The Daily Stoic We Have To Care About This
Feb 25, 2022
Explore the importance of independence and how it shapes our character. Dive into the history of the 18th-century abolition movement, highlighting individuals who championed the cause despite personal distance from the issues. This discussion reveals the necessity of empathy and moral responsibility towards those facing injustice, drawing on insights from philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Martin Luther King Jr. It's a call to action to care for others as a fundamental human duty.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Abolitionism: A First?
- The 18th-century abolition movement was likely the first large-scale outrage over others' rights.
- Previous movements focused on self-interest, while abolitionists fought for others' freedom.
Stoics and Slavery
- While not evil, Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca were largely indifferent to those outside their social circles.
- Even Epictetus, a former slave, prioritized individual independence over addressing slavery's injustices.
Caring Beyond Self-Interest
- Value personal independence and rights, but recognize injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere.
- Care for others, even those in different situations, as virtue demands it.
