Johnathan Bi Stoicism is a Coping Mechanism | Katharina Volk on Cato
Aug 3, 2024
Katharina Volk, a professor celebrated for her expertise on Stoicism and Roman literature, dives into the life of the Stoic senator Cato. She discusses Cato's strict adherence to Stoicism amidst political turmoil and compares his philosophy to that of contemporaries like Marcus Aurelius. The conversation critiques Cato's motivations, emphasizing the interplay of virtue and public image. Volk also examines Stoicism as a coping mechanism, its implications for personal resilience, and its philosophical conflicts with modern thought.
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Virtue Over Outcome
- Stoicism claims virtue is the sole good and sufficient for happiness, independent of external success.
- The Stoic archer metaphor shows moral worth lies in effort, not outcome.
Politics As Stoic Duty
- Stoicism endorses political engagement because humans are social and political by nature.
- Stoics combine civic duty with a cosmopolitan view of belonging to a universal polity.
Cato’s Political Last Stand
- Marcus Cato opposed Caesar relentlessly, joined Pompey, and fought on after major defeats.
- When defeat was inevitable, Cato committed suicide rather than accept Caesar's pardon.