Is Stoicism relevant today? A few observations from reading Epictetus
Takeaway #3 (of 5): Coming to grips with being a philosopher!
NOTE: Anyone who writes a blog or book or YouTube post about life or living is a philosopher of some kind. Especially when they put their own slant on it. That does not mean you are wondering the streets pontificating, but it does mean you chose a certain path in your life. As Ryan Holiday writes in Why you should study Philosophy’, “The truly wise philosophers … were real people, in the real world trying to make their lives better.”
Epictetus has some interesting insights into this path.
“If you have an earnest desire toward philosophy, prepare yourself from the very first to have the multitude laugh and sneer…if you are persistent, those very persons who at first ridiculed will afterwards admire you. But if you are conquered by them, you will incur a double ridicule.” Excerpt From XXII: Epictetus. “The Enchiridion.”
This POV provides some encouragement against bad reviews, publisher rejection letters, trolls, snide comments, harsh peer reviews and being rebuked for saying populist thought of the day. When I wrote my very first Education Myth post in early 2016 stating that ‘that learning and education need to be as conceptually separate as the church and state discussion.’…needless to say I got a few terse comments that basically implied I was out of my mind. These however did not affect me as I had all 12 already planned out before I posted the first.
“If you ever happen to turn your attention to externals, for the pleasure of anyone, be assured that you have ruined your scheme of life. Be content, then, in everything, with being a philosopher”. Excerpt From XXIII: Epictetus. “The Enchiridion.”
This section seems quite timely here in mid 2019 as it seems so many ‘good’ people are turning a blind eye to what is happening in the world. And in some cases, outwardly supporting dumb-ass leaders who a few years ago they would not be caught dead in the same room with.
“The condition and characteristic of a vulgar person is that he never looks for either help or harm from himself, but only from externals. The condition and characteristic of a philosopher is that he looks to himself for all help or harm. The marks of a proficient are that he censures no one, praises no one, blames no one, accuses no one; says nothing concerning himself as being anybody or knowing anything.” Excerpt From XLVIII: Epictetus. “The Enchiridion.”
Basically the word needs a lot more unsung heroes. A recent post by Tim Denning, ‘This Is Why You Should
Pay It Forward ’ provides seven reasons why living by this mindset is hugely beneficial. Not too mention that Marcus Aurelius spends entire sections leaders should just go about their business and not look for recognition. I wonder…has our society gone off the rails so much that hype has not completely overshadowed substance?
The final point about being a ‘Proficient’ (what a great word! — notice how the verb form is used!!!) should maybe become the 21st century replacement of the golden rule:
- Censures no one (be skeptical, but learn to listen)
- Praises no one (as in idolize)
- Blames no one (scapegoating others for our choices)
- Accuses no one (let truth / facts win out)
Remember, the context of this is someone who claims to be a ‘proficient’ philosopher (which I put into the context of those of us who blog, vlog or podcast our opinions.)
Final Thought: How ‘proficient’ are you?
