A Single Step

A Definition, Explanation, and All-Round Introduction

Enkrateia is quite possibly my favorite word of all time. Drawing roots from the Greek words en and krátos, Enkrateia literally translates to “in power,” and refers to the concept of having power over oneself. Self-control and self-mastery both stem from this, as well as sustained motivation to accomplish one’s goals.

It is the antonym of Akrasia, making a conscious choice with known negative consequences out of weakness of will. Lighting a cigarette when you vowed to quit two weeks ago, procrastinating on your first blog post by playing a video game, or neglecting to maintain your New Year’s resolution are all specific examples of Akrasia.

The impetus for starting this blog is largely selfish in nature. I have noticed in my own life many examples of Akrasia, with too few appeals to Enkrateia to be satisfied with my state of affairs. I have thus, in the spirit of Enkrateia, founded and dedicate this blog to my own path of self-mastery, in hopes I can document what techniques, mental models, and actions produce sufficient momentum toward achieving the goals I’ve set for myself.

This blog will also serve the purpose of documenting other miscellaneous topics I find interesting, to promote a sense of child-like curiosity and inquiry, which I suppose is a demonstration of Enkrateia in its own right. Future topics include health, rationality, and n=1 self-experimentation.

There are also numerous secondary objectives, of which I will list several here. A desire to become a better writer, by trying and failing publically to communicate thoughts through the lossy method of written word. A spirit of charity, to share what has worked for me with the world for similar inquiring minds to know. An impulse to do something, anything, different from habitual daily life that could potentially have an outsized positive impact down the line.

This is the part of the introduction that calls-to-action you, the reader. If you know of any similar blogs that tackle the topic of Enkrateia, or any techniques that develop the nature of such, please inform me here or at Twitter (@EnkrateAI). If something is written here that positively impacted you, let me know. If you disagree with anything said or suggested, let me know. It is much easier to write (in my mind) when there is an audience listening.

There is little left to be said in terms of introductory thoughts. In summary:

1) This is a blog about Enkrateia.
2) There will also be blog posts about other topics.
3) If you come across anything that exists in the general space of Enkrateia, let me know.
4) If you read anything here that elicits a strong thought in you, let me know.

One more step,
Enkrat