How Stoicism and Modern Psychology Illuminate Daily Life Clarity
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Chapter 1: The Balance of Reason and Emotion
In the first part of our series on the interplay between reason and emotion, we delved into the difficulty of striking a balance between the two. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt's metaphor of the elephant and the rider beautifully illustrates this struggle. Today, we will delve into actionable techniques derived from Stoic philosophy and contemporary psychological insights to help us maintain this equilibrium.
"Don't let the force of an impression when it first hits you knock you off your feet; just say to it: Hold on a moment; let me see who you are and what you represent. Let me put you to the test."
— Epictetus
Imagine navigating through life in a small boat, gliding smoothly along. Suddenly, an unexpected "impression" appears and begins to disrupt your tranquility. This scenario is all too familiar, as we frequently encounter such disturbances. It's crucial to recognize that we can choose not to be troubled by them for long.
Section 1.1: Understanding Impressions
What exactly is an impression, and how can we evaluate it? According to Epictetus and the Stoics, these impressions or pre-cognitive judgments stem from our past experiences and subconscious thoughts. Since these perceptions can often be misleading or unwise, it’s essential to assess them critically.
In the Enchiridion, Epictetus advised us to approach every strong impression with caution: "An impression is all you are, not the source of the impression." We must then evaluate it against our criteria, primarily asking ourselves, "Is this within my control or not?"
This practice is not trivial. As discussed, Haidt illustrates that sometimes our rational mind (the rider) guides us, while at other moments, our emotional mind (the elephant) takes charge, particularly when faced with negative impressions. Negative emotions can easily overshadow rational thought.
However, there are proven methods to help us navigate this challenge. Both Epictetus and Seneca emphasize the importance of pausing to allow reason to intervene. In his work On Anger, Seneca remarked that anger stems from the belief of being wronged, a notion that should not be accepted lightly. He advocated for allowing time to pass, as it often reveals the truth.
Subsection 1.1.1: Key Concepts
Let’s review some essential Stoic terms:
- Impression (phantasiai): The way something is perceived.
- Assent (sunkatathesis): The approval given to impressions that leads to action.
- Impulse (orgē): The will's movement towards action based on an approved impression.
In essence, the flow is as follows: Impression > Assent > Impulse.
Section 1.2: Practicing Objectivity
One of my favorite sections in Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle is the Way emphasizes the importance of practicing objectivity, which is more complex than it appears. Holiday states, "The phrase 'This happened, and it is bad' is actually two impressions. The first — 'This happened' — is objective. The second — 'it is bad' — is subjective." Cultivating objectivity is a vital skill and a cornerstone of the discipline of perception.
Holiday challenges us to consider:
How often do our problems arise from our judgments about uncontrollable circumstances, as if there were a predetermined way things should be? How often do we perceive what we wish were true instead of what actually is?
In a similar vein, the late spiritual teacher Ram Dass noted, "As long as you have certain desires about how it ought to be, you can't see how it is." The theme of relinquishing our desires for how life should unfold is prevalent in many wisdom traditions. Epictetus encapsulated this sentiment: "Don't ask for things to happen as you would like them to, but wish them to happen as they actually do, and you will be all right."
Chapter 2: The Challenge of Objectivity
In this enlightening video, Stoicism for Everyday Life - Roundtable Discussion, experts discuss practical Stoic principles that can be applied to modern living. They explore how these ancient teachings can help us navigate the complexities of life with greater clarity and emotional control.
Thought Experiment: Reflect on a recent event that left a strong impression.
- Can you identify your initial impression?
- Was there an assent (or approval) of that impression?
- Did you experience an impulse to act?
Impression > Assent > Impulse
Engaging in this thought experiment can vividly illustrate the difficulty of achieving objectivity. "Objectivity means removing 'you' — the subjective part — from the equation," writes Holiday. It’s easier to offer sound advice to a friend during tough times because we can view the situation from a distance. However, when we are personally involved, our emotions can cloud our judgment.
Final Reflections
The more we practice testing our impressions and striving for objectivity, the easier it becomes. As Holiday observes, the more adept we are at perceiving things as they truly are, the better our perceptions will serve us. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by external circumstances, we must, as the ancients advised, learn to manage our passions and their influence over our lives.
As Kahlil Gibran eloquently stated, "Your reason and your passion are the rudders and the sails of your seafaring soul. For reason, ruling alone is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction." The objective is not to suppress passion but to harness both reason and passion to navigate toward the life we genuinely desire.
Thank you for engaging with this material; I hope you found it insightful.
— J.W. Bertolotti
In this insightful video, 7 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO EVERY DAY (A Stoic Daily Routine), viewers are introduced to daily practices that can enhance their lives through Stoicism. These routines are designed to ground us in the present and help us maintain a balanced perspective.