Stoicism and Buddhism define self as controllable aspects, emphasizing conscious manipulation of goals and desires.
Stoic and Buddhist mindfulness share similarities in attention practices, but differ in focus on propositions and body states.
Deep dives
Similar Views on Self Control
Both Stoics and Buddhists agree that external and internal events are beyond one's control. They define the self as a sphere of control, emphasizing conscious goals, desires, impulses, and opinions that are within one's power to manipulate.
Harmonizing Stoicism and Buddhism
While similarities exist between mindfulness practices in Stoicism and Buddhism, key distinctions in core practices and philosophies are evident. Stoic mindfulness emphasizes attention to propositions, roles, and character preservation, contrasting with Buddhist mindfulness focusing on body, valences, mind states, and dhammas.
Importance of Attention and Control
Improving attention is crucial in both Stoicism and Buddhism, yet the context and application differ. Attention, when aligned with broader goals and virtues in Stoicism and intentional inertia in Buddhism, aids in self-improvement and ethical conduct.
The Risk of Eclecticism
Despite the allure of eclecticism in philosophy, such as picking and choosing practices from different traditions, potential downsides in clarity and coherence can arise. A cautious approach to eclecticism is advised, emphasizing understanding of reasons behind choices and seeking unification in practices.
In this conversation Caleb speaks with Greg Lopez. Greg is a practicing secular Buddhist and Stoic. He’s also the co-author, with Massimo Pigliucci, of A Handbook for New Stoics.
They discuss Greg’s struggle to combine the two philosophies, and different accounts of mindfulness.