humanity

The real-life lives of pot advocates, influences, growers, users, advocacy and more.

The Philosophy of Stoicism
You've been stranded thousands of miles from home with no money or possessions. Such a predicament would make many people despair and curse their awful fate. But for Zeno of Cyprus, it became the foundation of his life's work and legacy. The once wealthy merchant lost everything when he was shipwrecked in Athens around 300 BCE. With not much else to do, he wandered into a book shop, became intrigued by reading about Socrates, and proceeded to seek out and study with the city's noted philosophers. As Zeno began educating his own students, he originated the philosophy known as Stoicism, whose teachings of virtue, tolerance, and self-control have inspired generations of thinkers and leaders. The name Stoicism comes from the Stoa Poikile, the decorated public colonnade where Zeno and his disciples gathered for discussion. Today, we colloquially use the word stoic to mean someone who remains calm under pressure and avoids emotional extremes. But while this captures important aspects of Stoicism, the original philosophy was more than just an attitude. The Stoics believed that everything around us operates according to a web of cause and effect, resulting in a rational structure of the universe, which they called logos. And while we may not always have control over the events affecting us, we can have control over how we approach things. Rather than imagining an ideal society, the Stoic tries to deal with the world as it is while pursuing self-improvement through four cardinal virtues: practical wisdom, the ability to navigate complex situations in a logical, informed, and calm manner; temperance, the exercise of self-restraint and moderation in all aspects of life; justice, treating others with fairness even when they have done wrong; and courage, not just in extraordinary circumstances, but facing daily challenges with clarity and integrity. As Seneca, one of the most famous Roman Stoics wrote, "Sometimes, even to live is an act of courage." But while Stoicism focuses on personal improvement, it's not a self-centered philosophy. At a time when Roman laws considered slaves as property, Seneca called for their humane treatment and stressed that we all share the same fundamental humanity. Nor does Stoicism encourage passivity. The idea is that only people who have cultivated virtue and self-control in themselves can bring positive change in others. One of the most famous Stoic writers was also one of Rome's greatest emperors. Over the course of his 19-year reign, Stoicism gave Marcus Aurelius the resolve to lead the Empire through two major wars, while dealing with the loss of many of his children. Centuries later, Marcus's journals would guide and comfort Nelson Mandela through his 27-year imprisonment during his struggle for racial equality in South Africa. After his release and eventual victory, Mandela stressed peace and reconciliation, believing that while the injustices of the past couldn't be changed, his people could confront them in the present and seek to build a better, more just future. Stoicism was an active school of philosophy for several centuries in Greece and Rome. As a formal institution, it faded away, but its influence has continued to this day. Christian theologians, such as Thomas Aquinas, have admired and adopted its focus on the virtues, and there are parallels between Stoic Ataraxia, or tranquility of mind, and the Buddhist concept of Nirvana. One particularly influential Stoic was the philosopher Epictetus who wrote that suffering stems not from the events in our lives, but from our judgements about them. This has resonated strongly with modern psychology and the self-help movement. For example, rational emotive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the self-defeating attitudes people form about their life circumstances. There's also Viktor Frankl's logotherapy. Informed by Frankl's own time as a concentration camp prisoner, logotherapy is based on the Stoic principle that we can harness our will power to fill our lives with meaning, even in the bleakest situations.
By Ash Martin3 years ago in Potent
Superfoods
In today's fast-paced world, maintaining good health is of paramount importance. One way to achieve this is by incorporating superfoods into your diet. Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods that provide exceptional health benefits due to their high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. In this article, we will explore a variety of superfoods and learn how to incorporate them into your daily meals for a wholesome and nourishing diet.
By Hammed olayiwola 3 years ago in Potent
Unraveling the Green Enigma: My Unexpected Journey into the World of Cannabis
As a writer, I've always believed that the best way to know me is through my words. So, let me tell you a story about a time that changed my life forever, a time when I had a profound realization about a rather controversial plant - cannabis.
By Evan Brown3 years ago in Potent
Kill Your Anxiety With These DIY Herbal Smoking Blends
Herbal smoking has been an established tradition for a very long time, usually performed during shamanic ceremonies. Native American healers used herbs for Ayurvedic treatment, and smoking them brings out and realizes their benefits. When a plant is ignited, its active components become mobilized, and the energy is then passed to the smoker. The therapeutic benefits of deep inhalation are transferred to the bodily locations that require healing.
By Rootbound Homestead3 years ago in Potent
The Power of Positive Thinking
Introduction In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, cultivating a positive mindset can be a transformative force. The power of positive thinking lies in its ability to shape our perceptions, attitudes, and ultimately, our outcomes. By embracing optimism, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities and invite positive change into our lives. In this article, we will explore the profound impact of positive thinking and delve into real-life examples that illustrate its transformative potential.
By McQueen Matt3 years ago in Potent
Civil Disturbance
We’re sitting underneath the overpass, Molly and I, lights off, motor on, staring through the windshield at the row of houses up the hill. On Molly’s lap, propped against the steering wheel, is the clipboard with the street addresses, about fifty of them, listed alongside the pertinent info—name, age, etc.—culled from the Internet and written in her perfect handwriting, evidence that she had gone to a good school in the suburbs. It’s getting dark and it’s getting cold, and neither one of us has said more than a few passive-aggressive sentences to the other, like when I thanked her for putting her window up, as if she’d done me a big favor. “You’re welcome,” she said, but she only closed it halfway. The bickering had started after we both got home from work; first we were arguing, and then we were shouting, and then she disappeared into the bedroom and slammed the door hard, emerging fifteen minutes later, composed, dressed, and ready to go. Today’s particular conflict had been set in motion by the banal—who’d left a cereal bowl in the sink—but obviously indicated a wider problem. Plus, it was compounded by the latest poll numbers, which put our candidate three points behind, with three days to go until the election. “The personal is political,” Molly always says, implying that if we break up it won’t be her fault. Meanwhile, the future of the city hangs in the balance, things going from bad to worse—public transportation, mail delivery, garbage removal—thanks to the mayor, six terms and still nothing to show for it. “Look at the data,” she tells me, but I never know what data she’s talking about. She’s the one with the poli-sci degree in this relationship, socially engaged and crunching numbers, and I’m the former high-school jock, lettering in three sports at the expense of my G.P.A. Sometimes I’ll wake in the middle of the night and see her next to me, looking at her laptop, pie charts glowing up in her face. In the beginning, when times were good, this would have been something of an aphrodisiac, her passion and intelligence radiating beneath the covers. Now she’s all business. Now there’s no time to lose. She says, “The mayor is ipso jure unlawful.” She uses Latin. She uses words like “populace.” She talks as if she were composing a term paper with footnotes. Later, I’ll look things up and still not understand. “The only question that remains,” she says, “is whether the populace has the strength to take matters into its own hands.”
By Sajeeth3 years ago in Potent
10 Essential Techniques to boost your website's ranking . Content Warning.
Title: 10 Essential SEO Techniques to Boost Your Website's Ranking: Unleash Viral Success Introduction: In the digital landscape, where competition is fierce, search engine optimization (SEO) is the key to unlocking your website's potential and driving massive organic traffic. By implementing the right techniques, you can propel your website to the top of search engine rankings and create viral success. This article presents 10 essential SEO techniques that will supercharge your website's visibility, increase user engagement, and optimize conversions. From keyword research to captivating content, let's dive into the strategies that will make your website go viral.
By Shamreena3 years ago in Potent
TECHNOLOGY AND LAZZINESS
Humans have benefited from technology in many different ways. Our lives have become simpler, more effective, and more fruitful as a result. We have been able to connect with people from all around the world and learn more about the world around us thanks to it.
By Zenia Samson3 years ago in Potent
Supporting Students' Emotional Resilience and Self-Esteem
ntroduction: Emotional resilience and self-esteem are critical components of a student's overall well-being and success. In today's fast-paced and demanding world, students face various challenges that can impact their emotional well-being and self-preserving. Therefore, it is essential for educators and parents to actively support and nurture students' emotional resilience and self-esteem. This article explores the significance of emotional resilience and self-esteem, and provides practical strategies to foster and enhance these qualities in students.
By Ademola Samuel 3 years ago in Potent
Leadership. Content Warning.
What is Leadership? The activity of driving a gather of individuals or an organization Leadership in trade is the capacity of a company's administration to set and accomplish challenging objectives, take quick and definitive action when needed, outflank the competition, and rouse others to perform at the most elevated level they can,
By umamanidrah3 years ago in Potent
LASER THERAPY CAPS
Laser Therapy Caps are wearable devices that use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to help regrow hair in individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning. This technology is clinically proven and FDA-cleared, meaning it has been shown to be safe and effective for use.
By yosef yosef3 years ago in Potent
LAND YOUR DREAM JOB WITH THESE SIMPLE AND EASY STEPS BY STEP GUIDE
Correct job search One simple advantage of searching for a job you are qualified for is that it increases your chances of securing employment. When you apply for positions that align with your skills, experience, and qualifications, you are more likely to meet the requirements of the role and stand out as a strong candidate. This can result in a higher likelihood of receiving interview invitations and ultimately being offered the job. Additionally, when you apply for jobs that match your qualifications, you can demonstrate your expertise and contribute to the organization more effectively from day one, leading to a smoother transition and potentially faster career growth.
By Solomon Odeniyi3 years ago in Potent