Tangled Up in Beard: Finding Inner Peace à la Bob Dylan 🧔 💪 🌱 🌀 🌟 🛤️
Craig McKay
Author of the "Bearded Basturds - Quantum Whiskers: The Hairy Path to Higher Consciousness Series
While the society we inhabit often prides itself on conformity and the incessant pursuit of material success, the ancient Stoics, with their unbridled eccentricity and unwavering principles, serve as a beacon for the modern soul seeking authenticity and purpose. Imagine Cleanthes, a celebrated philosopher, who defied Athenian stereotypes by engaging in manual labour, or Cato, who challenged the societal norms of his time with his bareheaded and barefooted demeanour. Then there's Marcus Aurelius, a figure of imperial stature, found lost in the pages of philosophical texts amidst the clamour of the Coliseum. Agrippinus, a Stoic in Nero's reign, boldly eschewed the expected gestures of submission, aspiring to be the "red thread" that adds uniqueness to the fabric of existence.
These Stoics, in their pursuit of virtue, self-sufficiency, and excellence, diverged radically from the beaten path, indifferent to the accolades or condemnations of their contemporaries. Whether in the political arena or in the solitude of philosophical contemplation, their choices were always aligned with their core values rather than societal expectations.
In much the same way as Bob Dylan's timeless anthems compelled a generation to challenge the status quo and heed their personal calling, these Stoics marched to the beat of their own drum, relegating societal expectations to the background in favour of a deeper, more authentic existence. Their lives, like Dylan's poetic refrains, exhort us to not merely accept the path laid before us, but to seek out our own trail, braving the wilderness of uncharted territories of thinking and living. Their enduring legacy serves as a clarion call, urging us not to defer our quest for personal excellence and authenticity. Why, then, should we delay embodying the highest versions of ourselves?
Bob Dylan once sang, "The times they are a-changin'," a lyric that embodies the spirit of innovation and defiance against the status quo shared by the Stoics. This simple yet profound line encourages us to question established norms, much like the Stoics encouraged deliberation and self-examination. Just as Dylan's words spurred a generation to action, the Stoic philosophy invites us to forge our own paths in the pursuit of virtue and authenticity. The parallel between Dylan's call for change and the Stoics' life of principled dissent highlights a timeless truth: progress often requires the courage to challenge and redefine the norms of our times.
As we move deeper into 2024, it's high time we shed the chains of procrastination and societal conformity. Inspired by the bearded philosophers of yore, we invite you to carve out your path with intention and conviction. Demand more from yourself, aspire to the virtues of Stoicism—virtue, independence, and excellence. This isn't just another call to adventure; it's an invitation to join a lineage of thinkers who dared to be different, to be principled, to be truly free. In the end, it's not too late to make this year the one where you stop following the herd and start following your heart, wherever that may lead. Demand more for and of yourself in 2024. Be the modern Bearded Stoic; be the red thread in life's hairy sweater.
It's time to link our ramblings to another quote from the book, this time it's from Stephen Hawking.
365 Days of Bearded Wisdom: A Furry Odyssey of Stoicism: An explosion of rebellious thoughts, all wrapped up in beard-tickling delight - Book Excerpt...
“When something bad happens, you have three choices, you can let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you” - Stephen Hawking
When the razor bites, when the itching starts, when the world looks on with scorn, as a Bearded Basturd, you have three choices. You can let it define you, as those tame-hearted, smooth-cheeked conformists might, becoming nothing more than the stubble on your chin. Or you can let it destroy you, surrendering to the siren call of the razor, forsaking your follicular fortitude. Or, you can take that razor burn, that itch, that scorn, and let it strengthen you. Let it fuel your fiery resolve, feed your inner warrior. Let it thicken the strands of your beard, let it stiffen the hairs of your resolve. Let it transform you from a mere mortal man into a Bearded Basturd, a monument to masculinity, a testament to tenacity. For in the face of adversity, we grow not just beards, but also in spirit. We don't merely sprout whiskers, we sprout wings to soar above the clean-shaven crowd.
Recommended by LinkedIn
So here's to the bad days, the itchy days, the stubbly days. May they make our beards grow long, our spirits unyielding, and our brotherhood unbreakable."
End of book excerpt.
In the spirit of Agrippinus and the timeless wisdom of Stoicism, as we boldly face the horizon of 2024, let's carry forward the legacy of resilience and ironclad conviction in our endeavors. Like the steadfast Bearded Basturd weathering the storm of scepticism and discomfort, may we too stand unwavering in our beliefs and actions, even as the currents of societal norms and challenges attempt to erode our foundations. Once again, Bob Dylan famously crooned, "The times they are a-changin'," urging an acknowledgment of inevitable transformation and the need for inner fortitude.
In this changing world, how will you allow the trials and tribulations to sculpt you? Will you let them diminish your spirit, or will you wield them as tools to carve out your indomitable strength? Can the challenges you face today illuminate your path to a brighter tomorrow? Lastly, as Dylan encourages change, are you ready to be the change-maker, steadfast in your convictions like Agrippinus, growing not just in wisdom but in action towards a future where you soar above the fray?
Reflect upon these questions as you step into 2024 with courage, conviction, and a heart full of resolve. The path may be fraught with uncertainty, but like the Bearded Basturd, may your spirit remain unbreakable, your resolve ironclad, and your actions a testament to the unyielding power of stoic wisdom. 🧔 💪 🌱 🌀 🌟 🛤️
#StoicWisdom2024 #BeardedBasturdResilience #UnyieldingSpirits #GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough #ChangeMaker2024 #IroncladConvictions #LegacyOfResilience #FaceTheHorizon
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
LINKS for the book, grab it before it grows legs! 📖🏃
#beards #philosphy #books #publising #audiobooks #audible #beardgang #music #BobDylan