Emotions Are Integral to Stoicism

A prevalent misconception about Stoics is that they are emotionless, enduring life's hardships without feeling. This is a misconception.

Stoicism acknowledges that emotions are an unavoidable aspect of existence. Rather than suppressing them, Stoics examine their feelings. The goal is to ensure emotions do not dominate our lives. Just as it would be foolish to lash out in anger and injure ourselves, we aim to practice "apathaeia." This concept emphasizes maintaining composure amidst emotional turmoil.

We recognize our feelings without allowing them to overpower us. Therefore, while Stoics do experience emotions, they understand that emotions do not define their entire existence.

In this insightful video, "You don't know this about Stoicism! [Stoic School Ep.11]," you will learn more about common misconceptions and deeper truths about Stoic philosophy.

The Limits of Control: Focus on Yourself

The dichotomy of control reveals that we can only influence certain aspects of our lives. For instance, while you can determine what you write, the reactions of others are beyond your control. This leads to an essential question: why should we concern ourselves with how others respond?

Such questions are crucial for personal growth, especially on platforms like Medium. You can’t change how others view your work, but you can adjust your own perspective. When a piece you write doesn’t resonate, you can choose from several responses:

• Allow disappointment to consume you
• Feel frustrated and give up
• Recognize that all writers face challenges in the beginning and strive to improve
• Temporarily lose hope but remember that writing is a long-term journey

Ultimately, the choice of how to respond to life’s events lies with you. This power comes with the responsibility of owning your reactions.

Gradual Growth Over Abrupt Change

Stoicism is fundamentally about cultivating virtues. However, this does not necessitate an immediate transformation. Instead, it advocates for a gradual approach.

Although profound experiences can inspire change, Stoicism values the journey and acknowledges that setbacks are part of the process. This realistic perspective is appealing, as significant changes often follow considerable adversity, such as the loss of a loved one.

Incremental adjustments are often more beneficial for everyday improvement. Progressing just a few steps can make a significant difference.

Stoicism is neither intimidating nor complex when you recognize:

• Emotions are a vital part of human life
• Personal self-control is more crucial than attempting to control others
• A slow and steady transformation is all that is needed to reach your goals

Thank you for taking the time to read!

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