Stoicism for contemporary society | Stoicism Series PART 3 | Nancy Sherman
Jan 14, 2025
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Nancy Sherman, a Georgetown University philosophy professor and author of "Stoic Wisdom," explores the enduring appeal of Stoicism in today's world. She discusses how its principles can aid personal growth and address contemporary challenges, highlighting its community-oriented focus. Sherman also examines the connection between Stoicism and therapeutic techniques, revealing how reflective practices can enhance emotional management. Additionally, she shares insights from teaching Stoicism to Naval Academy midshipmen, linking its wisdom to resilience and mental health in military contexts.
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of developing virtues and self-mastery to achieve inner happiness and resilience against life's challenges.
The philosophy highlights the communal aspects of human connections, advocating for empathy and global citizenship beyond individualistic pursuits.
Deep dives
Understanding Stoicism
Stoicism is an ancient Greco-Roman philosophy that emphasizes the importance of virtue as the key to happiness, arguing that external goods can disrupt one's inner stability. It teaches that developing habits and practices can help individuals distance themselves from emotional turmoil caused by the outside world. Stoics believe in self-mastery and practicing virtues to achieve a state of flourishing, termed eudaimonia. The philosophy encourages individuals to build resilience against life's challenges, enabling them to endure hardships such as war or loss with grace.
Common Misunderstandings of Stoicism
Many modern interpretations of Stoicism simplify it to a self-help framework focused on individual grit and resilience, overlooking its deeper communal and relational aspects. This misunderstanding often presents Stoicism as an individualistic pursuit, neglecting the philosophy’s emphasis on social bonds and the interconnectedness of humanity. Through historical figures like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, Stoicism reflects the idea that true happiness is tied to our relationships with others and our roles within a community. The notion of 'global citizenship' is crucial to Stoicism, highlighting the importance of empathy and extending one's care beyond immediate circles.
Stoicism and Modern Therapeutics
Stoicism offers valuable insights into emotional management, positing that emotions are fundamentally tied to beliefs and thoughts, thus opening pathways for therapeutic integration. The Stoic approach encourages pausing before reacting to emotionally charged situations, allowing for reflection and a more measured response, which aligns closely with cognitive behavioral therapy practices. This perspective highlights the importance of understanding one's emotional responses as cognitive evaluations rather than impulsive reactions. By fostering awareness of these connections, Stoicism promotes resilience and emotional intelligence, making it relevant in today's therapeutic contexts.
Why is stoicism one of the most well-known and read philosophical strains in the contemporary age? After 2000+ years, what is its continued appeal?
Join philosopher Nancy Sherman, an expert in ancient philosophy, as she delves into her attraction to the topic and the ways she believes it applies to the contemporary age. A good introductory episode to the topic for those interested in learning more.