The 11th step uses more religious language to express this attitude of emotional acceptance in dealing with alcoholism. The Stoics argued that it was irrational, a veritable recipe for neurosis, to have a strong desire to get or avoid external things insofar as they're beyond our direct control. We need to learn to do our own work by focusing more attention on what we can do rather than worrying about the feelings that fate throws at us.
How to drink like a Roman emperor, if that emperor is Marcus Aurelius. In this episode I explore the relationship between Stoic philosophy and the Twelve Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing how Stoicism can help those suffering from alcoholism, as well as their friends and families. I spot parallels between the Twelve Step advice and Stoic teachings, and give examples from the life of Marcus Aurelius. I talk about how his wayward brother, and co-emperor, Lucius Verus, was almost certainly an alcoholic. Also, Frank, retired NYPD police officer, shares his experience of combining Stoicism the Twelve Step Program.
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The original article is available on Substack, titled How to Drink Like a Roman Emperor.
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