Good morning everyone, and a happy St. Patricks day from Ireland. I’m trying some thing completely different this morning. What you’re about to read is an imagined dialogue between a Stoic Philosopher of sorts, and a student who is interested in the school.
I’ve read a few books in my day conducted in this manner and found them helpful for answer questions about certain subjects. In the below conversation you’ll find out more about acceptance, control, equanimity, and mindfulness from a Stoic perspective.
Let’s dive in, and let me know from the poll below whether or not you find this format useful;
Philosopher: Hello comrade. I understand that you're a student of Stoicism. What has drawn you to this philosophy?
Student: Hello. I have always been interested in philosophy in general, and I was drawn to Stoicism because it offers a practical approach to living a meaningful life. I appreciate the emphasis on focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot control.
Philosopher: Yes, that's one of the central tenets of Stoicism, formally called the dichotomy of control. It's important to recognise that we have limited control over external circumstances, but we always have control over our own thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
Student: That's exactly what I find so appealing about Stoicism from a first glance. Although I do have a question: How can we reconcile the idea of accepting what we cannot control with the desire to make a positive impact on the world?
Philosopher: Ah, that's a solid question. Well Stoicism teaches that we should strive to make a positive impact on the world, but we should also recognise that our efforts may not always produce the desired results. Therefore, it's important to focus on the process of doing good rather than the outcome.
Student: Hmm. I see, so it's about doing what's right for its own sake, rather than expecting a certain outcome.
Philosopher: Yes, in a sense. We should do what is in accordance with our values and principles, regardless of the outcome. This way, we maintain our inner peace and integrity, even in the face of disappointment or failure.
Student: That makes a lot of sense. How about our emotions? How can we balance our desire to be rational and logical with our natural human emotions?
Philosopher: Excellent point. The Stoics believed that emotions are a natural part of being human, but we should strive to cultivate the right kind of emotions. For example, joy, gratitude, and love are positive emotions that we should cultivate, while negative emotions like anger, envy, and anxiety will be felt, but tamed.
Student: That's interesting. But how do we go about cultivating positive emotions?
Philosopher: Well, the Stoics believed that the key to cultivating positive emotions is to focus on our thoughts and attitudes. We should practice gratitude, for example, by reminding ourselves of all the good things in our lives. We should also strive cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy for others.
Student: So It's about being mindful of our thoughts and choosing to focus on the positive?
Philosopher: In a way, yes. Mindfulness is an essential part of Stoic practice. By being mindful of our thoughts and attitudes, we can cultivate the right kind of emotions and maintain our inner peace and tranquility. It takes time though.
Student: Thank you for explaining that, I appreciate your detailed advice. One thing that I struggle with is how to apply Stoic principles in my everyday life. Do you have any advice for me?
Philosopher: Well. A motto I follow is to Learn, Practice and Apply. The key to applying Stoic principles in everyday life is to practice them consistently, in all aspects of your life. For example, you can start by practicing mindfulness, by being aware of your thoughts and emotions throughout the day. It takes time to master, and you shouldn’t be discouraged.
Student: That's a good suggestion. But what about dealing with difficult situations, such as loss or illness? How can we apply Stoic principles in those situations?
Philosopher: In difficult situations, it's important to remember that we have limited control over external circumstances. However, we always have control over our own thoughts and attitudes. Therefore, it's important to focus on what we can control, and accept what we cannot control with equanimity.
Student: That's a good point. But how do we cultivate the strength to accept difficult situations with equanimity?
Philosopher: We cultivate strength through practice. Stoicism is not a passive philosophy; it requires active engagement and practice. By practicing acceptance, for example, we can gradually develop the strength to face difficult situations with equanimity.
Student: I understand. Have you hear about the concept of "amor fati," or loving one's fate? How does that fit into Stoic philosophy?
Philosopher: Amor fati means that we should love our fate, yes, whatever it may be. This means accepting our circumstances, even if they are difficult or painful. By loving our fate, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment, regardless of our external circumstances.
Student: That's a beautiful concept. But how do we love our fate when it involves suffering or hardship?
Philosopher: We love our fate by accepting it with equanimity, and by recognising that it is a necessary part of our journey. Suffering and hardship can be a powerful teacher, and can help us to grow and develop as human beings. By accepting our fate, we can learn from our experiences and become stronger and wiser.
Student: I see. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me, sir. I feel inspired to continue on the path of Stoicism.
Philosopher: You're welcome. Remember, the Stoic path is not an easy one, but it is a noble one. Stay true to your principles, and you will find the peace and fulfilment you seek. Don’t forget to learn, practice and apply what we’ve talked about.
Lovely summary of stoicism.