"Music" Latin from Greek mousikē (tekhnē) ‘(art) of the Muses’, from mousa ‘muse’. The word "muse" is interpreted as a source of inspiration, especially : a guiding genius.C. S. Lewis was a wee bit of a 20th century muse. He gives these 7 guideposts to a life well lived.
Pain is the instrument of change
Suffering is a tool of introspection, allowing us an opportunity to more fully seek God
Abandon pride, pride distances us from knowing God
Death is a part of life, of living and helps us understand the eternal nature of God
Forgiveness is an act of courage and integrity and self-love, freeing us to seek higher purpose
Question and doubt everything. Search for truth and meaning.
Practice and live in gratitude
Throughout the writings of Lewis, he constantly advocates loving-kindness and compassion. A few years before WW II broke out, he had a "road to Damascus" awakening. He had studied myth, mythology and theology, but considered himself at best agnostic. In one moment, he saw a face of God, that he had always known, but had never seen. From this moment on, his faith in Lord Jesus and God would never falter. His WW!! BBC broadcasts to the troops, would be bound as the book "Meer Christianity" and heralded as one of the most significant writings on Christianity during the 20th century.
My blog readers will see that this list coincide's with the lists of the Stoics and the teachings of other sacred philosophies. Back in time; from an ethical and spiritual basis, much of this muse is found in the seven deadly sins, and the 7 virtues (antidotes in the Egyptian mysteries).
Seven Deadly Sins
Seven Virtues
Sins Bodies Virtues*
Pride Seventh Humility
Greed Sixth Liberality
Envy Fifth Kindness
Anger Forth Patience
Gluttony Third Abstinence
Lust Second Chastity
Sloth First Diligence
*From Psychomachia (“Battle for the Soul”) Prudentius, c. 410, but dates back at least to Hermes
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