Stoic Wisdom from the Bearded Depths: The Craiglang Chronicles v🧔 📚 🍻🚀💭
Craig McKay
Author of the "Bearded Basturds - Quantum Whiskers: The Hairy Path to Higher Consciousness Series
In the spirit of recognising that living with integrity is a challenge to be met daily, through each decision and action, I find it compelling to share another page from my book, 365 Days of Bearded Wisdom. This selection, while expressed with a touch of humour, comes from an unlikely source of philosophical inspiration—Victor McDade, the stoic-like character from the beloved series Still Game and a firm favourite of mine. On the surface, Victor's reflections might seem cloaked in jest, yet they resonate deeply with the essence of our posts about Stoics and Philosophy.
Through Victor's metaphor of not giving into fear and taking action, we are reminded of the vigilance and persistence required in the pursuit of living with integrity. It's about the commitment to personal growth, even when faced with the appealing ease of complacency. This passage, humorous at face value, underscores a profound truth about the continuous labour of character cultivation, mirroring our discussions and stories shared in this blog series. It encourages us to keep tending to our gardens, ensuring the weeds of dishonesty and inauthenticity are pulled, allowing the flowers of integrity and sincerity to flourish.
In the spirit of living fearlessly and taking action, regardless of the challenges that may scare you, here is the quote from old Victor.
365 Days of Bearded Wisdom: A Furry Odyssey of Stoicism: An explosion of rebellious thoughts, all wrapped up in beard-tickling delight - Book Excerpt...
"He who hingeth aboot getteth hee haw" - Victor McDade
And so, with the wisdom of Victor McDade echoing in our ears - "He who hingeth aboot getteth hee haw" - we boldly dive into the wild abyss of follicular freedom. We must apologize for the detour into the realm of Scottish sitcom staples, but rest assured, it's all in service of our shared whiskered journey. In the world of Still Game, these words served as a hilarious reminder of life's absurdities. In the bearded realm, they take on a more profound meaning. To 'hing aboot' is to hesitate, to linger in the shadows of conformity and mundanity. But as Bearded Basturds, we know that doing so will yield 'hee haw' - nothing of value. We must step out, beard-first, into the sunlit glades of individuality and face the world with bristly bravado. Let us not hang about in the plain and pedestrian, but charge into the fray, our beards a banner of our individuality. We don't just grow our beards, we cultivate them with the patience of masters and the spirit of rebels. It’s an art form, a rebellion against the clean-shaven conventions of society. Every stroke of the brush through our beards is a stroke against the grain of the mundane, a testament to our commitment to the unconventional.
So, dear reader, although we risked the integrity of this manifesto by quoting from a beloved Scottish sitcom, consider it a testament to the lengths we're willing to go to reinforce our convictions. Our bearded journey is far from ordinary, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. And so, with the wild heart of the Bearded Basturds beating proudly beneath our bristly banners, we look to Victor McDade once more for guidance. He mused, "Life is full of ups and downs. Y'know, one minute you're up, the next you're doon." In the same vein, our bearded journey may toss us around, with days of unruly whiskers and others of epic beard glory. But remember, dear reader, it is these very ups and downs that make our rebellious journey worthwhile. For without the 'doon', how shall we truly cherish the 'up'? So, embrace the journey, even the bad beard days, for they are but the stepping stones to your own masterpiece of rebellious expression.
End of book excerpt.
In this distinctive and humour-filled manifesto, the essence of individuality and the art of beard cultivation are explored with a passion that's both rebellious and deeply personal. Through the whimsical yet profound musings of Victor McDade, it emphasises that the journey of life—and indeed, the quest of growing and maintaining a beard—is replete with its highs and lows. These experiences, as varied and unpredictable as they may be, are essential in sculpting not just our facial aesthetics but our resilience and individuality.
The narrative encourages us to break free from societal conventions and to celebrate the uniqueness that sets us apart. This ethos, while centred around the concept of beard growing, resonates beyond personal grooming into the wider realms of workplace dynamics, career paths, business ventures, and entrepreneurial spirits. The intrinsic message is clear: whether nurturing a beard or fostering a career, the path is never linear. Each challenge navigated and milestone achieved enriches our narrative, making the achievements all the more rewarding.
Recommended by LinkedIn
In a professional context, this manifesto can serve as a metaphor for the entrepreneurial and career-driven journeys we undertake. The 'ups and downs' akin to the days of "unruly whiskers and epic beard glory" metaphorically reflect the successes and setbacks experienced in the business world. It reminds us that perseverance, individuality, and a rebel spirit can carve paths to success, even in the most conventional of settings. The lessons drawn from the light-hearted yet insightful quotes within this book are profound, encouraging us to cherish every part of our journeys, both personal and professional, and to always strive for expression that is truly our own.
Thus, as this manifesto makes its way onto platforms like LinkedIn, readers should find inspiration not just in its humorous take on beard culture, but in its deeper, universally applicable wisdom. It's a reminder that personal growth and professional achievements are sculpted through a series of ups and downs, and that true success lies in navigating these with authenticity and resilience.
Unravelling the Depths of Personal and Professional Growth
Victor McDade once humorously remarked on the importance of overcoming fear to pursue one's dreams. Reflecting on this, it's almost as if he's saying, "Don't just sit there and turn into a monument of 'what could have been'—a living testament to unfulfilled potential. After all, the cemetery is already overcrowded with those silent testimonials." Just think about it: the cemetery might just be the richest place on earth, filled with all the books never written, businesses never launched, and dreams never pursued. Do we really want to make it richer? Or do we choose to act, laugh in the face of fear, and not just leave our mark, but make sure it’s outside of those cemetery gates? Come on, take action! It's time to make sure the only thing scary about cemeteries is the Halloween decorations.
To finish, let's once again remind ourselves of Victor's powerful words. They serve as a beacon, guiding us through the fog of hesitation and into the clear of action and fulfilment. His advice isn't just about avoiding becoming another could-have-been story; it's about vigorously pursuing our passions and calling. In a world brimming with unrealised potential, Victor's counsel inspires us to break free from the chains of fear, to create, innovate, and thrive beyond the confinements of our self-imposed limitations. Remember, it's not about evading the graveyard of dreams unfulfilled; it's about living a life so vibrant and full that we inspire others to do the same.
"He who hingeth aboot getteth hee haw" - Victor McDade
PS. 📚✨ Journey with me through "365 Days of Bearded Wisdom" - a unique realm where grooming meets growth, reflection, and daily inspiration. Elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary, one day at a time. Here, it's more than just beards; it's about crafting stories, celebrating uniqueness, and inspiring a lifetime of learning. 🚀❤️ #BeardCulture #InspirationDaily #UniqueGiftIdeas #SelfGrowth #MakeADifference
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