1. The basic characteristics and abilities of a reasonable soul are this: knowing oneself, having self-control, shaping oneself, and reaping one’s own rewards. Animals and plants, on the other hand, give their fruits to others, not to themselves. When a soul’s life comes to an end, it still has its own conclusion. Unlike dancers and performers, the soul can find completion and fulfillment at any point, and can leave confidently knowing it has lived fully. The soul has a deep understanding of the world, sees through its superficiality and understands the eternal nature of things. The soul comprehends the cyclical nature of existence and recognizes that nothing truly new will be experienced after you reach a certain age. It is inherently human to love others, be honest and respectful, and prioritize oneself. This is reflected in the law, showing that true reason and justice are aligned, and that justice should be the main goal for reasonable beings.

2. A lit song or dance; the Pancratiast’s exercise,¹ and sports that you’re really into, you’ll easily brush off; if you break down the chill voice into its individual sounds and ask yourself if each sound really matters. In the end, you’ll feel embarrassed about it. Same goes for the movements and poses of a dancer; and also for the physical workout of a wrestler. Basically, anything aside from being a good person and doing good things that you’re super into, remember to break it down like this and then you won’t care about it as much. Apply this mindset to your entire life too.

3. OMG, imagine how lit and blessed it would be for the soul to be like always ready to bounce from the bod, whether it’s like peace out, spreading out, or moving to a new vibe and place. But like, it’s important for that readiness to come from a chill and wise mindset, not like forcing it or being all dramatic and stubborn like some religious peeps. It should come from like a wise judgment and vibe, so it can inspire others and draw them in too, without all the extra drama and loud emotions.

4. Have I been charitable at all? If so, have I gained anything from it. Make sure to always remind yourself of this, and constantly think about it. What is your purpose? to do good. And how can this be achieved, except through certain rules and teachings; some about the universe’s nature, and some specifically about human nature?

5. Tragedies were originally brought in to remind people about the ups and downs of life, to show that these things happen in the natural order of things. Basically, tragedies show that if you can handle little setbacks, you can handle bigger problems. It’s like a reality check, making you realize that even when you’re going through tough times, you have to face them head-on. The ancient comedies that followed were all about calling out people’s bad behavior, which was actually a good way to keep folks humble. Poets back then said some real truths, like accepting that sometimes the gods don’t come through for you and learning to deal with life’s challenges without losing your cool. The main goal of these dramatic performances was to entertain and showcase top-notch acting skills. Each type of comedy had its purpose, but at the end of the day, they were all about telling relatable stories and putting on a good show.

6. How obvious is it to you that the way you’re living right now is basically the perfect way for a legit philosopher to do their thing?

7. Bro, if you separate yourself from others, you’re basically ghosting the squad. Hating on someone is just cutting yourself off from the crew, not realizing you’re also isolating yourself from the community as a whole. The cool part is, God’s got our backs and gives us a second chance to come back together. But if you keep ghosting, it’s gonna be even harder to come back and be chill again. Like, you can’t just reconnect like nothing happened – there will always be a scar from the break.

8. To vibe together like branches in good communication and love; but not when it comes to opinions. If someone tries to stop you from doing the right thing, don’t let it affect how you feel about them. Stay true to yourself in making good decisions and being kind, even when others try to bring you down or disagree with you. Giving up out of fear or losing your love for someone who should be both your friend and family is weak and cowardly.

9. It’s like, there’s no way nature can be less dope than art, ’cause all arts copy nature. So if nature is like the dopest and most basic, it’s super unlikely she would be less skilled than arts. Like, in all arts, they make things worse in order to make ’em better. Nature totally does the same thing. That’s why justice is like, the first thing. All the other virtues come from justice. ‘Cause if we get too caught up in world stuff, or are always getting tricked or acting all reckless, then justice can’t survive.

10. This is saying that you shouldn’t stress too much about trying to get or avoid things because ultimately they don’t come to you, you have to go to them. You should just relax and let go of your strong feelings about these things, and remember that they are just things and they don’t have any power over you.

11. Is the soul like a perfect sphere, shining with light, seeing and understanding the true nature of the universe and itself, as Empedocles describes it?

12. Will anyone diss me? Let them deal with that, on what basis they do it: I’ll make sure I never act or say anything that really deserves to be dissed. Will anyone hate me? Let them deal with that. I’ll be kind and loving to everyone, even to someone who hates me, whoever they are, I’ll be ready to point out their mistake, not to show off my patience, but honestly and humbly: like that famous Phocion, unless he was faking it. Because it’s what’s inside that counts: so that the Gods, who see inwardly and not just on the surface, can see a man truly free from anger and sadness. Because what harm can it be to you whatever anyone else does, as long as you can do what’s right and fitting to your own nature? Won’t you (a person completely meant to be whatever and however the common good requires) accept what is currently appropriate to the nature of the universe?

13. They be dissin’ each other, but still tryna impress each other: and while tryna outshine each other in material stuff and clout, they straight up degrade and sell out their true selves to each other.

14. Dang, he’s so fake and phony, talking about being all genuine and straightforward towards you in the future. Bro, like what even? Why you gotta say that? Your actions should speak louder than your words. It should be obvious without you having to announce it. Your true self should be written all over your face. As soon as you start talking, your face should reveal what you’re really thinking, like when someone loves you, they can tell what’s up just by looking at you. Anybody who’s truly real and kind should be like that, so genuine that people can sense it from them even though they might not be trying. But pretending to be simple is not cool. Betraying a friendship is the worst. You gotta steer clear of that at all costs. But real goodness, straightforwardness, and kindness can’t be hidden, ’cause like we already said, it’ll always come through in your eyes and face.

15. Living your best life is like, all about your mindset, you know? It’s like, you gotta be chill about stuff that doesn’t really matter, and see the big picture. Like, nothing out there can mess with you unless you let it. You have the power to control your thoughts and not let negativity creep in. And don’t forget, this attitude is only temporary – life is short. So why not make the most out of every situation? If it vibes with your values, then go for it and enjoy it. But if it goes against your true self, then stay true to who you are. It’s totally fine to look out for your own happiness and well-being.

16. Bro, you gotta think about where things come from, what they’re made of, and what they’ll turn into. Like, what’s their nature and what they’re gonna be like after they change, ya know? And remember, no harm in change. Also, don’t let other people’s dumb or shady stuff stress you out. Think about your connection to them. We’re all here to help each other out. And like, if you’re meant to lead, then lead, man. And think even bigger – if atoms didn’t start everything, then there’s a higher power running the show. And like, everything bad has a purpose for the greater good. And other people’s actions at the dining table, in bed, and stuff, don’t let it get to you. Jus’ chill and remember that they might not even know better. And bro, you ain’t perfect either, so don’t judge too hard. And like, life is short, don’t sweat the small stuff. And like, sins aren’t what bother us, it’s our perception of them. Change your mindset, and you’ll change your anger. Stay humble and patient, show love even to those who wrong you. And remember, it’s cool to live peacefully. Being mad ain’t cool, stay calm and show your strength. Bro, it’s impossible for there to be no bad people in the world, just focus on not being one of them. Don’t be a tyrant, be chill.

17. There are like four vibes or mental habits that you gotta pay attention to, and like, once you notice them, you gotta fix them. So like, whenever you catch yourself doing these things, you gotta be like, nah that’s not necessary, that’s uncool, that’s not you talking, that’s just dumb. And for the last one, you gotta really call yourself out for letting your higher self get dragged down by your basic urges and desires.

18. Like fr, if you got air or fire vibes in you, even if they wanna be all high up in the sky, they still gotta chill down here in this mix of a bod. and if you’re holding onto that earthy or wet energy, even though it’s tryna sink low, it’s still getting lifted up against its will and staying strong. the elements themselves gotta follow the universe’s rules and just stay put wherever they’re put, until they dip out. isn’t it wild that your mind, the only part of you that should know better, can’t just stay in its lane and do its thing? it ain’t even forced to go against its nature, just has to act right. can’t be compared to fire or air heading towards their element, cuz it’s out here going the wrong way. when your mind starts messing with injustice, losing control, feeling sad, or getting scared, that’s just straight-up straying from your true self. getting upset about stuff that God let happen is also wandering off track. cuz your mind was made for goodness and worship, that’s about being humble and accepting whatever God’s plan is; jus like being fair. those are the basics we gotta follow to vibe with others and make things right.

19. If you don’t have a consistent goal throughout your life, you can’t really stay true to yourself. But it’s not enough to just have a goal – you also need to know what that goal should be. Just like not everyone agrees on what’s good, your goal should be something that benefits everyone, not just yourself. When you focus all your actions on a common and social goal, you’ll be more consistent and true to yourself.

20. Remember that story about the country mouse and the city mouse, and how shook they were?

21. Socrates used to say that the popular beliefs and opinions of people are just scary myths that silly kids are afraid of.

22. The Spartans used to reserve seats and benches in the shade for their guests at events, they were fine with sitting anywhere themselves.

23. Socrates basically said he couldn’t come because he didn’t want to be in a situation where he couldn’t repay someone for their kindness.

24. In the old secret writings of the Ephesians, it’s like saying a guy should always be thinking about some cool ancient dudes.

25. The Pythagoreans used to make it a habit to early in the morning, the first thing they did was look up at the sky to remind themselves of those who always did what they were supposed to do: and also to remind themselves to be orderly, pure, and straightforward. Because no star or planet has anything blocking it.

26. What Socrates looked like when he had to put on a skin because his wife Xanthippe took away his clothes and went out with them. And what he said to his friends who were embarrassed and decided to leave when they saw him dressed like that.

27. Like, when it comes to writing or reading, you gotta learn first before you can actually do it. Same goes for life – you gotta get some teaching and stuff. ‘Cause like, you’re basically born just following your senses and basic feelings; you don’t know true knowledge or solid reasoning without being taught.

28. My heart felt all warm and happy. They’re gonna come at even the good people with mean and shameful words.

29. Like, if you’re craving figs in the winter when they’re impossible to find, that’s how it feels when you’re yearning for kids but haven’t had any yet.

30. ‘Like, Epictetus was all about reminding you to cherish the present moment, you know? He’s like, every time a dad kisses his kid, he should low-key think to himself, “yo, tomorrow this could all be gone.” But, like, it’s not really a bad omen; it’s just, like, natural, bro. It’s just, like, saying that picking grapes when they’re ready is a normal part of life. Whether they’re green, ripe, dried, or raisins, it’s all part of the flow of life, you feel me? Different stages and changes, but it’s all part of the same vine.’

30. ‘Yo, check out this quote from Epictetus: “Of the free will there is no thief or robber.” He’s talkin’ ’bout how we gotta be mindful of our thoughts and keep ’em in check, stay open-minded and see things for what they really are. He also says we should avoid longing for stuff too much and focus on what we can control. Like, our battles aren’t about petty stuff, but about whether we’re actin’ like fools or using wisdom from philosophy. Socrates chimes in too, askin’ if we want souls of rational or irrational peeps, and we should aim for those with sound minds. So, why all the drama then? Let’s just embrace reason and stop goin’ back and forth.’