Stoicism, telic vs atelic activities, and the meaning of life
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What is the meaning of life? The ancients, and the Stoics in particular, had a lot to say about this. In this discussion we will explore the Stoic take on a distinction introduced by Aristotle, that between telic and atelic activities. A telic activity is one that has a particular end as the goal, like writing a book, or making a sports team. Once the goal is achieved, the activity is completed. An atelic activity, by contrast, finds its fulfillment in itself, like spending time with friends or family. There is no foreseeable end to such an activity. What combination of telic and atelic activities, then, makes for a good life?
Suggested reading: https://www.patreon.com/posts/stoicism-telic-21531368
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