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February 26
Day 57/365: Epictetus on novelty
Logan
February 26, 2025
Welcome to The Stoic Ledger, a daily money meditation from one of the Stoic sages.
57/365: Epictetus on novelty
“Like an ape, you mimic all you see, and one thing after another is sure to please you, but is out of favor as soon as it becomes familiar. For you have never entered upon anything considerately, nor after having viewed the whole matter on all sides, or made any scrutiny into it, but rashly, and with a cold inclination.” – Epictetus
Pursuing more wealth seems good because it excites the layers of our psychological makeup that are inclined toward novelty.
More wealth enables more choice, more material quests, more access, more.
These new things are exciting until they become familiar.
Have you experienced this?
The anticipation of building the new house fades after you become accustomed to it. Then, you just focus on the problems of the current and the aspirations of the future.
The mental tingles from driving the new bmw wear off. It’s just a car now. You’re used to it, it’s no longer novel.
The position you desperately wanted and eagerly interviewed for is now just a job. The novelty of the new role is gone, it’s familiar now.
Epictetus is imploring us to be a little more considerate in our approach; to walk a full circle for the full picture.
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