put thoughts and feelings into other's minds, it's easy for us to forget that these are not the thoughts of the person we are thinking of, but our own thoughts being implanted into that person's persona, that is created in our minds. It's not real! I had a couple of mantras that I would say to myself when I feel these thoughts become consuming. A person's opinion or thoughts of me: "None of my business" Someone looks at me funny: "They must be having a bad day, it's none of my business" An intrusive thought pops up out of nowhere: "No thank you, I have better things to do" A person yells at me or treats me unfairly: "I hope they find happiness and freedom from their own suffering" I would objectify women and fantasize about them: "This is a person who suffers the same hardships as me, not an object for me to own" I also meditate, body scanning will build self-awareness. It will allow us to get to know our body and what parts become stressed and how to relax them. A relaxed body is a relaxed mind. It will also teach us the differences in sensations which are felt in the body, like an upset stomach versus. An emotion that is created in the mind. I found, creating my own mantras work the same way a Trigger works to set the mind into chaos, but it shuts down the thought before all the emotions attached begin to compound on the psyche. Break the cycle of thought you stop the rumination, worry, and anxiety in its tracks before it sticks. The only thing certain about the future is that it is uncertain.

My dear favorite Dutchman, 'EINZELGANGER' - Thank you for presenting us with these life-changing lectures/essays with such clarity and thoughtful research.

When I learned that....... Thoughts are real but THEY ARE NOT TRUTH my life became less fearful😊 Love, Jo-Anna Edwards, San Fernando Valley California, USA

Easily one of my favourite channels ever. Thanks for all your hard work!

"One is not forced to feel resentment by a negative memory, nor those one have to buy into a fearful thought about the future. These are only options. The mind is like a television set running is various channels for selection, and one does not have to follow any particular temptation of thought. One can fall into the temptation of feeling sorry for oneself, or feeling angry or worried. The secret attraction of those options is that they offer an inner payoff or a secret satisfaction that is the source of the attraction of the mind's thoughts." Dr. David R. Hawkins The nature of the mind is to think in duality, if you watch your thoughts you will realize every time there is a negative thought form there's also a positive one. What makes the difference is what you choose to give attention to which feeds it and propagates its energy making it more likely to be held in mind, the more you choose it the more is held in mind. So what needs to be worked on is not the ability to stop the mind from thinking negative thoughts this doesn’t work, what needs to be developed is the willingness to feed the positive and let go of the negative ones as they arise, and they will arise is the nature of the mind.

I'm not an english speaker so I very love your subtitle in every video. It helps me understand your meaning and make learning english much easier.

13:26 death is Freedom. It is release from this world and its pain. Once you accept this, life becomes more peaceful.

I needed this. Thank you, Einzel.

I can't even get across the amount of people I've had to enlighten to the fact that just because they thought or had an emotional reaction to whatever that that experience wasn't, and isn't, sacrosanct, holy and the truth. I've literally watched worldviews shatter in front of me, on this one topic, more times than I can count on both hands. I even broke it down for them with personal examples, like, I won't answer my phone before coffee, because my mind isn't completely awake yet so I won't commit to anything that comes thru it, including deciding what kind of day it's going to be. Some days just start out wrong, yknow, and it's real easy to be in a bad mood from the onset. But I just let that shit slide. If I'm not at 100, if im compromised, than I'm going to generate compromised opinions. I throw out 10000 thoughts before I come across something actually meaningful, as a matter of course. I've never understood this selfish insulating reactionary lack of introspection that is apparently so common. Regardless, I don't hold that kind of shit over people. That's purity test gatekeeping shit, which is wildly unethical. The important part is that they've learned and joined the rational crowd, not that they were late getting there. Better to get there late, than never at all.

Thank you for making this so comprehensive 🙏

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in creating your videos

It dropped just as I was looking for an answer

This video came just at the right time. Thank you ❤️

Perception is YOUR reality but not necessarily the reality

Very happy I discovered your channel. Keep it up. 👍

Thank you for this video!

Thank you, I really needed this video right now! I’m working hard to battle my habit of catastrophizing.

Very nicely done once more. Glad I found you're channel, every video is a gem!

thought-provoking and insightful. Thank you.

"Thanks for watching"... thanks for making.

The schism between reality and our incorrect beliefs always causes us suffering. If you believe you are terrible despite being an average person, the suffering is immediate and evident. Correcting this false belief can be a relief, as your self image goes from terrible > average. If you believe you are amazing when you are an average person, the suffering is delayed until your confidence is shattered. Your self image goes from amazing > average. Before you can change something you must see it objectively and accept it. That is why you must acknowledge who you truly are if you wish to improve. This isn't a one time event, but a continuous act of self assessment over your whole life.

Thanks for your content, it is a fine service to many!

Thank you for your wonderful channel. Your content has the ability to calm me down, make me reflect when needed and have a distance to myself.

Your videos are quite unique and helpful. Thank you!

thank you for beautiful reminder.

Your the best. Your voice, graphics, and content are fantastic. Thank-you

Thank you for the video.

this channel has so much value content. thank you so much

Congratulations on this, one of your most powerful messages so far. So well explained and with perfect examples. Been a fan of your work for a long while and, to me, it seems that your level of intellect has risen to new heights. I admire you and appreciate your generosity in what you do. What you present is more than worthwhile...it is PURE GOLD. With respect, your fan, Johanna. (yes I'm 1/2 Dutch & proud of it) family names are Plantinga & Buma

Great video, Einzel. Especially the ending😌

Another insightful video on stoicism.

I brought your book from Amazon , it's really helped me, thank you.

Thank for making such a good content for us.

One of your best videos 💯👍

I can't get enough of your videos. They have become a regular source of entertainment and inspiration in my life.

another beautiful video, thank you sir

I Really love your videos! The background sounds, images you use, the way you edit the videos. I really like this style! And you have a nice voice to listen to, it immediately calms me down haha. Keep it up and thank you so much for this great content! 🍀

Ive been binging your channel. Great content

The main point that the Stoics (like Epictetus and Seneca) were trying to convey is that we should have control over our own emotions and reactions. For example, if someone does something that makes you angry, should you start a fight with them? A fight would just lead to more consequences. Wouldn't it have been better if you just didn't get angry in the first place? There are, after all, ways to communicate your distaste without actually getting angry- and those may even lead to better results. This is true for ALL emotions. The idea is if we can figure out how to calm down and make ourselves immune to negative emotions, we can accomplish so much more in this life. The tricky part is actually figuring out how to make this happen. My tricks that have helped me maintain a work oriented mindset are just slightly difficult activities that distract me from my own mind. Epictetus says that one should make themselves more comfortable with being uncomfortable. When I wake up, I do jumping jacks. I play my favorite simple, but difficult video game every day (but not for too long). I go for hour long walks. All these activities have helped me. All these slightly difficult activities have helped me control and tame my subconscious mind. So yeah, that's what I would recommend for someone who struggles with over-thinking like I do. Life is too short and difficult for you to be wasting your time getting emotional and brooding over emotions.

Thanks for sharing. ❤

There is only one reality, but there are billions of perceptions of the one reality. Only the one is true.

I really like your videos, it helps me alot. Thank You.🙏🏻

As a man thinketh so is he. Thoughts are creative for better or worse. We get to choose, choose wisely. Thanks for this reminder.

Simple example: When i was a kid I used to live in a village and had a wild cat, she always rans away from me I once wanted to give her food but she ran away from me (She probably thought im dangerous or a threat) But her thoughts are not congruent to reality

“No one is more hated than the one who speaks the truth” This quote has a big big problem

I think we should not underestimate the amount of identification that is subject to the occurrence of thoughts. It accounts for a large amount if not all of the negative side effects involved in passing judgement.

this video is so true and helpful!!!

A thought has been plaguing me: what if the woman I love doesn't love me, what if she's just using me? And moreso, what if she's cheating on me? I had so many dreams about her cheating, about her leaving me, hating me, and even betraying me. But whenever I'm with her, none of that seems to be. Though some signs do appear, what if those "signs" were actually perception that is made by my mind, based on my thoughts? I find it godsend to see

"It’s one thing to question your mind. It’s another to question your eyes and ears. But then again, isn’t it all the same, our senses just mediocre inputs for our brain? Sure, we rely on them, trust they accurately portray the real world around us, but what if the haunting truth is, they can’t? That what we perceive isn’t the real world at all but just our mind’s best guess? That all we really have is a garbled reality, a fuzzy picture we will never truly make out."

I hope you update your podcasts please. I listen to it during bedtime - it's comforting

It's healthy to always be open to changing your opinion on things but another thing to keep in mind is just because everybody in the world thinks it's true doesn't mean it is.

Thanks!❤

I love your videos. They are so well-made and thoughtful. Thank you for your effort. Where do you get the animations from? They are awesome. I love that quote from Epictetus about death. That is something we all should ruminate about, that death is in fact indifferent, and it is something that will eventually happen to 100% of us at some point in time.

The Self is a working hypothesis about experience. How accurate it is is a matter of conjecture

NEEDED this right now. Thank you. I love Seneca because, the stuff he said always makes me go "god I HATE that he's right" lol

I just want to thank you for your channel. I listen to your videos very reguarly, and I don't think I would have found Taoism & Stoicism without you, and both of them have been absolutely essetial in having anything close to peace or happiness in my life, instead of the constant suffering it was before when I was alone.

I needed this so bad, thanks!! I am waiting for two things that are very important to me: 1) the marking of my master's thesis and 2) for a letter of a friend I really like. In both cases I catastrophize a lot, which gives me literally nightmares...

My boy did it again👏

From a Buddhist perspective, nothing precedes the mind. Absolutely so. The Dhammapada: Chapter 1, The Pairs, VERSE 1: "Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts suffering (dukkha) follows that person like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox." VERSE 2: "All mental phenomena have mind as their forerunner; they have mind as their chief; they are mind-made. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness (sukha) follows one like a shadow that never leaves." From a Buddhist perspective, the mind is like a mad monkey jumping from tree to tree, and it is incredibly hard to tame and put under control, way more difficult than one would at first think. That's what Vipassana meditation is good for. The human mind may be the most incredible creation of nature, its complexity is virtually unfathomable, and that makes it incredibly dangerous, too. Perhaps like nuclear energy, which in safe and controlled conditions may be deemed clean, efficient and highly productive, but when something goes wrong, the consequences may be absolutely devastating.

Thanks !

Thank you

Excellent video!

I can see some people who'd participate in a "summer of love" thanks to what they "think" is an injustice. That is dangerous, indeed.

I like your low key style of presentation Einzelganger. I personally don't need to know what you look like, or what your background is: just the actual message and accompanying quotes You do both well. 👍

Thank you.

Fantastic video: going deeper it would require much longer videos and it would add some hard layers of complexity, but, as you state, the insights on neuroscience and psycho-sociology are fundamental to understand the world we live in, hic et nunc. Keep on doing you amazing work. Thank You!

We need to practice mindfulness everyday, and then only it will make sense

you're amazing, thank you for educating us in such a pleasant and enjoyable way 💓 words are not enought to say how thankful I am

That's how I feel about intrusive thoughts. Just because you have them doesn't mean it's what you believe. Intrusive thoughts seem to be triggered by fear. You mind wonders what bad could happen, this leads to nervousness and more intrusive thoughts of bad things happening. Like stage freight for example, someone is unable to function on stage because they are using their thoughts to think what bad could happen instead of putting their thoughts of why they are on the stage to begin with. Just because you have an intrusive thought doesn't mean you believe it, It's more likely that you are worried that you could believe it. Don't let it worry you or cause you to act out of fear. let it trigger the reminder that's it's because you're worried you're having the thought and that you need be relaxed and calm.

It means that mind should be grounded in order to avoid delusion. At the same time, it doesn't mean that you should become naive and stupid. It means that your thoughts should have sense. And at the same time, you may find a treasure chest, under your toes, hidden in the deeper layers of the ground. So, being grounded is not a bad thing, especially if you're capable of finding a treasure chest beneath.

What I advise you to do is, not to be unhappy before the crisis comes; since it may be that the dangers before which you paled as if they were threatening you, will never come upon you; they certainly have not yet come. Accordingly, some things torment us more than they ought; some torment us before they ought; and some torment us when they ought not to torment us at all. We are in the habit of exaggerating, or imagining, or anticipating, sorrow. - Seneca The mind at times fashions for itself false shapes of evil when there are no signs that point to any evil; it twists into the worst construction some word of doubtful meaning; or it fancies some personal grudge to be more serious than it really is, considering not how angry the enemy is, but to what lengths he may go if he is angry. But life is not worth living, and there is no limit to our sorrows, if we indulge our fears to the greatest possible extent; in this matter, let prudence help you, and contemn with a resolute spirit even when it is in plain sight. If you cannot do this, counter one weakness with another, and temper your fear with hope. There is nothing so certain among these objects of fear that it is not more certain still that things we dread sink into nothing and that things we hope for mock us. Accordingly, weigh carefully your hopes as well as your fears, and whenever all the elements are in doubt, decide in your own favour; believe what you prefer. And if fear wins a majority of the votes, incline in the other direction anyhow, and cease to harass your soul, reflecting continually that most mortals, even when no troubles are actually at hand or are certainly to be expected in the future, become excited and disquieted. - Seneca We blow things out of proportion, over react and exaggerate. We are irrational at times making mountains out of mole hills. We make rash decisions based on preconceived notions based off one misconception.

good: fulfils intended purpose bad: does not fulfil intended purpose

Well.... I needed this. But, out of utter coincidence, my father was telling me the same thing earlier today haha. being told so and reaffirmed by someone you love is therapy itself. So, to anyone out there doubting themselves and their abilities, its all in your head and you are much better than you think :) don't let anyone or anything bring you down

Truly great 👍

Needed this one

Amazing one ❤🎉

Love your videos

These truths shall set you free.

I hear this read comments and understand, I understand this, but when I wake every morning the first thing that happens to me is a panic attack, every morning, I then spend the rest of the day with a knot in my stomach, I’m friendly to everyone, they don’t notice, I seem very upbeat and happy, but inside Im fighting for my life.

thank you

Thanks

I love all your videos

Excellent! ❤❤❤

That’s why I say, “If all we do is cause destruction amongst ourselves, others and the environment, then what gives us the right to live. I would rather die than live in a world of suffering.”

They don't think it be like it is, but it do.

The Dao has tied us together EG. My mind had questions you just answered - no reminded me. Thank you… again.

That's one of my biggest problem, i am overthinking about stuff will never happen.