
Hello comrades, I hope this email finds you well. With the world today marked by constant change and uncertainty, Philosophy and particular; Stoicism has emerged as a timeless guide to finding inner peace and resilience.
I feel that we should be encouraged to develop a deep understanding of ourselves and our emotions, plus have a good grasp on the external world around us, ultimately leading to a more fulfilled and tranquil existence, for our brief stint on this planet.
The Essence of Stoicism
The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others.
- Epictetus
What I’ll focus on, revolves around the idea that while we cannot control external events, we can control our responses to them. This fundamental principle is the cornerstone of what I call no-nonsense, or straightforward Stoicism.
It encourages us to discard unnecessary concerns and focus our energy on what lies within our sphere of influence.
By doing so, and with a lot of mental practice we can aim to cultivate a sense of agency, amidst the chaos that life often presents.
Let's delve into what this straightforward Stoicism means in the context of today's fast-paced and often overwhelming environment.
View this as my starting point from what to focus on within the Philosophy.
Clarity in Chaos
The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.
- Marcus Aurelius
The modern world bombards us with a ceaseless stream of stimuli—social media notifications, news updates, work demands, and personal obligations.
A more straightforward approach to this, encourages us to cut through the noise and cultivate clarity in our thoughts and actions.
It's about recognising the difference between what is within our control and what lies beyond it. Instead of getting caught up in the minutiae of external events, we should focus on our responses to them, or in the best case, lack thereof.
Detachment to a certain degree, will free ourselves from the constant turbulence of external circumstances and instead what you’ll find is stability within.
By regularly pausing to assess our thoughts and reactions, we can ensure that our decisions are grounded in reason rather than impulsivity, enabling us to navigate the modern world with a steady hand.
You need time for this, and the difficulty level depends on how much you’re willing to put in.
Our problems can often snowball, and seem bigger than what they are due to our ever-shortening attention spans, because we typically can’t sit in a room with our thoughts for a half an hour.
Embracing the Present
Even if you live three thousand or thirty thousand years, you should remember this. You cannot lose any other life than the one you are living now.
- Marcus Aurelius
What a glaringly obvious statement, and one that you’ll see feature in a million articles and videos online. However, with technology bringing the world to our fingertips, it has led to a massive disconnect from the present moment.
Let this be a reminder to embrace the here and now, by cultivating mindfulness and gratitude for your individual circumstances, even if at this point you don’t feel like it.
Instead of being consumed by a virtual reality, and frequently complaining about things beyond our control - you must learn to appreciate the tangible experiences and relationships that enrich your life. No matter how small, or trivial they may seem.
Practicing gratitude for the simple pleasures of life and focusing on the task at hand, not only enhances our wellbeing but also aligns with the Stoic principle of living in harmony with nature.
By immersing ourselves fully in each moment, we can navigate the modern world with a sense of purpose and authenticity.
A Code of Ethics
Practical wisdom is the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.
- John Bradshaw
Stoicism places a strong emphasis on virtue as the highest good. While virtue remains a timeless concept, its application must evolve to address the challenges of our modern world.
Stoicism is centred around and encourages us to adapt the cardinal virtues; wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance— in order to help us navigate contemporary values and situations.
In a world where ethical dilemmas are increasingly complex, practicing Philosophy means making principled decisions that align with your personal values while considering the greater good.
It involves showing empathy and kindness in an interconnected world, even when faced with opposing viewpoints. And that’s tough, I know.
By embodying these virtues, we can contribute positively to our communities and create a more harmonious society.
Resilience
Misfortune is virtue's opportunity
- Seneca the younger
The modern world is characterised by rapid change and uncertainty. Jobs, technologies, and even societal norms are in a constant state of flux.
A more straightforward approach Stoicism equips us with the tools to build emotional resilience, enabling us to withstand the storms of change without losing our sense of self.
Rather than succumbing to anxiety or despair, Stoicism teaches us to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
We should engage in practical exercises such as negative visualisation, to mentally prepare for worst-case scenarios. Including those of our own mortality.
This exercise not only reduces the fear of the unknown but also bolsters our ability to adapt and thrive amidst uncertainty. With time.
To Simplify
We should not believe the lack of silver and gold to be proof of the simple life. The simple life is not a matter of externals, it’s about what’s going on inside.
- Ryan Holiday quoting Seneca’s work.
One of the most significant challenges of the modern world is the pervasive influence of digital technology and consumerism.
Stoicism advocates for conscious choices in this regard. It encourages us to adopt minimalist practices, both in terms of material possessions and digital consumption.
By decluttering our physical spaces and digital lives, we free ourselves from distractions that impede our focus and clarity.
Stoic teachings remind us that true contentment comes not from external possessions, but from inner tranquility and alignment to our values.
Epictetus reminds us - “where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own…”
A Guiding Light
Stoicism is not a rejection of the modern world, but it can be seen as a guide for navigating it with wisdom, resilience, and purpose.
It offers a compass amidst the labyrinth of information, emotions, and responsibilities, urging us to find solace in our inner sanctuary while engaging thoughtfully with the external world.
In a society often driven by excess, haste, and fleeting desires, these principles can serve as a timeless reminder that amidst the chaos, we have the power to cultivate a steadfast mind, a virtuous heart, and an unwavering spirit.
By embracing these teachings, we can find meaning and tranquility in the modern world's ever-shifting landscape.
As Marcus Aurelius’ writings echoed, it’s insane to tie your wellbeing to things outside of your control. Success, mastery, sanity, comes from tying your wellbeing “to your own actions.”
If you did your best, if you gave it your all, if you acted with your best judgment — you’ve won. - Ryan Holiday
The Irish Stoic on Youtube
I’ve joined Youtube - and will be creating visual content based on my writings, as well as tools for Stoic practice and quiet reflection.
Check out the first two videos here:
Until next time,
Memento mori, and good fortune.
Enda Harte