The podcast explores Epictetus' teachings on progress and tranquility in Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of dismissing faulty reasoning and not being attached to external things. It discusses how the concept of slavery can be replaced with the example of a child in modern times and explores applying Stoic principles to parenting. Epictetus addresses objections to judgments of events affecting moral character and well-being, ultimately refuting them.
Progress towards virtue is essential for achieving happiness, freedom from passion, and serenity.
External circumstances do not determine our well-being; developing a virtuous character is crucial for inner tranquility.
Deep dives
The Importance of Progress in Stoicism
Epictetus emphasizes the significance of progress in Stoic philosophy, highlighting the connection between progress towards virtue and achieving happiness, freedom from passion, and serenity. While Stoic theory states that one is either virtuous or vicious, in practice, progress towards virtue is acknowledged. Epictetus advises starting with small things, like minor inconveniences, to cultivate tranquility and prepare for larger losses. The key is to recognize that external circumstances do not determine our well-being, and developing an excellent character is essential.
Dismissing Faulty Reasoning: Business and External Control
Epictetus presents two examples of faulty reasoning that hinder progress in Stoicism. First, he challenges the belief that neglecting one's business will lead to a lack of livelihood, suggesting that it is better to maintain calmness and confidence even in scarcity. Epictetus recommends practicing acceptance and acknowledging the price paid for tranquility, starting with small losses. Secondly, he confronts the misconception that punishing others, such as slaves or children, determines their conduct and our happiness. He advises reflecting on the insignificance of external control over others and refusing to let their behavior affect our inner tranquility.
Focusing on What Lies Within Our Control
Epictetus emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is within our control, such as our judgments, desires, and aversions. He warns against seeking well-being solely in external factors, as they are outside our control and can lead to frustration and discontent. Instead, he encourages understanding that our moral character and inner peace depend on our own actions and judgments. Epictetus suggests applying this understanding to everyday situations, such as parenting, where we must let go of the desire to control our children and focus on maintaining our own tranquility and moral excellence.
If you want to make progress, dismiss this kind of reasoning: “If I neglect my business, I will have nothing to live on,” or “If I don’t punish my slave, he will be no good.” It is better to starve to death in a calm and confident state of mind than to live anxiously amidst abundance. And it is better also for your slave to be bad than for you to be unhappy. So make a start with the little things, like some oil being spilled or some wine being stolen. Then tell yourself: “This is the price one pays for not getting worked up, the price for tranquility. Nothing comes free of charge.” When you summon your slave, reflect that he is quite capable of not responding, or if he does respond that he may do none of the things you want. In any case he is too unimportant for your own tranquility to depend on him. (Ench 12)
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