For me attitude is everything. So this morning we’re taking about the DOC, comrades. The concept of the "dichotomy of control" is a central tenet of Stoic philosophy, and it refers to the idea that there are some things that are under our control and other things that are not. According to Stoic teachings, focusing on the things that are within our control and accepting the things that are not is essential for living a good life.
The Ancient Stoics believed that there are two types of things in the world: things that are within our control and things that are outside of our control. One of the most famous examples of the dichotomy of control comes from Epictetus, who wrote;
"Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing."
We are reminded that we should focus our attention and energy on the things that are within our control and accept the things that are outside of our control with equanimity. This is because the things that are outside of our control are subject to chance and are therefore unpredictable.
Cicero’s Archer Metaphor
Cicero - a Roman orator and philosopher gave us a great metaphor to coincide with this principle. Just as an archer must aim at a target to hit it, so must a person aim at a goal or purpose to achieve it. In regard to this concept it is important to choose a goal that is within one's control and not heavily dependent on external circumstances.
The archer must be prepared to adjust their aim based on changing circumstances, such as wind or distance, and in the same way, a person must be prepared to adapt their goals or strategies based on changes in their life circumstances.
The Stoic concept of the dichotomy of control has many practical applications in our daily lives. For example, if we are feeling anxious or stressed about something that is outside of our control, such as a going for an interview, we can remind ourselves that we cannot control the final result of the interview, but we can control our own actions, such as preparing, and researching the job at hand. By focusing on the things that are within our control, we can feel more empowered and less helpless in the face of difficult situations.
Another practical application of the dichotomy of control is in our relationships with other people. We cannot control other people's thoughts, feelings, or actions, but we can control our own responses to them. If someone says or does something hurtful, we can choose to respond with kindness and understanding rather than anger and resentment. Even though at times this can be difficult, we are reminded that these passions often don’t lead us to a better outcome.
By focusing on our own attitudes and actions, we can in time cultivate better relationships and live more harmoniously with others, but most importantly is the tranquility from within yourself. Think about how you can use this exercise as you go about your life. The impact it can have it astounding if practiced regularly, even through unfortunate times.
In my next newsletter we’ll slightly alter and challenge the viewpoint of this concept with another theory known the trichotomy of control, in order to further our understanding of this concept.
Further viewing on this concept from the expert:
Quote for the week ahead
When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.
- Viktor Frankl
I have thought of the Dichotomy of Control when it comes to statistics, where preparation is bending the variables, gaming the chances. But the Stoic accepts and understands that even then, it may not go your way.