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comment by Richard_Kennaway · 2024-02-10T14:36:22.560Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Not actually a response to your post, but just after reading it, by happy coincidence I encountered this quotation on the theme from Jack Vance’s novel “Lyonesse: Madouc”:

Travante- “.....I excel in nothing. I am neither a philosopher, nor a geometer, nor yet a poet. Never have I destroyed a horde of savage enemies, nor built a noble monument, nor ventured to the far places of the world. I lack all grandeur.”

“You are not alone,” said Madouc. “Few can claim such achievements.”

“That means naught to me! I am I; I answer to myself, with no heed for others. I am persuaded that a life-span should not be futile and empty! For this reason I seek my lost youth, and with such special zeal.”

“And if you were to find it, what would you do?”

“I would alter everything! I would become a person of enterprise: I would consider wasted the day that did not include the contriving of some wonderful plan, or the building of a fine object, or the righting of a wrong! So would pass each day, in marvelous deeds. Then each night I would gather my friends for an occasion which would be remembered forever! That is how life should be lived, to the best effort of one's powers! Now that I know the truth, the time is too late – unless I find what I seek.”

Madouc turned to Sir Pom-Pom. “have you been paying heed? These are lessons which you should take to heart, if only so that someday you may avoid Tavante's regrets.”

“It is a sound philosophy,” said Sir Pom-Pom. “I have occasionally thought along similar lines. However, while toiling at the royal stables I could not put such theories into effect......”

Replies from: Augustin Portier
comment by TeaTieAndHat (Augustin Portier) · 2024-02-11T05:38:34.227Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Really interesting quote, thanks for sharing it! 

comment by Algon · 2024-02-10T22:50:53.684Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

This is well written. I am interested in reading your next post.

comment by martinkunev · 2024-02-12T02:11:49.213Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

I hope the next parts don't get delayed due to akrasia :)

comment by TeaTieAndHat (Augustin Portier) · 2024-02-11T05:18:05.126Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Well-written post. Really looking forward to the next ones.

comment by Saul Munn (saul-munn) · 2024-02-11T23:24:56.611Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
  1. the name of this post was really confusing for me. i thought it would be about "how to stop defeating akrasia," not "how to defeat akrasia by stopping." consider renaming it to be a bit more clear?
  2. the part at the end really reminded me of this piece by dr mciver: https://notebook.drmaciver.com/posts/2022-12-20-17:21.html