Indulge in the virtues of stoicism
I perceive much whinging, wining, envy, vengefulness and an unhealthy dose of disparaging judgementalism in our midst.
May I humbly offer an age-old remedy – the virtues of stoicism. The philosophy of stoicism and its application dates back to Socrates and in essence goes something like this: You are who you are as a result of influences over which you had no control. But having arrived at this place and this point in time, all you can do is to be the best that you can be by honest and committed application. You are not responsible for who you are or for any other individual. But you are and remain responsible for all that you do.
Consequently all that you are is in the doing. Know that you alone can only change what you think, say and do. You cannot change others nor any other components of the extended environment over which you have no influence. In real terms, nothing can be changed by whinging, whining or blaming. And as you apply your mind to words and actions, be aware and respectful of your own strengths and weakness – be self-respectful. Additionally be aware of these things in others with a non judgemental, sensitive and respectful disposition, for you can only guide and advise others. The doing is theirs alone.
Acknowledge 'own needs' but refrain from mistaking ‘wants’ for needs. For if you create needs out of all your ‘wants’ you shall be relegated to a life of fear of loss/failure with perpetual distraction from the essence of your existence. Fear only loss of self-respect and disrespect for the environment.
Finally, be inspired to action by the virtue of contributing value to self, others and to the environment – making things better than they were before you engaged therewith.
Let me play out with a lecture on the Virtues of Stoicism as practiced by one of the greatest leaders of the Roman Empire, Marcus Aurelius. So grab your popcorn and watch this excellent, inspirational lecture. Never has it been more applicable than to our times and to the leaders that we’ve inherited.
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Comments
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #32
Thanks Randy.
Randall Burns
5 years ago #31
Phil Friedman
5 years ago #30
Yes, Lada \ud83c\udfe1 Prkic, both Stoicism and Cynicism are philosophies of positive strength and the affirmation of life and living -- much more so, to my mind, that Pollyanna-like world views that hold "everything will be alright if we just all think positively." https://www.bebee.com/producer/@friedman-phil/cynicism-can-be-the-final-refuge-of-idealism Cheers!
Debasish Majumder
5 years ago #29
Ali Anani
5 years ago #28
Please IIan Weinberg tag me when you share your reflections. I am glad that we are now in full agreement.
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #27
Thank you for the kind words Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee Indeed you raise an important point and one which I omitted - positive action inspires while negative action or intention has the opposite effect. And this often has an influence beyond one's subjective perception. This I shall reflect upon. Thanks again.
Lada 🏡 Prkic
5 years ago #26
Ali Anani
5 years ago #25
Paul Walters
5 years ago #24
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #23
I guess it's quite in order to throw in a touch of Hedonism into the stoic mix Ken. But as the man says, just the right dose so that the pain doesn't exceed the pleasure. Have a great Up Over day.
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #22
Profound stuff. But the die is cast and the '"if only's" remain pie in the sky. It is what it is and the best that we can do is mind our own acres. Perhaps critical mass will carry us through to a better space.
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #21
Thanks Lisa Vanderburg That clip was just too good not to share.
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #20
Thanks for that Debasish Majumder
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #19
Thanks for contribution Praveen. For me there are many similarities between the core Buddhist teachings and Stoicism. I believe that they both tap core truths of the human condition.
Debasish Majumder
5 years ago #18
Zacharias 🐝 Voulgaris
5 years ago #17
Pascal Derrien
5 years ago #16
Lisa Vanderburg
5 years ago #15
Lisa Vanderburg
5 years ago #14
Ken Boddie
5 years ago #13
Talking of 'gaps', Ian, reminds me of the class gap in my UK days growing up. The aristocracy were outwardly 'stoically' proactive in their 'stiff upper lip' approach to life and its challenges, whereas the proletariat were more prone to comic reaction to what life threw their way, verging on the sarcastic or even sadistic. Here in Australia, where we appear (at least on the outside) to be a virtually classless society, we fail to embrace the concept of the 'stand-up' stoic (in effect, the oxymoron of Mr Spock telling hilarious one-liners) and tend to drag everything down to a common denominator through cutting humour (hence the 'tall poppy syndrome'). Perhaps if we all had a more stoic "non judgemental, sensitive and respectful disposition", society 'up over' would be more pleasant and unified, but, there again, from where would our comedians draw ammunition for our entertainment, and what would we talk about in the pub? Furthermore, in a society that doesn't tip, what would initiate and sustain good service, if we were too damned tolerant? While recognising and praising the 'stoic' virtues of 'wisdom', 'courage', 'justice' and 'temperance', they're all a hard act to follow. After all, shouldn't our wisdom keep us from getting into situations where we really need to be both wise and brave, and, where's the fun in being sober as a judge?
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #12
Humbled. Thanks Jerry.
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #11
It's that 'gap' Ken. Just gotta remember to 'mind the gap'!
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #10
Thanks for that Phil Friedman For many reasons I had you in mind when I posted this.
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #9
Harvey Lloyd
5 years ago #8
Ken Boddie
5 years ago #7
Phil Friedman
5 years ago #6
CityVP Manjit
5 years ago #5
The courage aspect is interesting. Look at this account from a person who suffers from depression and how they account stoicism saved their life https://dailystoic.com/stoicism-saved-my-life/ It is this facing up to reality which intrigues me because it does not rely on an antidote called hope. Stoicism is not us medicated ourselves but more importantly examining what is and understand the dividing line between seeing reason versus having faith in that which we do not actually control.
CityVP Manjit
5 years ago #4
The courage aspect is interesting. Look at this account from a person who suffers from depression and how they account stoicism saved their life https://www.bebee.com/producer/@ian-weinberg/indulge-in-the-virtues-of-stoicism#c1 It is this facing up to reality which intrigues me because it does not rely on an antidote called hope. Stoicism is not us medicated ourselves but more importantly examining what is and understand the dividing line between seeing reason versus having faith in that which we do not actually control.
Cyndi wilkins
5 years ago #3
#2 "Deal with the world as it is while pursuing self-improvement through wisdom, temperance, justice and courage." Could not have said that better myself;-)
Ian Weinberg
5 years ago #2
CityVP Manjit
5 years ago #1