What’s better left unsaid

Ship: Johnny
Date: 22.02.2025
Position: Nordatlantik hinter den Bahamas
Nautical Position: 26°18,5’N 076°51,8’W
Etmal: 145,7 sm
Total: 8750 sm

Jacob always started the first English lessons with a book he would recommend throughout the entire journey: „The Daily Stoic“!

„The Daily Stoic“ is a philosophy book containing quotations from famous Stoics such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca or Plutarch, and every day you get a new quote on a different topic. With these relatively short quotes, we are not only learning sophisticated English, but we are also getting a firm introduction to philosophy. Julius currently has the book, but it has already gone through many hands. And today, I will show you what Plutarch has to say about February 22nd:

„Cato practiced the kind of public speech capable of moving the masses, believing proper political philosophy takes care, like any great city, to maintain the warlike element. But he was never seen practicing in front of others, and no one ever heard him rehearse a speech. When he was told that people blamed him for his silence, he replied, ‚Better they not blame my life. I begin to speak only when I’m certain what I’ll say isn’t better left unsaid.'“
– PLUTARCH, „CATO THE YOUNGER, 4“

When Cato entered politics, many expected great things from him: stirring speeches, roaring condemnations, wise analyses. He was aware of this pressure – a pressure that exists on all of us at all times – but he resisted.

It’s easy to pander to the mob (and to our ego), but instead, he waited and prepared himself. He parsed his own thoughts, made sure he was not reacting emotionally, selfishly, ignorantly or prematurely. Only then would he speak- when he was confident that his words were worthy of being heard.

To do this requires awareness, it requires us to stop and evaluate ourselves honestly. Can you do that?

And with that question, I wish you a good morning, good evening, and good night…

Greetings:

Daniela: Alles Gute zum Geburtstag Lotta, Milena und Elena🎉 Ich hoffe, ihr hattet einen besseren Tag als ich (hab‘ mal wieder ins Waschbecken gekotzt).

Carlotta: Hallo Fridi, ich vermisse Dich ganz dolle und freue mich schon, wenn wir uns ganz bald wiedersehen😘🥰❤️❤️