Divallo t1_j7mv36b wrote on February 7, 2023 at 11:04 PM

Reply to comment by EfficientCategory110 in 3 reasons not to be a Stoic (but try Nietzsche instead) by Apotheosical

I like your opinion.

I think there is a division of what stoicism historically was and the version of it we see implemented today.

I agree with the people saying his criticisms of stoicism aren't completely in line with the historic writings but at the same time I feel it is applicable to the pop-culture stoicism being thrown around today.

I'm personally of the opinion that I think the "pop culture stoicism" is a load of self help BS and I see where the OP article author is coming from in that respect. It in my opinion tells people to bottle things up without providing the philosophical groundwork to actually deal with those emotions and successfully move on.

Before someone replies to me "that's not stoicism" that's kind of my point. This isn't directed at Marcus Aurelius and the reality is 99% of people aren't going to read actual philosophy books they get their "Stoicism" second hand from the internet or culture.

I liked what Neil Durrant wrote about Nietzsche. About how the true key is to allow ourselves to experience human emotion then channel it/incorporate it into ethical action.

I'm not giving advice to anyone else but I found at least for me that emotionality is just another facet of our humanity. To be the most "complete" human possible we have to use those emotions not suppress them.

EfficientCategory110 t1_j7ncqw8 wrote on February 8, 2023 at 1:11 AM

I agree with you; and yes, pop culture’s interpretation of stoicism is a bit skewed towards suggesting to not feel any emotions at all, as if that’s some sort of a bad thing. I never read anywhere in the ancient stoic texts where it said not to feel one’s emotions. Rather, the stoics’ point was for one to not react, or give in, to the emotions one is feeling at the moment. But then pop culture is often short-sighted when it comes to interpreting philosophy.

Interestingly, cognitive behaviour therapy’s roots are in part taken from Epictetus’ teachings on stoicism. One of CBT’s main tenants can be simply expressed in the words of Epictetus, in which he states “men are disturbed not by things, but by views which they take from them.” I consider this one quote of Epictetus, all by itself, as being worthy of practicing in everyday life.

My last comment is in regards to Donald Robertson’s book, The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Stoic Philosophy as Rational and Cognitive Psychology. In his book he explains the origins of stoic therapy, as was practiced in Roman times, and how it directly influenced modern CBT therapy. It’s quite enlightening and worth the read if someone is so inclined.

Also worth reading is, https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fixing-families/201910/what-stoics-can-teach-us-about-mental-health?amp