Jeremy Reid, Assistant Professor in Philosophy at San Francisco State University, discusses anger and forgiveness from a Stoic perspective. They explore why we get angry, how to respond to wrongdoing, the importance of forgiveness, and the concept of self-forgiveness. They also touch on the role of flexibility, compassion, and the Stoic philosophy on other people's anger. This conversation provides valuable insights into understanding anger and applying Stoic principles in daily life.
Anger is not a productive response to wrongdoing; rationality and impartiality are more effective in addressing and resolving problems.
Anger is driven by attachment to external factors and false beliefs; the Stoics encourage adopting a more impartial and reasoned approach to addressing wrongdoing.
The Stoics emphasize the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and a nuanced understanding of different perspectives, recognizing that individuals may respond differently to the same situations.
Deep dives
The Stoics' Perspective on Anger and Happiness
The Stoics argue that anger stems from false judgments about the value of certain actions and the usefulness of expressing anger. They suggest that anger is not a productive or justified response to wrongdoing. According to the Stoics, harm is not determined by what others do to us, but by our judgment of their actions. They encourage shifting our perspective to see wrongdoing as a normal part of human life, rather than an unexpected violation. The Stoics emphasize that anger is not necessary for rectifying wrongdoing, and that rationality and impartiality can be more effective in addressing and resolving problems.
The Stoics' Critique of Anger as a Motivation
The Stoics argue against the idea that anger is a useful or necessary motivation. They claim that anger is driven by attachment to external factors and a false belief that others' actions directly harm us. The Stoics propose that anger can distort our perception of the world and hinder our ability to make rational decisions. They highlight examples in warfare, sports, and everyday life where individuals can perform challenging tasks without relying on anger as a motivator. The Stoics encourage adopting a more impartial and reasoned approach to addressing wrongdoing, rather than relying on anger.
The Stoic Perspective on Helping Others and Managing Anger
The Stoics acknowledge their own imperfections and recognize that they can still offer guidance and help to others. They argue that individuals can provide support and advice to others even if they themselves are still working on improving their own character. The Stoics suggest that it is easier to offer impartial advice to others because we can see beyond our own emotional attachments and biases. They also emphasize the importance of recognizing that individuals may respond differently to the same situations and that one's ability to apply advice to oneself can be challenging. The Stoics caution against judgment towards others' emotional responses, especially anger, and instead stress the need for forgiveness, compassion, and a more nuanced understanding of different perspectives.
The Stoic Perspective on Wrongdoing and Anger
The podcast explores the Stoic perspective on wrongdoing and anger, emphasizing the idea that anger arises from unrealistic expectations of human behavior. The Stoics argue that human beings are flawed and prone to making mistakes, and that anger should be replaced with forgiveness and compassion. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the difficulties and challenges others face in their lives, and understanding that everyone is doing the best they can, given their circumstances. The Stoics believe that anger is a futile and counterproductive emotion that only leads to more suffering, and that instead, focusing on kindness and justice is a more constructive response to wrongdoing.
The Role of Forgiveness and Compassion in Stoicism
The podcast highlights the role of forgiveness and compassion in Stoicism as essential virtues in dealing with human wrongdoing. Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius stress the importance of treating others with kindness and understanding, while recognizing our own fallibility as well. They argue that anger and shame are not helpful in motivating others or ourselves to be better, but rather compassion towards others' struggles and recognizing our shared human frailty lead to personal growth and a more harmonious society. The podcast emphasizes that Stoicism encourages letting go of anger and resentment, and instead, cultivating forgiveness towards others as well as towards ourselves for past mistakes.
In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Jeremy Reid. Jeremy is an Assistant Professor in Philosophy at San Francisco State University. They talk about anger and forgiveness, using his excellent paper “Stoic Forgiveness” as a launching off point.
This is an excellent conversation for understanding the Stoic view of anger and enriching it with their practical and compassionate take on forgiveness. Highly recommended.
