Caleb Ontiveros, founder of Stoa, discusses Stoicism's view on psychology, mental health, and human flourishing. They explore Stoic conceptions of virtue, emotion, and self-control, as well as the similarities between Stoicism and cognitive behavioral therapy. They also speculate about the 'meaning crisis' and whether material progress undermines virtuous opportunities.
Stoicism offers a rational and Western approach to mindfulness and meditation, providing techniques like negative visualization and addressing cognitive distortions.
Stoicism emphasizes the role of judgments in emotions and mental health, offering tools for resilience and reducing negative emotions.
Stoicism encompasses both individual introspection and recognition of societal roles and relationships, promoting reasoned thoughts and maintaining rational judgments.
Deep dives
Interest in Stoicism
Stoicism has gained popularity as an alternative to mindfulness and meditation, offering a more rational and Western approach. It provides a framework for addressing cognitive distortions and offers techniques like negative visualization. Stoicism also addresses the search for meaning and identity. It appeals to individuals who value rational thought and are looking for a practical life philosophy.
Stoicism and Mental Health
Stoicism emphasizes the role of our judgments in emotions and mental health. It asserts that emotions are downstream of our thoughts and offers tools for cultivating resilience and reducing negative emotions. While Stoicism does not focus solely on happiness, it promotes virtue and the opportunity for a meaningful life. As a result, it has attracted individuals seeking guidance for mental health issues and a deeper understanding of personal growth.
Stoicism and Individualism
Critics argue that Stoicism promotes an overly individualistic approach to life. However, Stoicism encompasses both individual introspection and the recognition of one's societal roles and interpersonal relationships. While some individuals may interpret Stoicism as suppressing emotions, Stoicism actually encourages individuals to have reasoned thoughts and maintain rational judgments. The application of Stoic principles can be flexible depending on cultural context and individual needs.
Stoicism and Happiness
Stoicism asserts that individuals can find happiness regardless of external circumstances. While some people may have an abundance of resources and leisure time, true happiness comes from living a virtuous life and making excellent decisions. However, achieving happiness through virtue requires constant effort and growth. Stoicism acknowledges the challenges of finding purpose and virtue in a changing world, but believes that individuals can still strive for happiness and live a meaningful life.
Future Challenges for Virtue
As society progresses and potential challenges arise, the pursuit of virtue may become more complex. In a post-industrial world with increased automation, individuals may still desire to be virtuous and strive for personal growth. The expression of virtue may evolve, potentially involving new forms of competition or immersive experiences. While challenges may arise, the opportunity for virtue, personal fulfillment, and a meaningful life will remain at the core of Stoicism.
Caleb Ontiveros is the founder of Stoa, an app that combines the ancient philosophy of stoicism with mindfulness and meditation. He writes The Stoa Letter, co-hosts the podcast Stoa Conversations, and is the editor of The Classical Futurist. Caleb and I talk about the philosophy of Stoicism and what Stoics have to say about psychology, mental health, and human flourishing. We discuss Stoic conceptions of virtue, emotion, and self-control; similarities between Stoicism, System 1 and System 2 thinking, and cognitive behavioral therapy; and why Stoic thinkers and practices appeal so much to men. We conclude by speculating about whether today’s “meaning crisis” has always been with us, and whether material progress undermines opportunities to be virtuous.
