Why Did Stoics Let Their Emotions Control External Things?
True Stoics do not need external goods to be
If a horse should be prideful and say, "I am handsome," it would be supportable. But when [he is] prideful, and say, "I have a handsome horse," know that [he is] proud of what is, in fact, only the good of the horse.” (#6). The Stoic knows that being humble is an important part of being a good member of society. It is a blend of these two aspects of being a Stoic, being humble in decision making and keeping peace, this is what makes the Stoics who follow “Then Handbook”, by Epictetus, truly good members of a
Apart from Marcus Aurelius's prestigious political position, he was a well-known practitioner of stoicism. In fact his writing commonly old as "Meditations" is considered by many to be one of the greatest works of all of philosophy. The overarching theme that Marcus Aurelius attempts to convey, insta deal with your problems in an ideal and effective manner. He felt if you just miserably observe your problem, you wouldn't solve it as well as if you had just gotten it done
The topic of negative visualization is important to the Stoics because of its effect on the life goal of tranquility. Through negative visualization the Stoics believe that a person can live a fuller and more meaningful life filled with purpose. I find that the art of negative visualization is a fundamental tool to living a full and prosperous life. By changing the state of your mind, living every moment as if it is your last, and being thankful for what you have now; provide convincing evidence for the benefits of negative visualization. These examples and more show how the act of negative visualization can help to live a more fulfilling life and fruitful life.
As explained in Chapter 7, Stoics studied that such events are beyond our control as in frustration and anger. The events in our lives in my opinion, are in control as to how you choose to deal with them. When something that makes you act out of character and frusrates you it is ultimately up to you to choose whether you keep your composure and remain calm or to get out of character and blow up into rage. I think that we should approach things that frusturate us with open minds and open hearts, so that we can have an easier time dealing with our personal feelings. An area in my life where stoics philosphy could have been applied, was when my babyshower was getting planned without me.
In the book “Letters from a Stoic” Seneca illustrates the idea of how to obtain happiness by recognizing and dealing with negative emotions, being in a miserable state of mind, companionship and challenging hardships. Today people may rely on externals to keep them happy but in all actuality it is following the moral research from wise men to obtain peace and happiness internally. Often people may seek refuge by going away on a vacation to dismiss themselves temporarily from problems. In the letter 18 it teaches why that may not be the successful and the right way to go about bettering your happiness.
They believed everyone had a right to commit suicide and wanted everyone to live in harmony with nature. The Stoics did not believe disease and pain were not in harmony with nature, thus holding suicide as a valid option. The author then goes on to further discuss suicide in the Roman Empire and Christian/ Jewish world. The Romans were like the Greeks in their views and allowance of suicide while the Christians believed it to be a sin.
Lombardi Christian Professor Edgar Foster PHI 102 01 20 October 2014 Epictetus: A Man of Stoicism During the Hellenistic Period Stoicism was introduced (Graver). Today Stoicism is defined as disregard to certain emotions (Graver). Yet the definition that we are given does not completely define the Stoic beliefs as practiced by the Stoics. Instead we are given a muddy summary of their theories because scholars do not have any complete doctrines written by the founders of this certain philosophy.
In the play Julius Caesar the philosophies of stoicism and epicureanism are highlighted throughout the play, in which we see how it influences the characters, Brutus and Cassius when they kill Caesar and eventually die for those beliefs. The beliefs stoicism and epicurean play an important part in the play Julius Caesar. These beliefs are the ones who help in Brutus’s and Cassius’s decision making. Brutus ideals follow the ways of stoicism.
To be a stoic means to live by a strict philosophy that guides your life in how to live so that you live to the fullest in a way that allows you to flourish. Aeneas, although duty-bound and loyal to his destiny, does not seem to strictly follow the ideologies in order to be classified a stoic. The reason Aeneas is not fit to be named a good stoic is because he is driven by his emotions, whether it is sorrow or anger. He lets it dictate his actions and openly expresses it in times of trouble or desire. A stoic is meant to seek virtue but one cannot complete this task if they are constantly letting their heart rule their actions instead of their mind.
Epictetus’s way of philosophy is one that is purely Stoic, imploring that the solution to human finitude is one where humans can live life without showing feeling or complaining about pain and hardships towards unsavory situations. Each of his rules in his handbook offers advice in which the subject simply “deals” with disappointment, or rather, doesn’t expect something out of the scopes of reason and logic, so that, figuratively, when occurrences don’t go their way, they aren’t disappointed. This is because to Epictetus, all external events in life are pre-determined by fate, so it’s already out of our hands from the beginning. With a calm dispassion, or indifference, we approach our fate and accept it. This is shown in his rules in The Handbook,
I believe that pursuing happiness as a goal has detrimental effects. As a society, we tend to believe that we need to be full of joy at all times, but that isn't realistic - life happens. By attempting to be cheery all the time, you will never be genuinely content. You will always be searching for more and won't be satisfied with what you have, creating a permanent cycle of gloom rather than bliss.
Your not so scared of having to fit in, so you are more unlatched and happy. Enjoyment is the ultimate factor of being healthy. ¨Happiness and good health go hand-in-hand. Indeed, scientific studies have found that happiness can make our hearts healthier, our immune systems stronger, and our lives longer¨ (Greater Good). Knowing you have people you can rely on to be there for you is the best feeling.
When someone is happy, their selfesteem is higher. For example, when one is happy or in a positive mood, they are less likely to pick out small things about themselves. Maybe they do not notice their acne as much, or maybe messy hair is not as big
Michael Abou Chedid Personal Reflection Essay STOIC QUOTES Stoicism is an ancient philosophy founded in Athens, by Zeno of Citium, in the early 3rd century B.C. Although Stoic philosophers considered various subjects, principal teachings included how to lead a fulfilling and happy life and how to become better human beings. Up until today, the principles of Stoicism can be considered amongst the most applicable and realistic way of life for entrepreneurs, writers, and artists alike, to help them withstand tough times, and actually benefit from them. The Stoic philosophers have left behind an abundance of quotes that provide readers with a shift in perspective, and help individuals reflect on their own joy and serenity.
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