THE Philosopher
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What percentage of your income goes to housing?
Anonymous Poll
37%
Under 20%
20%
20%-29.9%
18%
30%-39.9%
9%
40%-49.9%
16%
More than 50%
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They paid me $1 to post this. The Daily Poor sells out yet again
Abba Macarius, when in Egypt, found a man who had brought a beast to his cell and was stealing his possessions. As though he was a traveller, who did not live there, he went up to the thief and helped him to load the beast, and peaceably led him on his way, saying to himself: "We brought nothing into this world; but the Lord gave: as he willed, so it is done: blessed be the Lord in all things."
This passage, recounting an episode from the life of Abba Macarius, offers a profound illustration of the values of simplicity and non-attachment to material possessions. Macarius, upon discovering a thief stealing his belongings, reacts not with anger or resistance, but with assistance and a peaceful demeanor. This reaction is deeply rooted in the understanding that material possessions are transient and not essential to a fulfilling life.
In our modern context, this story contrasts sharply with the prevalent pursuit of luxury and material wealth. The superiority of a simple life, as exemplified by Macarius, lies in the freedom from attachment and the consequent peace of mind. While contemporary society often equates success with the accumulation of wealth and possessions, Macarius' actions remind us that true contentment and tranquility come from an inner state of being and from God rather than external acquisitions.
His quote, "We brought nothing into this world; but the Lord gave: as he willed, so it is done: blessed be the Lord in all things," reflects a profound acceptance of material impermanence and a deep faith in a higher order. This perspective encourages appreciating what one has and accepting life's changes with grace. In contrast, a life of luxury often entails constant worry about gaining or losing material wealth, leading to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction.
Moreover, Macarius' response to the thief embodies the virtues of compassion and understanding over material loss. His action serves as a powerful message that the value of human kindness and spiritual peace far outweighs the importance of physical possessions. In a world increasingly driven by consumerism and materialistic values, this story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound peace and fulfillment that can be found in a simple, unattached way of life.
They said of a monk, that the more bitterly anyone injured or assailed him, the more he was well-disposed to him; for he said: "People like this are a means to cure the faults of serious men. People who make them happy do their souls harm. For it is written: 'They that call thee blessed, deceive thee.'"
Some brothers came to a holy old man who lived in the desert; and outside the hermitage they found a boy tending the sheep and using ill-mannered words. After they had told the old man their thoughts and profited from his reply, they said: "Abba, why do you allow those boys to be here, and do not order them to stop hurling abuse at each other?" The old man said: "Believe me, my brothers, there are days when I want to order them, but I stop myself; saying, If I cannot put up with this little thing, how shall I put up with a serious temptation, if God ever lets me be so tempted? So I say nothing to them, and try to get a habit of enduring whatever happens."
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If you don't live in a city, you won't get to see the latest advertisements in person and will have to watch them through a Telegram post like a loser
Forwarded from THE Philosopher
January Limerick Contest
Get creative this January and join our limerick contest! We're celebrating the subtle joys and freedoms found in simpler living. Let's see how you can capture the channel's message in a limerick.
How to Enter:
- Craft a limerick that captures one of the themes of the channel, such as the joys of a simpler, less materialistic life, the superiority of small town and/or rural living to the life of urbanites, the selfishness of mainstream living, how great the🖼️ is, how nobody would like it in the 🖼️ , etc.
- Post your creation in the chat. You can reply here or post elsewhere in the chat – we'll make sure to find and consider all entries.
- No limit on number of entries, so long as it doesn't get spammy.
- Deadline is January 31st at 8:00 PM EST
Here are my terrible examples:
Prize:
The winner will receive a year of Telegram Premium for free the evening of January 31st.
Some additional entries will be posted to the channel.
Best of luck! This should be fun
Get creative this January and join our limerick contest! We're celebrating the subtle joys and freedoms found in simpler living. Let's see how you can capture the channel's message in a limerick.
How to Enter:
- Craft a limerick that captures one of the themes of the channel, such as the joys of a simpler, less materialistic life, the superiority of small town and/or rural living to the life of urbanites, the selfishness of mainstream living, how great the
- Post your creation in the chat. You can reply here or post elsewhere in the chat – we'll make sure to find and consider all entries.
- No limit on number of entries, so long as it doesn't get spammy.
- Deadline is January 31st at 8:00 PM EST
Here are my terrible examples:
With pockets so heavy with gold,
The rich move through life, uncontrolled.
But those with less weight,
Find an easier fate,
And their freedom is more than tenfold.
In a tiny town, where life is serene,
Folks find joy in a world so green.
With acres to roam,
And a modest home,
Their happiness is felt, not just seen.
The Superior Lake reflected the sky's clear blue,
And the U.P. seemed to be calling you.
But then you saw a bear,
Couldn't stand the cold air,
Knew you wouldn't like it here, and withdrew.
Prize:
The winner will receive a year of Telegram Premium for free the evening of January 31st.
Some additional entries will be posted to the channel.
Best of luck! This should be fun
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