Dan l’Chaf Zechus: a Practical Stoic Technique for Judging Someone Favorably (Epictetus – Enchiridion 5)

The Stoic Jew

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Synopsis: In today’s episode I share a practical (albeit difficult) way to implement the injunction of the Sages to “judge every person favorably.” The technique was originated by Byron Katie, but I only just heard about it for the first time on Tim Ferriss’s interview of Tristan Harris. Even though I haven’t delved into Katie’s writings myself, I felt the need to share this as soon as I stumbled upon it because of its potential to translate one of Epictetus’s key teachings into action.

Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:
- 5/4/21: Three Questions for Assessing Our Complicity in Our Own Suffering
- 6/14/21: Cold Showers, Complaining, and How We Cause Our Own Suffering
- Avos 1:6: Dan l’Chaf Zechus (Part 1 and Part 2)

Sources:
- Epictetus, Enchiridion (The Handbook) 5
- Rambam on Avos 1:6
- The Tim Ferriss Show: Tristan Harris — Fighting Skynet and Firewalling Attention (#387)
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