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You seem to fundamentally misunderstand stoicism. The idea is not to be passive but to understand the difference between what is and isn’t in our control. One
by kieloo 3y ago
You seem to fundamentally misunderstand stoicism. The idea is not to be passive but to understand the difference between what is and isn’t in our control.
One of Marcus Aurelius’ most famous quotes actually encourages action:
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
- bugglebeetle 3y agoThis is itself a meaningless appeal that can be used to justify any behavior, absent a concrete example or definition of the good.
- digging 3y agoYes, obviously. It's meant to be consumed in context of knowing what good is. If you're lacking that context, don't use that single quote to guide your life choices.
- weatherlight 3y ago..or you could read Meditations where Aurelius does explain what it is to be a good man.
- bugglebeetle 3y agoI’ve read it and found it to be sanctimonious apologia for the exercise of violent domination. Epictetus is more tolerable. The better example is the Buddhist tradition, where a figure of comparable authority to Aurelius abandoned power in pursuit of monasticism and universal respect for all life.