Step 1: Absolute Minimum: Just to Get Things Running

The Absolute Minimum: Just to Get Things Running

Complete Sterling Logical Language (SLL) System v. 16

ONE AXIOM + ONE RULE

The Bare Minimum System:

AXIOM: Only virtue is good, only vice is evil (A6)

RULE: Don't desire externals

That's it. That's the minimum to "get things running."

Why This Works:

1. Immediate Action Guidance: "Don't desire externals" gives you something concrete to DO right now

2. Built-in Standard: A6 tells you what actually matters (virtue only)

3. Self-Correcting: When you catch yourself desiring externals, you know you're off track

## What You Can Do TODAY:

- Catch yourself wanting things outside your control

- Stop mid-desire and ask "Is this virtue?"

- If no → drop the desire

- If yes → pursue it

What This Bootstraps:

- Emotional regulation (fewer desires for externals = less suffering)

- Character development (focusing on virtue builds good habits)

- Practical wisdom (you learn by doing what works)

The Beauty:

You don't need to understand WHY desires come from judgments (A5) or WHAT exactly is controlled (A4) or WHY you should want happiness (A1). You just need:

1. Know what's good: Virtue

2. Know what to avoid desiring: Everything else

3. Start practicing: Right now

The sophisticated psychology and philosophical foundations can come later. This gets you immediately operational with Sterling's core insight.

It's the philosophical equivalent of "just start walking" - you'll figure out the map as you go.

Step 2: Add the Control Test