Your Future Self

Your future self will always see your present self as unwise and immature.  That means you are currently a fool right now.

– Tim Keller

I just finished Drew Dyck’s latest book, “Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible & Brain Science”.   There is so much good stuff in this book, so I decided to share some of the nuggets through a series of blog posts about self-control.

Self-control isn’t just one good character trait, a nice addition to the pantheon of virtues.  It’s foundation.  Not because it’s more important than other virtues, but because the others rely upon it.

– Drew Dyck

A foundational virtue.  Theologian Thomas Aquinas called it a cardinal virtue.  Philo said, “Having first laid down self-control as a foundation for the soul, they build the other virtues on it.”

Dyck’s definition of self-control: “the ability to do the right thing, even when you don’t feel like it.”

Here is the thing: I’m not good with self-control, as evidenced by so many goals and resolutions that have been missed.  Or take a look at my use of technology which borders on an addiction.  So I need help with self-control and I want to start a conversation about this virtue.  

Now more than ever, one moment can destroy – in one day – your life’s work.  The essential virtue: self-control.  You can have all the talent in the world, and draw a ton of attention for it, but if your ability is not matched by strong character, you are in a precarious place.”

– Owen Strachan

How are you with self-control?  How are you with discipline?  How would your future self evaluate your current wisdom?  

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