Up@dawn 2.0

Monday, April 30, 2018

Stoics

Jeffrey Emmons #003




Stoics see the world not as it could be, but as it is. Stoics understand the nature of the world, and work around it to improve themselves. The main tool stoics hold for improving themselves is the Cardinal Virtues: Wisdom, Temperance, Justice, and Courage. A stoic must properly engage in all four of these to become better for the world, for the world will not become better for him.

Wisdom is "the ability to navigate complex situations in a logical, informed, and calm manner". Without wisdom, there is no proper understanding of the world. Change is inevitable, and with change comes situations that you likely have never experienced before. Wisdom allows you to push through new challenges, and to gain from the experience. Gaining wisdom can be done simply through broadening your experiences, and putting the work in to truly understand your actions, your failures, and the situations you find yourself placed in.

Temperance is "the exercise of self-restraint and moderation in all aspects of life". Without temperance one could easily fall into addiction, or place themselves into situations that they are unable to handle due to their lack of foresight and risk-assessment. In modern life temperance is most found in "willpower" and "self-control". These aspects are most commonly brought up when dealing with addictive substances such as alcoholism, or in gluttonous consumption. Temperance can be increased simply by understanding yourself, and understanding what about addictive substances holds power over you. By understanding your weaknesses you can strengthen yourself.

Justice is "treating others with fairness, even when they have done wrong". Without justice you are alone in the world, but the world continues without you. Justice is understanding that human beings make mistakes, and though many mistakes can be prevented through self-improvement, mistakes happening is an inevitability. Justice is an act of understanding, and to gain a better understanding of justice, you must gain a better understanding of human beings. The most important is to recognize your mistakes and wrong-doings, and realize that when others go through these same mistakes, or wrong you in the same way, they are no different from you.

Courage is "facing daily challenges with clarity and integrity". Courage is being able to retrieve yourself from hardship, and to push on through challenge. To place yourself before your circumstances. Gaining courage is not easy, but it is done always. Every action you do is an act of courage, simply because in doing so, you have not given up. Courage is the heart that everyone holds, and the light that shines in the face of adventure.

By bettering these four aspects of humanity inside of you, the world will become open. Though the world stands stagnant by itself, the actions of many will change the few, and the betterment of one may change humanity itself. Through the use of these four Cardinal Virtues: Wisdom, Temperance, Justice, and Courage, a stoic gains true understanding of the world, and of himself. Stoics see the world not as it could be, but as it is, but there is no need to see yourself that way. Change yourself as you see fit.

1 comment:

  1. How does this relate to your earlier post on Thoreau?

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