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“To live a life of virtue, match up your thoughts, words, and deeds” (from Greek Stoic philosopher 50 - 135 CE, Epictetus) “Happiness is a virtue, not its reward” ( from Dutch philosopher of the 1600s, Baruch Spinoza). Some people claim that their morality, values, and virtues come from their religion. For example, “Christians will often tell you that their morality comes from their religion (or from their parents’ version of it). And if you ask them about what their relig

“Est una res magni pretii — veritatem et iustitiam colere” = “There is but one thing of real value - to cultivate truth and justice” (Marcus Aurelius). “Tu quoque desiderium omittas; Non concupisces multa, et habebis quod vis” = “You too should drop your desire; do not covet many things, and you will get what you want” (Epictetus). Last week’s essay post featured two of the four Stoic philosophy’s Four Cardinal Virtues: Wisdom & Courage. This week, we’ll explore the last two

“Timendi causa est nescire” = Ignorance is the cause of fear” (Seneca the Younger). [In other words, be wise.] "Impedimentum ad actionem promovet actionem. Quod in via est, fit via = The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way” (Marcus Aurelius in Meditations, 4.22). [Courage will see you through the obstacles.] Wisdom and Courage are two of the Four Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism. [If you’re not familiar with Stoicism or the Stoics, chec

“Few [people] have virtue to withstand the highest bidder” (George Washington). ‘Virtue’ is a word that’s not old-fashioned; instead, it’s rare. When’s the last time you heard someone called ‘virtuous’? I’ll admit, it’s been a long time. Because every day I read wisdom from the Stoics, I encounter the Four Cardinal Virtues that inspire me to stay principled in this unprincipled world. While religions often claim they are the source of ‘virtue’, it’s simply not true. Virtue

“Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo” (H.G. Wells, The Wife of Sir Isaac Harman). “The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame” (Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray) While some people, especially religious folks, often claim that it is not possible to be a moral person without religion, that is not true. Philosophers and scientists have proved this over and over throughout the ages. Religions aren’t the only source of morality,

[What Would Stoics Do?] What pops in your mind when you hear the word, ‘stoic’? Most people likely equate ‘stoic’ with being reserved, unfeeling or repressing emotions. To be a Stoic, however, and to embrace the philosophy of Stoicism defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as, “…[to show] indifference to pleasure or pain: impassiveness, especially acceptance of misfortune without complaint or discernible emotion” (www.oed.com). It goes further than accepting difficulties

Recently, my father passed away and the number one phrase most people said was, “I’m sorry for your loss” and I feel appreciative for the caring expressions of sympathy from so many people. Hearing, “I’m sorry for your loss” so many times got me thinking about why is this phrase the most common expression of condolences. It’s always seemed odd to express, “I’m sorry,” if you didn’t do or say something wrong, egregious, with ill-intent, or from meanness. For example, if I’m

“As a sovereign being, you do not need the permission or direction of another; these can only come from the sacred inner sanctum of your heart” (Kris Franken). “ The person I was waiting for was me. I could authorize my own choice. I could choose may own validation with sovereignty” (Madison Morrison). “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We, ourselves, must walk the path [to be sovereign]” (The Buddha). The word, ‘sovereign’ is a noun or an adjectiv

Earlier this week, our 97 year old father passed away. Because there are many details to attend to and I have book proposal due on 29 July 2026, I’m turning over the writing of my blog to my brother, Dr. Alan Duncan. As you can see, writing runs in the family. William M. Duncan (1929-2026) passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday, July 13. He was in no distress. Husband, father, grandfather, and leader in his faith community, Bill was loved by everyone in his orbit. To a per

A look at Democracy, Republic, Democratic Socialism, Capitalism, Communism, Socialism, & Dictatorship This week’s blog post is a little different and longer than my usual posts. Because it is obvious misunderstandings and misinterpretations abound and the rhetoric of the far-right uses that to plant incorrect assumptions, it’s time to look at questions and factual answers to questions about democracy, republics, democratic socialism, capitalism, communism, socialism, and dic

I’m writing this article today, July 4, 2026: the 250th Independence Day in the USA. So many of us here in the States are conflicted about how to celebrate this milestone in the age of chaos, division, cruelty, lawlessness, corruption at the top of the ruling regime’s administration. For years, the Smithsonian had been working on a historically correct, inclusive of all people living in the USA, nonpartisan event that would have been open to everyone and would not favor or e

(Ms. Tina Turner https://youtu.be/oGpFcHTxjZs?si=w2JKb7ZgSvvpanLA ) While I like Ms. Turner’s song and it reminds me of years past when a heartache left me fed up with love that took me years to try love again, the song that we truly need in 2026 and to infinity is “What The World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love.” (Ms. Dionne Warwick https://youtu.be/m5Chxe89O6c ) Did you notice in Ms. Turner’s video set in NYC the World Trade Center Twin Towers? It chilled me to see them. A

Hi everyone. I will not post a new blog article this week because I am getting over pneumonia and my house flooded this week, so I'm focused on getting back to 'normal.' See you next week, and remember to get out there and disrupt systems of oppression! Also, I'm setting up a new website, so there will be some changed announced soon. Missy Duncan

African mathematician from the 1700s, Thomas Fuller, reminds us that, “all things are difficult until they are easy.” Mr. Fuller was kidnapped, brought to Virginia, and was enslaved at age 14. He was a mathematical genius and often referred to as being an extraordinary mental calculator. Mr. Fuller knew what is meant for life to be difficult until certain aspects became easier. We often use the words, ‘simple’ and ‘easy’, interchangeably. But, I see slight and key differe

“It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently” (Fyodor Dostoyevsky). “There is an old-fashioned word for the body of skills that emotional intelligence represents: character” (Dr. Daniel Goleman). “Organizations often appoint leaders for their IQ. Then, years later, sack them for their lack of EQ [/EI - Emotional Intelligence]/ Common purpose argues that in the future, they will promote for CQ-Cultural Intelligence [along with EQ and IQ]” (Julia Middleton).

“Why can't you just tell me the truth? Hard to believe the things you say Why can't you feel the tears I cry today? How do you win if we all lose? You change the facts to justify Your lips move but your words get in the way Don't lie to me, don't lie to me, you lie to me Don't lie to me, don't lie to me, you lie to me” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMF9miaRCSI) Barbra Streisand wrote the song referenced above to address Mr. DJ Trump's lies. The song, entitled "Don't Lie t

[I have updated from my August 2024 post because lack of integrity continues to be a monumental problem. We all need reminders.] “It's just your jive talkin', you're telling me lies, yeah Jive talkin', you wear a disguise Jive talkin', so misunderstood, yeah Jive talkin', you're really no good” (https://genius.com/Bee-gees-jive-talkin-lyrics). [To listen to the Bee Gees sing this, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oALKAh_bL5g ] Author, social researcher, and professor Dr

[I have updated from my July 2024 post because lack of integrity continues to be a monumental problem. We all need reminders.] In the United States of 2026 with its highly contentious and exceedingly stressful political, governmental, cultural breakdown in ‘normalcy’, the word, ‘integrity,’ is rarely attributed. That’s a sad statement on the political environment and our culture. ‘Integrity” means, “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprig

After spring cleaning chores are done, the next step may be to deconstruct what no longer works for your life. Most people think of ‘deconstruction’ as a process of removing religion or religious dogma and doctrine from their lives. And, while that is the most common use of the term, there are so many aspects of life that can be deconstructed. In my experience, deconstructing religion from my life shined a bright light on other areas of my life: some that are related to re

“Action and reaction are equal and opposite, and are expressed simultaneously. Sequentially they are repeated in reverse, the reaction becoming the action and the action the reaction” (Walter Russell, polymath, artist, Metaphysical philosopher). The gap between the stimulus and response is where our power lies. Even a few seconds of pause can shift us from a reactive emotional state to a more considered one. According to author, psychology professor, and sports psychology