Week 6: THE JUDGMENT

“When you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”

(Marcus Aurelius)

The Essence

This quote separates the objective event from your subjective reaction (the judgment). A setback is neutral; the suffering arises from your interpretation that it is “bad” or “unfair.” Since the pain is caused by your own judgment, you have the immediate power to withdraw that negative judgment.

TAKEAWAY

Your emotions are the result of your own judgments, not the events themselves. You are the sole and immediate controller of your inner peace.

Application in Daily Life

• The Pause Button: When you feel a strong negative emotion, pause and separate the objective facts from your judgment (e.g., Fact: “The email is rude.” Judgment: “This is a personal insult.”).
• The Simple Description: Try to describe the negative event using only objective, emotionless language.
• Revoke the Warrant: Make a conscious decision: “I revoke the judgment that this event is bad. It is simply.”