Stoicism
Notes
Claim
Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that has much to teach us about overcoming Hardships.
Explanation
In times of great instability, war and political struggles, one was constantly bombarded with threats and uncertainty. From these tough times, a philosophy emerged aimed to grant us Emotional resilience enables managing hardship and maintaining composure. It is a form of Cultivating virtues creates a good moral character, by cultivating the right virtues and the right mindset, we can go through life with less suffering.
The main tenants of stoicism:
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Cognitive dissonance - Perceiving something as "good" or "bad" stems from our Judgment adds subjective value to objective events, not from inherit part of the action. Much of our suffering therefore depends on how we see the world. By practicing Separating actions from identity allows growth, we can see things as they are, without the added suffering caused by our own judgment.
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Holistically - People are more than their actions, and so are you. Consider the circumstances in which people operate. Remember that others (or you) might be wrong, acting on good intentions or succumbed to emotions or weaknesses, so don't be quick to assign malice to their behavior. Have Humility is acknowledging limits of knowledge and fallibility in the way you think of others, you never know the full picture, and best to assume that People are inherently good
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Guidance - Seek the council of those who can help you fulfill your potential. What would your mentors say/do in this situation. Have mentors real or imaginary in your life, act with thoughtfulness and intention.
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Stress inculcation - Prepare for the worst, and think of solutions. Treat challenges as a way to strengthen your mental durability. Try to look at things in perspective by asking yourself "so what?". Usually the actual outcome would be far from the worst case scenario.
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Self awareness - Reflect daily to check if actions match your virtues, whether you are on the right path, practicing who you wish to become.
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Practice agency - Emotions and urges will naturally arise, but you have the ability and freedom to decide how to respond. Agency is the ability to connect desires and actions. You don't always control your circumstances, but you can always, always, choose how to react, so make sure you do so according to your values.
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Connect - To be wise is to see that we are all connected, strive to improve the life of people you meet, since they are your family, even those who have done you wrong Altruism.
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Be a student - Every situation, especially the bad ones, are opportunities for growth, either by learning something new, or a chance to practice your virtues. Learning must continue constantly throughout life. Never think that you are "finished", that you are above mistakes or that your skills are perfect. Reality will constantly show us the error of our ways, it is up to us to listen to it and learn from it.
Why it matters
Stress inculcation would remove much of your Stress can be adaptive or harmful depending on perception and context. Connecting with others and being a student of life allows for personal growth and meaningful relationships.
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Overview
🔼Topic:: Acceptance and Effortless Action ◀Origin:: How to think like a roman emperor (book) 🔗Link::