This was one of the most grounding and clear-eyed pieces I’ve read in a long time. The reminder that real pleasure stems from tension, contrast, and the willingness to wait—not just from input or novelty—hit me square in the chest. I’ve been doing some work around mental health and mindfulness, and this idea of subtractive living as a gateway to deeper joy has been showing up a lot lately. Grateful for how you put it into words.
Exactly what I needed to read upon awakening this morning. I've been having a very hard time getting up in the morning, not because I haven't rested, but because I dread the coming day with its various noon-day demons.
I love this entry. Sometimes I find myself being restless on my most productive days. Like I need to shove more in to my day in order to feel complete. Never works and just wears me down more. Sometimes just calling it a day might help create some natural tension. Interesting thought. An exercise in balance
As someone fairly recently retired, i relate to this. I spent 40 years working hard and too often resenting it, looking towards the beacon of retirement. While retirement is excellent in all the predictable ways, it was not until I began to drive myself with personal projects, and maintained that discipline, that I began to truly value my new hard earned freedom. And there is an emptiness to the days I’m not applying self-discipline.
And there is another important lesson from your post, which is the importance of developing these habits when you’re young because with the shining beacon of retirement sometimes comes health issues. I took my health for granted most of my life and while my health isn’t too bad, it is far from what it was.
On a separate note, as a paid subscriber, I was never offered the manual. Can you rectify that?
Hello Paul, I love the example you’ve given from your personal life. It adds more texture to what I’ve written.
I also hope you regain some of your youthful vigor and your health becomes better as you age — you can check out the ‘Science based health tools’ section for more on this. You have exclusive access.
I’m sorry you didn’t get your copy. Could you provide me with the e-mail you used to upgrade so I can sort it out right away?
I loved this essay! It made me dig deep to understand myself. It helps! Its just what I needed. Being miserable has been difficult to understand and now I think i know why I am miserable. I didn't realize it. Thanks! Perfect perspective of what makes us feel joy!
I appreciate this essay. It offers valuable insights on how to truly savor life's pleasures by intentionally creating space and distance from the activities we enjoy. This absence will help us recognize and appreciate the things we desire (need) with greater significance and a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Thank you.
This is an incredibly well-articulated piece! You're absolutely right — if we're constantly surrounded by the things we enjoy, we will always take them for granted. You never know how much you take electricity for granted until a hurricane hits and your power goes out. Thank you for writing this!
I love this entry. It resonates with me. Sometimes we lose our zest for life because we are always chasing something. We need to slow down, be present. All we need is here we don’t need more.
This is kinda recursive.. brilliant.. and reads like the residue after a cage match between Nietczhe and Kierkegaard.. I feel like I've been here before..
This was one of the most grounding and clear-eyed pieces I’ve read in a long time. The reminder that real pleasure stems from tension, contrast, and the willingness to wait—not just from input or novelty—hit me square in the chest. I’ve been doing some work around mental health and mindfulness, and this idea of subtractive living as a gateway to deeper joy has been showing up a lot lately. Grateful for how you put it into words.
I appreciate you reading Matt <3
And I appreciate your posts!! Keep em’ coming!
I think you have once again provided me with the insight I need. Thank you.
Exactly what I needed to read upon awakening this morning. I've been having a very hard time getting up in the morning, not because I haven't rested, but because I dread the coming day with its various noon-day demons.
I appreciate you reading Bob. I wish you a good day ahead 🥂
I love this entry. Sometimes I find myself being restless on my most productive days. Like I need to shove more in to my day in order to feel complete. Never works and just wears me down more. Sometimes just calling it a day might help create some natural tension. Interesting thought. An exercise in balance
Exactly JT. I love that it resonated with you 🥂
You make great content. It has helped me immensely with this time of high stress. Good way to zoom out
Feelings are a flighty guide.
Stay close to virtue in thought and act.
Eventually your whim will align with want and need.
Seems like the best tasting foods are simple foods, after productive work. And the hell with Jones’s keep it simple and live your own life.
I hope this statement was on subject of the article.
As someone fairly recently retired, i relate to this. I spent 40 years working hard and too often resenting it, looking towards the beacon of retirement. While retirement is excellent in all the predictable ways, it was not until I began to drive myself with personal projects, and maintained that discipline, that I began to truly value my new hard earned freedom. And there is an emptiness to the days I’m not applying self-discipline.
And there is another important lesson from your post, which is the importance of developing these habits when you’re young because with the shining beacon of retirement sometimes comes health issues. I took my health for granted most of my life and while my health isn’t too bad, it is far from what it was.
On a separate note, as a paid subscriber, I was never offered the manual. Can you rectify that?
Hello Paul, I love the example you’ve given from your personal life. It adds more texture to what I’ve written.
I also hope you regain some of your youthful vigor and your health becomes better as you age — you can check out the ‘Science based health tools’ section for more on this. You have exclusive access.
I’m sorry you didn’t get your copy. Could you provide me with the e-mail you used to upgrade so I can sort it out right away?
Have a great day Paul.
Sure, Is there a non public channel for you where I can share my contact info? I don’t see anything from the app.
Yes. Send it to me at admin@thestoicmanual.com
This is a great piece and so very true. It's all about not taking things for granted too. Thank you for a thought provoking read
Don’t mention it Rachel <3
I loved this essay! It made me dig deep to understand myself. It helps! Its just what I needed. Being miserable has been difficult to understand and now I think i know why I am miserable. I didn't realize it. Thanks! Perfect perspective of what makes us feel joy!
I’m glad it resonated and you enjoyed it Wanda! <3
I appreciate this essay. It offers valuable insights on how to truly savor life's pleasures by intentionally creating space and distance from the activities we enjoy. This absence will help us recognize and appreciate the things we desire (need) with greater significance and a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Thank you.
Exactly Torres! Life is at its sweetest and best when we’re longing 🥂I appreciate you taking the time to read.
I think love it’s a very important part of life.We need love to continue.It’s part of us.
Really like this post. Keep up the good work
Thank you Steli 🥂
This is an incredibly well-articulated piece! You're absolutely right — if we're constantly surrounded by the things we enjoy, we will always take them for granted. You never know how much you take electricity for granted until a hurricane hits and your power goes out. Thank you for writing this!
I love the example you’ve given Carissa. I appreciate your time and your kind words 🥂
I love this entry. It resonates with me. Sometimes we lose our zest for life because we are always chasing something. We need to slow down, be present. All we need is here we don’t need more.
Thanks for sharing.
Exactly Brian. All we need is in this moment.
Great work. This is exactly what I need in this moment.
Glad it resonated Max!
This is kinda recursive.. brilliant.. and reads like the residue after a cage match between Nietczhe and Kierkegaard.. I feel like I've been here before..
Flattered! Thank you for taking the time to read redbert 🥂
Wise advise on how to live