020 // Stoicism Past and Present

Kathryn Exon Smith -

"When you see someone weeping in sorrow because his child has gone away, or because he has lost his possessions, take care that you’re not carried away by the impression that he is indeed in misfortune because of these external things, but be ready at once with this thought, 'It isn’t what has happened that so distresses this person—for someone else could suffer that same without feeling that distress—but rather the judgment that he has formed about it.' As far as words go, however, don’t hesitate to sympathize with him, or even, if the occasion arises, to join in his lamentations; but take care that you don’t also lament deep inside." (Epictetus, Handbook 16)

You may find this quote strikingly callous and perhaps borderline sociopathic. How could Stoicism, the philosophical tradition behind it, have caught on in the ancient world? How can it be making a modern-day resurgence? In this salon, we'll explore the basics of the Stoic worldview and what the sentiment behind this quote represents. We'll also investigate current connections between Stoicism, Silicon Valley, cognitive processing therapy, marginalized groups, and teaching Stoicism to today's college students.

Rebecca is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at San José State University, with research interests in philosophy of law, philosophy of religion, and applied ethics.

The Internet Classics Archive | The Discourses by Epictetus
The Discourses by Epictetus, part of the Internet Classics Archive
The Discourses by Epictetus
NPR Cookie Consent and Choices
How Inuit Parents Teach Kids To Control Their Anger
Why Stoicism is one of the best mind-hacks ever devised – Lary Wallace | Aeon Essays
As legions of warriors and prisoners can attest, Stoicism is not grim resolve but a way to wrest happiness from adversity
AeonLary Wallace
Why Epicurean ideas suit the challenges of modern secular life – Temma Ehrenfeld | Aeon Ideas
Of all the ancient philosophers, it is Epicurus, not the Stoics, who helps us with the challenges of modern secular life
AeonTemma Ehrenfeld
Massimo Pigliucci on Seneca’s Stoic philosophy of happiness – Massimo Pigliucci | Aeon Classics
What makes a life worth living? Massimo Pigliucci introduces Seneca’s classic letter of Stoic philosophy, ‘On the Happy Life’
AeonMassimo Pigliucci
Why Is Silicon Valley So Obsessed With the Virtue of Suffering? (Published 2019)
The Stoics and friends continue to be the dominant thought leaders from Google to Apple — and a new entrepreneur lobbying firm has even named itself Cicero.
NYTimes

This salon took place November 17, 2019.