Stoical Geezer
@stoicalgeezer.bsky.social
🇺🇲🇬🇧🏴 Retired CIO, writer, humanist. Stoic by practice, skeptic by temperament. I write about life, democracy’s cracks, aging with clarity, and the small rituals—pens, journaling, quiet mornings—that keep us steady while the world tilts.
Pinned
My goal here is simple:
Observe clearly—seeking clarity, not certainty.
Write honestly—Stoic reflections, free verse, curmudgeonly humor, & the small rituals that keep us grounded: pens, ink, journaling.
Endure with humor.
Enjoy good company and their perspectives.
#Stoicism #Poetry #FountainPens
Observe clearly—seeking clarity, not certainty.
Write honestly—Stoic reflections, free verse, curmudgeonly humor, & the small rituals that keep us grounded: pens, ink, journaling.
Endure with humor.
Enjoy good company and their perspectives.
#Stoicism #Poetry #FountainPens
“When the only thing left to do is die, then die well.” — Phil Van Treuren.
A #Stoic knows we cannot choose the ending, only how we meet it. To die well is to face the final moment with courage, peace, and the quiet confidence of a life honestly lived.
A #Stoic knows we cannot choose the ending, only how we meet it. To die well is to face the final moment with courage, peace, and the quiet confidence of a life honestly lived.
December 18, 2025 at 5:22 PM
“When the only thing left to do is die, then die well.” — Phil Van Treuren.
A #Stoic knows we cannot choose the ending, only how we meet it. To die well is to face the final moment with courage, peace, and the quiet confidence of a life honestly lived.
A #Stoic knows we cannot choose the ending, only how we meet it. To die well is to face the final moment with courage, peace, and the quiet confidence of a life honestly lived.
#OnThisDay 18 December 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution officially entered into force, abolishing slavery in the United States.
December 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
#OnThisDay 18 December 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution officially entered into force, abolishing slavery in the United States.
December 17, 2025 at 6:41 PM
#OnThisDay (Dec 17, 1903) near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first successful flight of a self-propelled, heavier-than-air aircraft. Orville piloted the gasoline-powered biplane for 12 seconds, covering 120 feet—and changing history forever.
December 17, 2025 at 5:56 PM
#OnThisDay (Dec 17, 1903) near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first successful flight of a self-propelled, heavier-than-air aircraft. Orville piloted the gasoline-powered biplane for 12 seconds, covering 120 feet—and changing history forever.
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius.
#Stoicism reminds us that virtue isn’t theory but action. Justice is lived daily, in small choices. Fewer debates. More integrity, kindness, and fairness.
#Stoicism reminds us that virtue isn’t theory but action. Justice is lived daily, in small choices. Fewer debates. More integrity, kindness, and fairness.
December 17, 2025 at 5:51 PM
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius.
#Stoicism reminds us that virtue isn’t theory but action. Justice is lived daily, in small choices. Fewer debates. More integrity, kindness, and fairness.
#Stoicism reminds us that virtue isn’t theory but action. Justice is lived daily, in small choices. Fewer debates. More integrity, kindness, and fairness.
Today's lunch from this Old Geezer's kitchen: Penne, flavorful ground beef sauce full of onion, tomato, and peppers, with yellow squash, and carrots.
#Homecooking
#Homecooking
December 17, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Today's lunch from this Old Geezer's kitchen: Penne, flavorful ground beef sauce full of onion, tomato, and peppers, with yellow squash, and carrots.
#Homecooking
#Homecooking
@commondreams.org
- Tell Congress: We demand real healthcare reform!
- Send a message to your members of Congress today!
- To do so use this link at the Sanders Institute:
shorturl.at/opLEv
26,939 Letters already sent. Only 24,261 more to Bernie's goal of 51,200
#Healthcare #Reform #Bernie
- Tell Congress: We demand real healthcare reform!
- Send a message to your members of Congress today!
- To do so use this link at the Sanders Institute:
shorturl.at/opLEv
26,939 Letters already sent. Only 24,261 more to Bernie's goal of 51,200
#Healthcare #Reform #Bernie
December 16, 2025 at 9:58 PM
@commondreams.org
- Tell Congress: We demand real healthcare reform!
- Send a message to your members of Congress today!
- To do so use this link at the Sanders Institute:
shorturl.at/opLEv
26,939 Letters already sent. Only 24,261 more to Bernie's goal of 51,200
#Healthcare #Reform #Bernie
- Tell Congress: We demand real healthcare reform!
- Send a message to your members of Congress today!
- To do so use this link at the Sanders Institute:
shorturl.at/opLEv
26,939 Letters already sent. Only 24,261 more to Bernie's goal of 51,200
#Healthcare #Reform #Bernie
#emoetry #writers Today's word for 12/16 is #idealistic.
#FreeVerse #Poetry #Prompt
Continuing the theme of "Why and Unusual" in bsky.app/profile/stoi...
#FreeVerse #Poetry #Prompt
Continuing the theme of "Why and Unusual" in bsky.app/profile/stoi...
December 16, 2025 at 7:08 PM
#emoetry #writers Today's word for 12/16 is #idealistic.
#FreeVerse #Poetry #Prompt
Continuing the theme of "Why and Unusual" in bsky.app/profile/stoi...
#FreeVerse #Poetry #Prompt
Continuing the theme of "Why and Unusual" in bsky.app/profile/stoi...
December 16, 2025 at 6:35 PM
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius.
#Stoicism reminds us that events don’t shape our happiness—our judgments do. Train the mind toward clarity, gratitude, and perspective, and peace follows.
#Stoicism reminds us that events don’t shape our happiness—our judgments do. Train the mind toward clarity, gratitude, and perspective, and peace follows.
December 16, 2025 at 5:55 PM
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius.
#Stoicism reminds us that events don’t shape our happiness—our judgments do. Train the mind toward clarity, gratitude, and perspective, and peace follows.
#Stoicism reminds us that events don’t shape our happiness—our judgments do. Train the mind toward clarity, gratitude, and perspective, and peace follows.
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” — Friedrich Nietzsche.
Purpose steadies us when hardship strikes. A clear why—love, duty, meaning—turns suffering into endurance. The #Stoic lesson: hardship tests us, purpose carries us through.
Purpose steadies us when hardship strikes. A clear why—love, duty, meaning—turns suffering into endurance. The #Stoic lesson: hardship tests us, purpose carries us through.
December 16, 2025 at 2:37 AM
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” — Friedrich Nietzsche.
Purpose steadies us when hardship strikes. A clear why—love, duty, meaning—turns suffering into endurance. The #Stoic lesson: hardship tests us, purpose carries us through.
Purpose steadies us when hardship strikes. A clear why—love, duty, meaning—turns suffering into endurance. The #Stoic lesson: hardship tests us, purpose carries us through.
#2WordPrompt #Shy & #Platform
On the social platform
she is bold, quick-witted,
followed by thousands.
In real life,
shy,
she lowers her voice to enter a room,
Online, confidence posts itself.
Offline, she waits
for permission that never comes.
Two selves, one person—
only one needs a password.
On the social platform
she is bold, quick-witted,
followed by thousands.
In real life,
shy,
she lowers her voice to enter a room,
Online, confidence posts itself.
Offline, she waits
for permission that never comes.
Two selves, one person—
only one needs a password.
December 15, 2025 at 5:47 PM
#2WordPrompt #Shy & #Platform
On the social platform
she is bold, quick-witted,
followed by thousands.
In real life,
shy,
she lowers her voice to enter a room,
Online, confidence posts itself.
Offline, she waits
for permission that never comes.
Two selves, one person—
only one needs a password.
On the social platform
she is bold, quick-witted,
followed by thousands.
In real life,
shy,
she lowers her voice to enter a room,
Online, confidence posts itself.
Offline, she waits
for permission that never comes.
Two selves, one person—
only one needs a password.
Reposted by Stoical Geezer
Will VEEP Vance succeed
in his Trump #successor scheme?
Our nightmare! His dream.
#vss365 #Successor #HaikuChallenge #Haiku #Senryu #Poetry #News #MicroPoetry #Poems #Resist #Vance #Trump #MAGA #USPOL #USPolitics #Politics #Election
in his Trump #successor scheme?
Our nightmare! His dream.
#vss365 #Successor #HaikuChallenge #Haiku #Senryu #Poetry #News #MicroPoetry #Poems #Resist #Vance #Trump #MAGA #USPOL #USPolitics #Politics #Election
December 12, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Will VEEP Vance succeed
in his Trump #successor scheme?
Our nightmare! His dream.
#vss365 #Successor #HaikuChallenge #Haiku #Senryu #Poetry #News #MicroPoetry #Poems #Resist #Vance #Trump #MAGA #USPOL #USPolitics #Politics #Election
in his Trump #successor scheme?
Our nightmare! His dream.
#vss365 #Successor #HaikuChallenge #Haiku #Senryu #Poetry #News #MicroPoetry #Poems #Resist #Vance #Trump #MAGA #USPOL #USPolitics #Politics #Election
Reposted by Stoical Geezer
Ev'ry day I awaken & brace
For the latest Trump news. What a pace
One must keep, if you're trying
To track Donald's lying...
Any truth in #TruthSocial? No #trace!
#BlueskyRelay #Trace #Poetry #News #MicroPoetry #Poems #Resist #Trump #USPOL #USPolitics #Politics #Limerick #Limericks #SocialMedia
For the latest Trump news. What a pace
One must keep, if you're trying
To track Donald's lying...
Any truth in #TruthSocial? No #trace!
#BlueskyRelay #Trace #Poetry #News #MicroPoetry #Poems #Resist #Trump #USPOL #USPolitics #Politics #Limerick #Limericks #SocialMedia
December 13, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Ev'ry day I awaken & brace
For the latest Trump news. What a pace
One must keep, if you're trying
To track Donald's lying...
Any truth in #TruthSocial? No #trace!
#BlueskyRelay #Trace #Poetry #News #MicroPoetry #Poems #Resist #Trump #USPOL #USPolitics #Politics #Limerick #Limericks #SocialMedia
For the latest Trump news. What a pace
One must keep, if you're trying
To track Donald's lying...
Any truth in #TruthSocial? No #trace!
#BlueskyRelay #Trace #Poetry #News #MicroPoetry #Poems #Resist #Trump #USPOL #USPolitics #Politics #Limerick #Limericks #SocialMedia
The #2WordPrompt for 14-DEC-25 is: #Bold & #Otherwise
Bold in the morning,
by noon quietly otherwise—
conviction loosens.
Even courage needs a chair
to sit down and reconsider.
#Tanka #Poetry #Prompt
Bold in the morning,
by noon quietly otherwise—
conviction loosens.
Even courage needs a chair
to sit down and reconsider.
#Tanka #Poetry #Prompt
December 15, 2025 at 3:46 AM
The #2WordPrompt for 14-DEC-25 is: #Bold & #Otherwise
Bold in the morning,
by noon quietly otherwise—
conviction loosens.
Even courage needs a chair
to sit down and reconsider.
#Tanka #Poetry #Prompt
Bold in the morning,
by noon quietly otherwise—
conviction loosens.
Even courage needs a chair
to sit down and reconsider.
#Tanka #Poetry #Prompt
Platinum 3776 Century in Burgundy, medium nib, filled with Platinum Citrus Black. A restrained writer’s pen—deep wine resin, gold trim, and a nib that balances softness with control. Citrus Black shades gently, disciplined yet expressive, perfect for steady thoughts and quiet margins.
#FountainPens
#FountainPens
December 14, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Platinum 3776 Century in Burgundy, medium nib, filled with Platinum Citrus Black. A restrained writer’s pen—deep wine resin, gold trim, and a nib that balances softness with control. Citrus Black shades gently, disciplined yet expressive, perfect for steady thoughts and quiet margins.
#FountainPens
#FountainPens
“Leaders think & talk about the solutions. Followers think & talk about the problems.”—Brian Tracy
For nearly a decade, Trump has attacked Obamacare without offering a workable replacement. Critique without solutions isn’t leadership; it’s rehearsal without a plan—governance without responsibility.
For nearly a decade, Trump has attacked Obamacare without offering a workable replacement. Critique without solutions isn’t leadership; it’s rehearsal without a plan—governance without responsibility.
December 14, 2025 at 7:03 PM
“Leaders think & talk about the solutions. Followers think & talk about the problems.”—Brian Tracy
For nearly a decade, Trump has attacked Obamacare without offering a workable replacement. Critique without solutions isn’t leadership; it’s rehearsal without a plan—governance without responsibility.
For nearly a decade, Trump has attacked Obamacare without offering a workable replacement. Critique without solutions isn’t leadership; it’s rehearsal without a plan—governance without responsibility.
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett
Cost is immediate; value unfolds over time. This reminder urges us to look past price tags and ask what truly endures—learning, integrity, peace of mind. In choices large or small, weigh lasting worth over short-term cost.
Cost is immediate; value unfolds over time. This reminder urges us to look past price tags and ask what truly endures—learning, integrity, peace of mind. In choices large or small, weigh lasting worth over short-term cost.
December 14, 2025 at 5:27 AM
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett
Cost is immediate; value unfolds over time. This reminder urges us to look past price tags and ask what truly endures—learning, integrity, peace of mind. In choices large or small, weigh lasting worth over short-term cost.
Cost is immediate; value unfolds over time. This reminder urges us to look past price tags and ask what truly endures—learning, integrity, peace of mind. In choices large or small, weigh lasting worth over short-term cost.
Reposted by Stoical Geezer
“Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” Pope Leo said.
religionnews.com/2025/12/11/p...
religionnews.com/2025/12/11/p...
Pope criticizes US bid to 'break apart' US-Europe alliance, insists on Europe role in Ukraine peace
ROME (AP) — Leo was asked about the U.S. peace proposal and the seeming sidelining of European powers in the process.
religionnews.com
December 14, 2025 at 2:00 AM
“Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” Pope Leo said.
religionnews.com/2025/12/11/p...
religionnews.com/2025/12/11/p...
“Power is never more dangerous than when it mistakes destruction for renewal.”
— Seneca (after)
#Poetry #FreeVerse #Stoicism #Democracy #Governance
— Seneca (after)
#Poetry #FreeVerse #Stoicism #Democracy #Governance
December 14, 2025 at 12:58 AM
“Power is never more dangerous than when it mistakes destruction for renewal.”
— Seneca (after)
#Poetry #FreeVerse #Stoicism #Democracy #Governance
— Seneca (after)
#Poetry #FreeVerse #Stoicism #Democracy #Governance
“Success is not what you gain, but who you become in the process.” — Unknown
#Stoic wisdom reminds us that outcomes fade, but character endures. Discipline, resilience, and integrity shape a life well lived. Measure success not by rewards, but by the person you’re becoming.
#Stoic wisdom reminds us that outcomes fade, but character endures. Discipline, resilience, and integrity shape a life well lived. Measure success not by rewards, but by the person you’re becoming.
December 13, 2025 at 7:18 PM
“Success is not what you gain, but who you become in the process.” — Unknown
#Stoic wisdom reminds us that outcomes fade, but character endures. Discipline, resilience, and integrity shape a life well lived. Measure success not by rewards, but by the person you’re becoming.
#Stoic wisdom reminds us that outcomes fade, but character endures. Discipline, resilience, and integrity shape a life well lived. Measure success not by rewards, but by the person you’re becoming.
Our nation was so flabbergasted,
When a pardon was boldly out-casted.
“For crimes not federal?”
Asked lawyers, aghast—
“The Constitution’s not so elastic.”
(Trump issued a pardon to Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk convicted of state-level election machine tampering charges).
When a pardon was boldly out-casted.
“For crimes not federal?”
Asked lawyers, aghast—
“The Constitution’s not so elastic.”
(Trump issued a pardon to Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk convicted of state-level election machine tampering charges).
Hello #emoetry writers,
The word for the 13th December is #flabbergasted
Enjoy writing. 🍂
Looking forward to your responses!
#poetry #poetrycommunity
#writingcommunity #prompts
The word for the 13th December is #flabbergasted
Enjoy writing. 🍂
Looking forward to your responses!
#poetry #poetrycommunity
#writingcommunity #prompts
December 13, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Our nation was so flabbergasted,
When a pardon was boldly out-casted.
“For crimes not federal?”
Asked lawyers, aghast—
“The Constitution’s not so elastic.”
(Trump issued a pardon to Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk convicted of state-level election machine tampering charges).
When a pardon was boldly out-casted.
“For crimes not federal?”
Asked lawyers, aghast—
“The Constitution’s not so elastic.”
(Trump issued a pardon to Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk convicted of state-level election machine tampering charges).