What is your opinion on stoicism?

Question

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I’ve read most of the works of the various Roman Stoic philosophers, more than once. Marcus A. is my favorite but I can never forget the fact that he really didn’t have to endure much in his life. He was Emperor of Rome, literally the most powerful man in the world at the time. He just wanted to be a philosopher and sit around and read Heraclitus, not secure Rome’s borders against barbarian hordes. Fair enough, but there is something kind of decadent about his intellectualism. We must remember that he wrote his Meditations for himself, and while it has become in vogue of late for people in modern times to read Marcus Aurelius to learn how to bear life’s hardships and endure them, too many people forget that much of Meditations is actually about doing one’s duty: as a Roman, a citizen, a soldier, and a leader of men. He has to remind himself of the importance of doing one’s duty, when really you just want to lay in bed and screw around and drink wine. Too many today focus on the “learning to bear suffering and setbacks well” side of Stoicism, while completely ignoring its emphasis on doing one’s duty. It isn’t always pleasant, or easy, but damnit you do your duty as a man and as a citizen.

Vanidal · Accepted Answer

My opinion? Hmm.
Grounded in reality.
Sensible.
Practical.
The works mainly explore the reasoning of self-control, of self-discipline, of patience, importance of vision, roles of other people and self, reminder to pay attention to your realm of capability and influence, focusing on what can uplift you, motivation, necessity of hardship, the nature of necessity. That's the things I could remember.
How I see them, they are nice to read to boost your groundness in reality in order to not be disturbed more than what's necessary. Being effective in defending one's sanity. Other work that boosts power and influence may complement them.

Smoke-n-Growls · Accepted Answer

I really enjoy classic Stoicism. Not the modern day "don't feel things" misconception of it, but the actual philosophy Marcus Aurelius wrote about.

My favourite Stoic practice is the idea of thinking through the worst case scenarios. I'm an anxious person with an overactive mind - I already tended to do this. But with the Stoic approach, the goal is to keep a level mind and a calm heart as you put yourself in these hypothetical worst cases.

The idea is, train yourself to act with calmless in these moments, and when it comes to pass you'll have an easier time dealing with it than if you'd never considered it in the first place.

Stoicism helps me tackle big changes with a sense of "I can get through this". It's helped me weather many storms, not all of my making.

It's a big subject, though. I'm not an expert. I just use techniques derived from it to help me manage my life.

Sixgunsound · Answer

It plays a huge role in how I approach life. I acknowledged long ago that I can’t change what happens to me but I can change my reaction.

ShadezMcgee · Answer

I believe it is an excellent philosophy that should be explored by men, especially in their adolescent years as they grow older. It will help shape them into stronger individuals who can have the proper tools and mindset to get through challenges in life and navigate their way through it using logic, a calm mind, and be able to be resilient in the face of setbacks and adversity, all the while painting focus on your purpose in life.

MCheetah · Answer

It's a great philosophy for modern men to follow, but it is NOT easy. I should know; I'm been half-ass failing stoicism for years now. My mind is too wild and active for it, right now.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

It's my kind of *-ism! :-) Or with words of Johann Strauss: "Happy is he who forgets..."

Berethor · Answer

Stoicism is better than being over emotional, stoic people are logical.

Dargil · Answer

Back in Brooklyn, I thought a Stoic was a bird that delivered babies. Tada Chshhh,

Anonymous · Answer

It only works for men who strive to become Vulcans. few in history are capable of that level of discipline 24/7 for their adult life.

dolemite89 · Answer

there needs to be more of it, everyone is so soft now a days

msc545 · Answer

It places too much emphasis on knowledge as the only source of mental stability.

SiberFox · Answer

La philosphie de l'Homme qui à conquéri le monde.

Agape93 · Answer

Useful but hard to maintain

boobliker · Answer

be cool if it worked

Snakeyes7 · Answer

I think it is the optimal strategy in life.

J2ohhhhh · Answer

It is what it is.

maximumpower · Answer

Don't have one.

OddBeMe · Answer

Get to the point.

BLP11520 · Answer

Boring...

What is your opinion on stoicism?

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