I am writing a moreirow one shot i do not have the time to write a marc x uccio 80k slowburn fanfiction i am writing a moreirow one shot—
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Sweden
seen from Sweden
seen from Yemen
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Sweden
seen from Yemen
seen from Canada
seen from Yemen
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
I am writing a moreirow one shot i do not have the time to write a marc x uccio 80k slowburn fanfiction i am writing a moreirow one shot—
holy shit, i just keep eating. i was supposed to fast for 11am-7pm; i forgot, then ate gummy worms at 8. how the hell am i going to drop at least 20 pounds for the new school year if I can't stick to a fast? i need self-control.
Why Desire Makes You Weak (Ancient Insights on Self-Control)
Desire feels natural.
It pulls us toward what we want — comfort, pleasure, recognition, success. It promises satisfaction, motivation, and direction. In many ways, desire seems like a necessary force for action.
But ancient Roman wisdom offers a more cautious perspective.
Thinkers like Publilius Syrus observed that desire, when unchecked, does not strengthen us.
It weakens us.
Not because wanting something is wrong, but because dependence on desire creates instability.
The Nature of Desire
Desire begins as attraction.
We see something we want, and the mind moves toward it. This movement can be subtle or intense, but it shares the same structure:
I need this to feel complete.
This belief gives desire its power.
But it also creates vulnerability.
The more we feel that something is necessary for our well-being, the more control it has over us.
Dependence and Loss of Control
Desire creates dependence.
When we attach our sense of satisfaction to something external, we place control outside ourselves.
If we obtain what we want, we feel relief. If we do not, we feel frustration.
In both cases, our state depends on something beyond our control.
Publilius Syrus frequently highlighted this pattern in human behavior: people become servants to what they pursue.
The stronger the desire, the weaker the independence.
The Illusion of Satisfaction
Desire promises fulfillment.
It suggests that once we obtain what we want, we will feel complete.
But this satisfaction is often temporary.
Once a desire is fulfilled, another appears.
What was once enough becomes insufficient. What was once desired becomes ordinary.
This creates a cycle:
Desire → Satisfaction → New Desire
The process continues.
And with each cycle, dependence increases.
Emotional Instability
Desire creates fluctuation.
When outcomes align with our desires, we feel positive. When they do not, we feel negative.
This creates an unstable emotional state:
Expectation → Anxiety Delay → Frustration Loss → Distress
The mind becomes reactive.
It moves constantly between anticipation and disappointment.
Publilius Syrus understood that this instability is not caused by events, but by attachment.
The Loss of Freedom
Perhaps the most significant cost of desire is the loss of freedom.
A person who cannot control their desires is controlled by them.
They are driven by impulse. They are influenced by external conditions. They are dependent on outcomes.
This is not freedom.
It is a form of subtle constraint.
True strength, in ancient thought, lies in independence — the ability to remain stable regardless of what is gained or lost.
Self-Control as Strength
Self-control does not eliminate desire.
It regulates it.
It creates a distance between impulse and action.
Instead of immediately pursuing what we want, we pause and examine:
Is this necessary? Does this align with what matters? What happens if I do not obtain it?
This reflection weakens the hold of desire.
It restores control.
Wanting Less, Not Having More
Publilius Syrus’ insights suggest a simple shift:
Strength does not come from having more.
It comes from needing less.
A person who needs little is difficult to disturb. They are not easily frustrated. They are not dependent on constant satisfaction.
This creates stability.
It reduces emotional fluctuation and increases independence.
Breaking the Cycle
Reducing the influence of desire does not require eliminating all wants.
It requires awareness.
Recognizing when desire becomes excessive. Questioning whether it is necessary. Choosing not to act on every impulse.
These small actions interrupt the cycle.
Over time, desire loses intensity.
And control increases.
A More Stable Form of Motivation
Without excessive desire, action does not disappear.
It becomes clearer.
Instead of being driven by impulse, we act with intention.
We choose actions based on judgment rather than craving.
This creates a more stable form of motivation.
It is less reactive, more consistent.
Why This Matters Today
Modern life amplifies desire.
Advertising, social media, and constant exposure create continuous stimulation. New wants appear constantly.
Without awareness, desire becomes the default state.
This leads to:
Distraction Dissatisfaction Dependence
Ancient wisdom remains relevant because it addresses this directly.
It shows that reducing desire is not loss — it is gain.
A Quiet Form of Power
Self-control is not visible.
It does not attract attention.
But it creates a form of power.
The ability to remain unaffected by what is desired or unavailable. The ability to act without being driven by impulse. The ability to remain stable in changing conditions.
This power is internal.
And it is lasting.
Continue Exploring Ancient Wisdom
The relationship between desire, control, and inner strength is a recurring theme in ancient Roman thought.
In Maxims – Publilius Syrus: Ancient Roman Wisdom on Character, Fortune, and Human Nature (Annotated Edition), these insights are expressed through concise and powerful observations that reveal how desire shapes behavior — and how it can be mastered.
Each maxim offers a clear reflection on human tendencies, helping to develop greater awareness, reduce dependence, and strengthen self-control in everyday life.
Post from zo!
Because not everything deserves a reaction.
I fucking swear the pain of allowing a man to take on the mental and logistical load of moving is rage inducing. But I have to let it happen. Men need to see what it takes to do the shit we do in our sleep and make look easy.
OPERATIVE WORDS: MAKE look easy
The road to a balanced relationship is relentless
I need a reprieve
Certain ladies are small talking machines
I’ve quit nicotine for months but every now and again I think of the Pisces geek bar and sigh rlly loud
. . . he never actually acted on his longing anymore. He couldn't.
Caro Claire Burke, from Yesteryear
