True Stoicism, much like truth or absolution in anything, is an abstraction. If a life's experience is defined as a series of emotional responses to external stimuli (a common, though not necessarily Stoic definition), then he who calls himself a true Stoic is either a liar or not truly living at all. It is the rare (and, often, comatose) man who can completely repress the emotions of joy and sorrow, of lust and anguish, of fear and loathing. I, personally, can not avoid feeling or expressing great pain or ecstasy, no matter how much I attempt to contain myself and the emotional stirrings within.
However, just because true Stoicism is an impossibility does not mean it can not be an excellent model for modern living. Indeed, for those educated in its ways, Stoicism appears to be the most logical path to a life completely devoted to progress, accomplishment and self-fulfillment. Too often are we so bogged down in our internal drive to experience great lengths of physical and psychological pleasure that the higher and more honorable quests for accomplishment are forgotten and cast aside. Think of how many more papers Einstein could have written had he not been forced to wrangle with his infamous marital issues, or how great Napoleon's empire would have been had he not allowed his romantic troublings cloud his judgment.
The Epicurean believes that the ultimate goal of a lifetime is gradual pleasure, but even this thinking is flawed. Even the most minute pleasure steals effort from less selfish ventures. Who wants to live this way? I don't, and I don't know anyone who does. However, those who do have the tools and the capability to live a life that is fulfilled to its highest potential.
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Well said, Mr. Dutko. However, who wants to live not knowing if they are going to be happy the next day. You have to plan for the future at least somewhat, and even if the future doesn't work out then people plan back-up plans. I think living in the moment without emotion is just too abstract even as a model for modern living.
ReplyDeleteYou write: "I, personally, can not avoid feeling or expressing great pain or ecstasy, no matter how much I attempt to contain myself and the emotional stirrings within." And yet we have class with each other every day and I can't say I've noticed this. You raise your hand; you don't shout when you disagree with what someone has said. Isn't it accurate to say you do contain yourself more often than not? Self-restraint is a part of the Dutko way, no? The question is, when to have it and when not to. Stoics are the Jedi-masters of this restaint, that's all.
ReplyDeleteSo, while I won't grant you that you have no line of self-restaint, I will grant you that you draw your line of self-restraint in a different place than a stoic. But what I want to know is where and why there?