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> The Stoics tell us that the only thing that matters is virtue, we should be indifferent when loved ones die, and that the universe works providentially, so ul
by pammf 4y ago
> The Stoics tell us that the only thing that matters is virtue, we should be indifferent when loved ones die, and that the universe works providentially, so ultimately nothing in it is bad.
No, they don’t. What they tell is to not overreact about these things since they’re all part of life.
That’s why I think people should avoid reading contemporary authors writing about ancient philosophy without having read the originals first.
- kashyapc 4y agoYeah, it's annoying to see these quick takes by "contemporary authors". Although, the above caricature on virtue can be somewhat forgiven—we do see a constant riffing on "virtue is the highest good"; "virtue is its own reward" in the Stoic literature, particularly by Seneca in his various poetic phrasings. If anyone wants to actually know what the Stoics say, there's no escaping the originals. An excellent English translation is critical. FWIW, I've posted a list of high-quality English translations by scholars who have immersed themselves in these works here[1] in the past. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22990579 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22990579
- lm28469 4y agoYep, I don't think any of these "Epicurians" read Epicurus either, it has to be one of the most abused philosophical term