I am new to stoicism, having found it after reading about how it may have influenced the Founding Fathers in writing the Decclaration of Independence and the Constitution. So this essay is both timely and meaningful. Premeditatio malorum is just another layer to it all. Turns out, I've been practicing it for years, not knowing its connection to stoicism.While I can't deny its usefullness, it has a downside as well: overuse can draw you into an over dark period that's challenging to pull out of. So be careful of its use, I say.
That's a good point. Stoicism promotes using the rational mind to overcome negative emotions by only concerning ourselves about what is in our control, which is really only our thoughts and attitude. So, the idea is to use this tool to prepare for negative events. However, we must recognize that these events, whether they happen or not, are entirely out of our control. Therefore, while we think of them, we should not worry, obsess, or stress out over them. The goal is simply to be a good and virtuous person in whatever circumstances the fates throw at you!
Erik, first of all, welcome back. And second...this post was AWESOME!! So much if it hit home for me.
I have lived in and with so much less than I have now (in developing Jamaica) so i fully comprehend what you're saying about truly appreciating the differences. These are feelings you can't even begin to imagine until you live without for brief or extended periods.
And that part about hugging your spouse before they leave...that one really hit me. I wrote almost the same sentence in a piece I wrote about the sudden death of my son. If I had know the last time I hugged him would be the last time, would we have held it longer? Appreciated it more?
Simply amazing post today and I can't wait to see your experiences in Honduras!
Thank you so much, Kristi! I actually thought of you and what you've been through while I was writing it. I'm really glad to hear that you got something positive from it.
Great benefit to considering what could go wrong: it reduces importance and “desperation” in what we are trying to achieve in life. When we consider the possibility of failure, we have the opportunity to think of backup plans and/ or come to terms with the imaginary loss. Life runs from the desperate and runs toward the prepared. Just hoping for the best is poor planning.
I do think more about death now that I am getting older and several of my close friends have died recently. Thinking about dying makes me think about all the things I wish to do before I go. But I could die anyday now......so I dwell on that at times.
Your photos and story about your recent trip to Honduras are compelling. I applaud your dedication and hard work - I am not sure I could do it. I am used to my sundry comforts. I feel very lucky to have what I have. I think about this almost every day. I try not to take this for granted.
With that said, I do not feel comfortable around people who flaunt their wealth or use it to gain more advantage for "frivolous" things. I grew up in a modest household. My parents worked hard. They instilled that work ethic in me and I have worked hard to get where I am today. We saved and saved. I feel lucky. I have a good life.
With that said, I like to jump into adventures (like you) where I endure hard things for a while. I lean on my strong mental strength to get me through - and think about what kind of rewards I may have when I complete my journey. During an exhausting 8 hour ski race, I focused on looking foward to having a good meal afterwards with friends.
Thank you Erik for another wonderful and thought-provoking post. I learned a lot abut stoicism - which is good.
Thanks for your comments, Jenn! In Stoic thought, having nice things and enjoying pleasurable experiences is ok, as long as we maintain the awareness that it can all go away.
The takeaway from this is to use this technique to gain perspective, but we shouldn't be anxious or worry about the bad things. We do this by keeping in mind that they are out of our control and the key to finding the good life is to focus on being a virtuous person, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.
Stoicism resonates with so many people (in the developed world) at the moment exactly because it brings balance and perspective - thanks for the reminder. Great article Erik.
[feelings of community and joy… gratitude and a relaxed sense of appreciation devoid of comparisons.] WE NEED THIS perspective now more than ever.
It always amazes me that even at during this ancient Hellenic era, (without air conditioning, cell phones, electricity, cars etc..) there was an awareness for abundance and the excess. It illustrates how spoiled we are or how easily we acclimatize and can get used to a certain way of living. It’s important to travel and experience how even in developing or third world conditions there is JOY. Perhaps even more easily accessible through hard work and lack of distraction.
I’m still thinking a lot about this topic. It seems that heightened gratitude and engagement with the world flow from experiencing challenges. It helps us to see these benefits as experienced by others, but I think we need to seek them ourselves as well, through hard work, artistically challenging ourselves, or by travel itself.
I am new to stoicism, having found it after reading about how it may have influenced the Founding Fathers in writing the Decclaration of Independence and the Constitution. So this essay is both timely and meaningful. Premeditatio malorum is just another layer to it all. Turns out, I've been practicing it for years, not knowing its connection to stoicism.While I can't deny its usefullness, it has a downside as well: overuse can draw you into an over dark period that's challenging to pull out of. So be careful of its use, I say.
That's a good point. Stoicism promotes using the rational mind to overcome negative emotions by only concerning ourselves about what is in our control, which is really only our thoughts and attitude. So, the idea is to use this tool to prepare for negative events. However, we must recognize that these events, whether they happen or not, are entirely out of our control. Therefore, while we think of them, we should not worry, obsess, or stress out over them. The goal is simply to be a good and virtuous person in whatever circumstances the fates throw at you!
Erik, first of all, welcome back. And second...this post was AWESOME!! So much if it hit home for me.
I have lived in and with so much less than I have now (in developing Jamaica) so i fully comprehend what you're saying about truly appreciating the differences. These are feelings you can't even begin to imagine until you live without for brief or extended periods.
And that part about hugging your spouse before they leave...that one really hit me. I wrote almost the same sentence in a piece I wrote about the sudden death of my son. If I had know the last time I hugged him would be the last time, would we have held it longer? Appreciated it more?
Simply amazing post today and I can't wait to see your experiences in Honduras!
Thank you so much, Kristi! I actually thought of you and what you've been through while I was writing it. I'm really glad to hear that you got something positive from it.
You’re not just a fantastic photographer. You’re a beautiful wordsmith as well. Really enjoyed this.
Too kind! Thanks again!
Great benefit to considering what could go wrong: it reduces importance and “desperation” in what we are trying to achieve in life. When we consider the possibility of failure, we have the opportunity to think of backup plans and/ or come to terms with the imaginary loss. Life runs from the desperate and runs toward the prepared. Just hoping for the best is poor planning.
That's a great point, Tim! It reminds me of a Marcus Aurelius quote -
"The impediment to action advances action; what stands in the way becomes the way."
When our path is blocked we have to find another way forward. It helps a lot if we've considered it beforehand!
I do think more about death now that I am getting older and several of my close friends have died recently. Thinking about dying makes me think about all the things I wish to do before I go. But I could die anyday now......so I dwell on that at times.
Your photos and story about your recent trip to Honduras are compelling. I applaud your dedication and hard work - I am not sure I could do it. I am used to my sundry comforts. I feel very lucky to have what I have. I think about this almost every day. I try not to take this for granted.
With that said, I do not feel comfortable around people who flaunt their wealth or use it to gain more advantage for "frivolous" things. I grew up in a modest household. My parents worked hard. They instilled that work ethic in me and I have worked hard to get where I am today. We saved and saved. I feel lucky. I have a good life.
With that said, I like to jump into adventures (like you) where I endure hard things for a while. I lean on my strong mental strength to get me through - and think about what kind of rewards I may have when I complete my journey. During an exhausting 8 hour ski race, I focused on looking foward to having a good meal afterwards with friends.
Thank you Erik for another wonderful and thought-provoking post. I learned a lot abut stoicism - which is good.
Thanks for your comments, Jenn! In Stoic thought, having nice things and enjoying pleasurable experiences is ok, as long as we maintain the awareness that it can all go away.
The takeaway from this is to use this technique to gain perspective, but we shouldn't be anxious or worry about the bad things. We do this by keeping in mind that they are out of our control and the key to finding the good life is to focus on being a virtuous person, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.
Makes sense. All things in perspective.
Stoicism resonates with so many people (in the developed world) at the moment exactly because it brings balance and perspective - thanks for the reminder. Great article Erik.
I think you're right! Thank you!
[feelings of community and joy… gratitude and a relaxed sense of appreciation devoid of comparisons.] WE NEED THIS perspective now more than ever.
It always amazes me that even at during this ancient Hellenic era, (without air conditioning, cell phones, electricity, cars etc..) there was an awareness for abundance and the excess. It illustrates how spoiled we are or how easily we acclimatize and can get used to a certain way of living. It’s important to travel and experience how even in developing or third world conditions there is JOY. Perhaps even more easily accessible through hard work and lack of distraction.
I’m still thinking a lot about this topic. It seems that heightened gratitude and engagement with the world flow from experiencing challenges. It helps us to see these benefits as experienced by others, but I think we need to seek them ourselves as well, through hard work, artistically challenging ourselves, or by travel itself.
Agreed!