Lowercase stoicism Vs. Uppercase Stoicism | Angela Duckworth
Jun 5, 2024
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Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and bestselling author known for her work on grit, engages in a compelling discussion about the nuances of Stoicism. She explores the concepts of lowercase versus uppercase Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. Duckworth challenges traditional Stoic beliefs, arguing for the necessity of personal agency in shaping outcomes. Their conversation also touches on the dynamics of support in success, the balance of grit and flexibility, and the historical roots of Stoic activism that resonate with contemporary social justice issues.
Uppercase Stoicism emphasizes active engagement in facing challenges for positive change.
Strategic self-control involves planning and cleverness over sheer willpower, aligning with Stoic virtues.
Strategic thinking surpasses brute force, as historical examples highlight the power of exploiting weaknesses efficiently.
Deep dives
Personal Agency and Historical Change
Personal agency and the ability to initiate change in challenging situations are highlighted through a personal story of overcoming adversity. The narrative delves into the struggles faced by individuals and how they can take action to alter their circumstances, drawing upon examples from history such as the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
Differentiating Lowercase Stoicism from Uppercase Stoicism
A distinction is made between the concepts of lowercase and uppercase stoicism, highlighting the difference between accepting difficulties passively versus actively engaging with challenges to bring about positive change. The discussion emphasizes the virtues of courage, justice, and wisdom as key elements of uppercase stoicism.
Critique and Evolution of the Concept of Grit
The concept of grit is examined beyond mere endurance or perseverance, exploring how it extends to strategic decision-making and adaptability in pursuing goals. The importance of not equating mental fortitude with grit is underscored, urging a more nuanced understanding of resilience and determination.
Exploring the Intersection of Personal Choice and External Circumstances
The interplay between personal choices and external circumstances is explored, touching upon the balance between adapting to challenging situations and actively seeking to change or improve them. Real-life examples and historical perspectives are used to illustrate the complex dynamics between individual agency and external factors in shaping outcomes.
Strategic Self-Control and Virtue Practice
Individuals vary in their need for discipline, with some needing guidance to improve saving and earning habits, while others struggle with spending wisely despite financial success. The concept of strategic self-control involves using tactics to outsmart oneself, similar to using a slingshot instead of sheer force. This approach, seen in figures like Thomas Schelling's battle against his desire to smoke, emphasizes planning and cleverness over sheer willpower, aligning with the Stoic principle of finding virtue in challenging situations.
Strategic Thinking and Leveraging Strengths
Strategic thinking transcends mere force in battles, as historical insights reveal that successful outcomes often arose from outmaneuvering opponents or finding their weaknesses. Sun Tzu's teachings and historical battles exemplify the power of exploiting strengths efficiently. The analogy of David and Goliath underscores the idea of leveraging one's unique strengths against formidable opponents, reflecting strategic prowess over brute force. This strategic intelligence, reflected in approaches like Gandhi's nonviolent resistance or Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights tactics, demonstrates the impactful nature of strategic thinking in achieving larger goals.
In today’s episode, Angela Duckworth challenges Ryan on the Stoic dictum that “you cannot change your situation, but you can change your response to the situation”. Together, they talk about self-control, grit, Stoicism throughout history, and lowercase stoicism versus uppercase Stoicism.
Angela Duckworth is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, psychologist, and author of the New York Times bestselling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.
