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“If you don’t know history - you got a problem … If you don’t have some idea of logic - then you’re easily bamboozled. Now, it seems to me that there are a couple of forces at work in American society that want to keep the schools [bad]. And those two major forces would be the advertising industry and the Republican Party. They have a vested interest in bad schools because the dumber people are, the easier it is for them to work their special magic on the electorate…  “If you are sub-stupid … you will be impressed with a political commercial that shows a man in the presence of balloons asking you to give him permission to launch a nuclear attack … This economy will only work if people are kept sub-stupid and are kept paranoid … I think the Republicans think they have a pretty good racket going here.”

- Frank Zappa, October 12, 1988

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A Look at Some of the Core Principles of Stoicism

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy, with roots dating back to the 3rd century BC, that values the pursuit of four key virtues - wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance - as the path toward a meaningful life. Hellenistic philosopher Zeno of Citium is believed to have originated stoicism, while early proponents include Seneca the Younger, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. These thinkers all adhered to and promoted stoicism's core beliefs as a means of achieving happiness and inner peace.

The pursuit of virtue is the ultimate principle for stoics as they contend that, by doing so, they will lead a life of integrity, deriving their happiness from moral righteousness as opposed to external pleasures. By cultivating the aforementioned cardinal virtues, the stoics believe individuals can achieve a state of fulfillment known as eudaimonia.

Wisdom, in stoicism, refers to the ability to look past immediate pains and pleasures and work toward long-term well-being. It also means thinking of others and how your decisions might affect them. Courage is a positive mindset, a virtue that refers to being hopeful and determined when faced with difficult obstacles. It also refers to being steadfast in one's convictions and accepting limitations or fears.

Stoics also emphasize justice and temperance as core components of a virtuous life. Justice encompasses good fellowship, kindness, honesty, empathy, and the notion that all humans have intrinsic value and deserve respect, regardless of their social standing or beliefs. Temperance, meanwhile, is about finding balance and moderation or having the ability to resist impulsive behavior with the understanding that it may hinder one's path toward a virtuous life.

The idea that a worthwhile life is derived from "living in agreement with nature" is another core principle of stoicism. This core belief, developed by Zeno and his student Cleanthes, is about an individual's obligation to fulfill their appropriate roles in society and the family unit, with the justification being that we are all connected to each other as social and rational creatures. Zeno encouraged his students to live in "harmonious accord with each man's guiding spirit and the will of the one who governs the universe."

Stoics, including Cleanthes, also believed that humans possess the resources required to succeed or achieve happiness. While some skeptics believe they were devoid of emotion, they, in fact, had an optimistic view of humanity and sought only to eliminate toxic emotions, including hope and fear. These emotions direct our outlook, whether positive or negative, on outcomes that are out of our control. Rather, stoics practice rational wishing and rational caution, known as boulesis and eulabeia, respectively.

Accountability is another core pillar of stoicism. Rather than complaining about external forces or seeking others to blame for their actions, the early stoics believed in a rational self, understanding that individuals determined their own fate. Other core beliefs include the notion that progress is more important than perfection and the acceptance of mortality.

Although an ancient philosophy, stoicism is still prevalent in modern society, with applications for personal development and mental health, particularly through its core teachings relating to personal responsibility and emotional regulation. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, incorporates stoic principles to help people with various mental health challenges reframe or correct unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Moreover, by accepting the stoic belief that our perception differs from external realities, individuals can better manage stress and anxiety.

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Core Stoic Principles ✨

Stoicism is a universal approach to ethics, personal growth, and resilience. The core teachings of Stoicism focus on the development of our personal virtue, the practice of reason, and the pursuit of wisdom to live a fulfilling and peaceful life.

Understanding What is Within Our Control: Recognizing the difference between what we can control (our thoughts, emotions, and actions) and what we cannot (external events, the actions of others) is central to Stoic philosophy. Focusing on our internal states rather than external circumstances which can lead you to a more peaceful and productive life.

Living Virtuously: Living according to virtue is the only good. Wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance are central to leading a good life.

Practicing Mindfulness and Self Reflection: This involves reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and actions to understand them better and align them with rational thinking.

Acceptance: Accepting things as they come, without distress, and understanding the natural flow of life can lead to inner peace. This acceptance is not passive resignation but an emotionally balanced way.

Emotional Regulation: Stoics believe in facing challenges head on with a calm and composed mindset, learning from experiences, and not being overwhelmed by our emotions.

Community: Stoicism teaches the importance of living in harmony with others and contributing to the common good. Focusing on the idea that we are part of a larger community and as a result we should be advocating for actions that benefit society as a whole.

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Well, anything might happen, the train could jump off the track. If it should happen that I don’t see you again… It’s been very nice knowing you. (insp.)

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), Make Way For Tomorrow (1937), Now Voyager (1942), My Reputation (1946), Brief Encounter (1945), Penny Serenade (1941), Knight Without Armour (1937), Paris Blues (1961), Summertime (1955)

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"Cada vez que pinto un retrato pierdo un amigo". John Singer Sargent

Por Andrés Casciani

Acrílico sobre cartón corrugado – 12 x 16 cms (2024) *Obra disponible: compras y consultas por mensaje privado o al mail andrescasciani@gmail.com

andrescasciani.com

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Trump’s Immunity And Righteousness And Faith And Trust

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Don't Force Anything - Alan Watts

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Wham! - I'm Your Man (Official Video)

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Because…

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Fun, fun and more fun. @itswhatienjoy

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Have fun!

@itswhatienjoy

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Stop by and enjoy the beauty.

@itswhatienjoy

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Stop by and enjoy the beauty.

@itswhatienjoy