I’m always a little bummed when stoicism comes up. For some reason people always characterize it as “try not to feel things”. But first, that’s kinda twisting the intention. And second, it’s only a third of the whole philosophy.
Everywhere, at each moment, you have the option: to accept this event with humility [will]; to treat this person as [s]he should be treated [action]; to approach this thought with care, so that nothing irrational creeps in [perception];
The serenity prayer more closely resembles the core idea than what most people focus on. Compare the above quote with it.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
If something is outside of your control, don’t let it turn you bitter. If there is action you can take to treat those around you justly, you must do so. And then to do these things effectively takes knowledge, wisdom, and (I would argue) empathy.
But nah. Modern take: stoicism = real men shove emotions down. Bleh.
I’m always a little bummed when stoicism comes up. For some reason people always characterize it as “try not to feel things”. But first, that’s kinda twisting the intention. And second, it’s only a third of the whole philosophy.
The serenity prayer more closely resembles the core idea than what most people focus on. Compare the above quote with it.
If something is outside of your control, don’t let it turn you bitter. If there is action you can take to treat those around you justly, you must do so. And then to do these things effectively takes knowledge, wisdom, and (I would argue) empathy.
But nah. Modern take: stoicism = real men shove emotions down. Bleh.
Yeah I like to describe it to people as “do what you can and know you did what you could”
Ooo. That’s nice. Gonna pocket that one