“Above all, it is necessary for a person to have a true self-estimate, for we commonly think we can do more than we really can.” Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind, 5.2

The trump was asked who his heroes are. He stated that he didn’t have heroes but mentioned his father who taught him how to be a good negotiator and salesman at which point he took off talking about himself. I don’t think this man is  capable of a true self estimate. He will never look away from his mirror.

“An important place to begin in philosophy is this…a clear perception of one’s own ruling principle.” Epictetus, Discourses, 1.26.15

Resist

“When children stick their hand done a narrow goody jar they can’t get their full fist out and start crying. Drop a few treats and you will get it out! Curb your desire–don’t set your heart on so many things and you will get what you need.” Epictetus, Discourses, 3.9.22

The trump has his hand in the goody jar but he is to greedy to unclench his fist. This will be his downfall.

“The soul is like a bowl of water, and our impressions are like the ray of light falling upon the water. When the water is troubled, it appears that the light itself is moved too, but it isn’t. So, when a person loses their composure it isn’t their skill and virtues that are troubled, but the spirit in which they exist, and when that spirit calms down so do those things.”

After watching the trump’s press conference, I don’t think his spirit calms down. It looks like he is wound tight all the time. Now he has lied about setting up a blind trust and Republicans don’t even blink. They are as slimy as the trump and all out to be run out of DC.

“Of all the things that are, some are good, others bad, and yet others indifferent. The good are virtues and all that share in them, the bad are the vices and all that indulge them, the indifferent lie in between virtue and vice and include wealth, health, life, death, pleasure, and pain.” Epictetus, Discourses, 2.19.12b-13

I should accept the USA is going down a dark road. The future president will lead us with lies, corruption, greed and the vices and will indulge in them as everyone stands back and allows him. Let us live a virtuous life for those who choose to RESIST and be the arrowhead that brings him down.

“Another has done me wrong? Let him see to it. He has his own tendencies, and his own affairs. What I have now is what the common nature has willed, and what I endeavor to accomplish now is what my nature wills.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.25

These postings is letting my nature wills as an outlet to deal with the crook, conman, lying piece of shit, the trump.

“Keep a list before your mind of those who burned with anger and resentment about something, of even the must renowned for success, misfortune,evil deeds, or any special distinction. Then ask yourself, how did that work out? Smoke and dust, the stuff of simple myth trying to be legend…”

The trump

“Keep in mind that it isn’t the one who has it in for you and takes a swipe that harms you, but rather the harm comes from your own belief about the abuse. So when someone arouses your anger, know that it’s really your  own opinion fueling it. Instead make it your first response not to be carried away by such impressions, for with time and distance self-mastery is more easily achieved.” Epictetus, Enchiridion,20

Considering the trump’s lies that come every day or mainly when he opens his mouth it is best to consider the source, and just stayed focused on the goal of seeing him no longer the president.

“You shouldn’t give circumstances the power to rouse anger, for they don’t care at all.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.38

Would the trump follow this advice in foreign policy? Look out world for I think not.

“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 the 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

Well I believe the trump would end his tweets if he would adhere to this advice.