A few rules
Thirteen norms, mostly about what not to do.
These are older than the framework and they hold it up. They come from the Stoics, who understood that most of staying proportionate is about what you decline to do. I keep them where I can see them. People I work with tend to adopt a few.
Don’t be overheard complaining, even to yourself.
Marcus Aurelius
Don’t put on airs about your self-improvement.
Epictetus
Don’t overindulge in eating or drinking.
Musonius Rufus
Don’t speak more than you listen.
Zeno
Don’t avoid difficulty.
Seneca
Don’t tie your identity to the clothes you wear or the things you own.
Cato
Don’t put off to tomorrow what can be finished today.
Seneca
Don’t conceal what you truly believe.
Arius Didymus
Don’t go along just to get along.
Agrippinus
Don’t shun people you disagree with.
Seneca
Don’t be all about business.
Marcus Aurelius
Don’t neglect your friendships.
Seneca
Don’t waste time thinking you’ll live forever.
All of them
The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.
Marcus Aurelius
