This is Geeky Stoics, a podcast from GeekyStoics.com about the eternal wisdom beneath the surface of your favorite stories. This week we have a reflection on Anakin Skywalker’s fall, and a connection to C.S. Lewis’ writings on Right & Wrong.
Read it here:
What do we make excuses for?
We make excuses for a short temper, that time you screamed at a child because you were “tired and hungry” (AKA hangry), we broke our marriage vows because we were “lonely”, “drunk” or “resentful”.
No one makes excuses for Right action, such as helping a person up off the ground when they’ve fallen down or not screaming at a child when they’re tired. When we do Right, we ascribe that virtue to ourselves in a self-congratulatory manner.
Wrong things: we finger-point and blame.
Right things: we pat ourselves on the back.
Because we know what is Right.
As Yoda said, when you are still, listening, calm, and at peace — you know what the good side is and can distinguish it from the bad.
You’ve always known.
The key is creating space in your life for calm, peace, and necessary quiet. Find it, or build it into your day. Guard it with prejudice.
How Am I To Know What Is "Right"?