May 11
Guilt Is Worse Than Jail
Today’s Daily Stoic Meditation outlines that living a life free of guilt, no matter how challenging it may be, is a great component of peace of mind.
“The greatest portion of peace of mind is doing nothing wrong. Those who lack self-control live disoriented and disturbed lives.”
— SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 105.7
Guilt
What?
Guilt itself is the feeling of having done something wrong, and therefore after, feeling bad about it. It’s a form of self reflection.
Guilt often occurs when one has acted out of accordance with theirmorals or values, and perhaps have hurt somebody in the process.
This primarily happens when an individual feels that they have acted against their own personal beliefs & principles or socially accepted moral standards.
Guilt Is Worse Than Jail
It can be said that the penetrating feeling of guilt is just like being trapped in a cell.
Many would say that guilt is even worse than jail.
Guilt is something that eats up at people, that tears them down slowly but surely.
Guilt can be an enemy! In the way it traps you and holds you hostage.
When you feel guilty for an act you have committed, it is often very hard to move on from it, and even harder to improve.
Guilt often sticks by you, no matter what you do.
This is why it can be so damaging.
A Life Free Of Guilt
An antidote to this immense guilt that people feel is to simply live a life free of it!
Of course, I say simply, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy.
It is just the simple truth.
As Seneca outlines,
“Those who lack self-control live disoriented and disturbed lives.”
It is the lack of self control and the lack of morals that causes such disruptions as guilt.
When you lack self control, when you have no ruling reason to govern over your actions, chaos ensues. This chaos leads to immense guilt.
You must prioritise a life free of guilt.
You must cultivate a life in which you always choose good, where you do the honourable action.
Action Points
It is your responsibility to live a life free of guilt.
This will not be easy, however, it is incredibly worth it.
Try your hardest to keep a hold of yourself, your actions and your thoughts.
Cultivate a strong ruling reason that governs over your actions, so that things do not become out of hand!
