PHILOSOPHY - The Stoics

[@patmark3059]

He who fears to suffer, suffers from fear.

[@TribuneAquila]

He who suffers from heat, dreams of a tentacled sea monster

[@TribuneAquila]

I wrote the above comment a month ago, and now I have no idea what the fuck I was talking about

[@BrothersandCoFilms]

Chad C were you high?😂

[@plantymcplantface7182]

@@BrothersandCoFilms Perhaps he had too much hentai?

[@OnThePath777]

@@TribuneAquila LOL That's hilarious 😆

[@jt2506productions]

Stoicism in a way gives me optimism. In my opinion the key isn't too focus on the idea that life is going to turn out bad, but that bad things will happen and you can get through them. No one can take away your inner freedom, intelligence, and virtues. I don't view Stoicism as cynical, but as optimistic. It empowers you to strive for even more greatness because it frees you from the fears of failure.

[@bryangauthier1135]

jt2506productions Definetely the way i see it too ! Knowing that bad things will happen while also striving to have a better life can be fulfilling

[@twigletcheese]

Agreed. The stoics seem to say 'expect the bad, but react well'. People who 'expect the good' tend to 'react bad'. If you are someone who expects - i.e. has a very optimistic worldview - expects everything to be good, then by nature you will find the stoic message negative, apathetic, or even nihilistic. It is far from this.

[@chiperog9395]

I would not call stoicism either optimistic or cynical, in my humble opinion it is one of the truest neutral there is.

[@santoroy2120]

jt2506productions bro I’ve always believed this but thank you for putting into words

[@gillespaling7039]

Lol, stoicism isn’t optimistic, it’s rooted in pessimism.

[@Publiopf]

Never before have I seen videos on KZbin whose comments were worth reading. It's been so much fun hanging around with so many smart and sensitive people.

[@ermahgawd3889]

Publio Furbino Agreed.

[@Chuschannel]

+Publio Furbino When my balls get itchy, I must scratch them, because this is the logical thing to do.

[@Itsatz0]

+Chu Kim You could cut them off.

[@Chuschannel]

***** Logic and the lessons of philosophy tells me that would not be wise.

[@Itsatz0]

Chu Kim Logic dictates that humor has a way of destroying dogma. Enabling one a fresh view on a subject.

[@DailyStoic]

“Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will-then your life will flow well.” - Epictetus

[@callista4990]

god damn, i never thought of this interaction happening online!

[@alittlelate6188]

To say it with the words on Nietzsche, "Amor Fati"

[@MrDeathCell]

Life: i'm gonna beat you up Stoic: not if i beat myself up first.

[@monstar5746]

More like... Life: I'm gonna beat you up Stoic: Why would I care if I can't do anything about it :)

[@salvo6789]

Monstar I don’t think that is what being stoic is about. It’s rather what vinh said - if you beat yourself up first cause you expect the unexpected it will not hurt anymore. You talk more about accepting situation as they are which is difficult if you didn’t anticipate this one situation before it occurred

[@monstar5746]

@@salvo6789 I don't see how acknowledging the fact that you could die or suffer tomorrow makes you beat yourself up. You just do your best in the present, and don't worry about what you can't do anything about. That's what I understood and what has helped me.

[@salvo6789]

Monstar Beat yourself up in a colloquial sense .. When you are confronted with a abstract or oncrete situation that life throws in front of your feet and you worry about a negative outcome it can help to anticipate the worst scenario. And then you might find out that even the worst scenario - if you play it through - you would survive and even see the good in it. I think the most anxiety comes from the fact that we repress a lot and don’t confront ourself with our fears. Of course there are other thinking patterns that might help someone but here it’s about stoism

[@monstar5746]

@@salvo6789 "If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment." If something bad happens to you that you can't do anything about, then by acknowledging that you indeed can't do anything about it and instead keep focusing on what you can do to make your life better, then you should be able to feel much less negatively. I think beating yourself up is probably important aswell, but that you can also reach good results by ignoring the things that are external to you.

[@ratoneJR]

Worse case scenario... I'll start over. No big deal. I have started over before.

[@javazomb]

Starting over was not nearly as bad as I made it out to be. Best wishes, friend

[@burpie3258]

I haven't started over yet, but I know I'll have to eventually and I still dread it. Hopefully it won't be as bad as I think it'll be.

[@ratoneJR]

People are forced to start over, everyday. It really is no big deal.

[@EmptyMan000]

Shit happens. Move on.

[@TurnOnA6pence]

This is all good and proper when it's your own life at risk but what if the bad decisions you make end up costing others big time. It's hard to take that attitude when you cause somebody else's grief

[@devtogoru]

hope leads to anxiety, anxiety leads to fear, fear leads to.. the dark side..

[@reecehayden7731]

To quote the greatest man who never lived

[@thereddemon8706]

The dark side sometimes leads to suicide.

[@FocusMrbjarke]

Hope doesn’t lead to anxiety

[@judithkimball2125]

Hope gives me courage

[@VixXstazosJOB]

We don't need StarWars trolling... get out XD

[@walterbyrd8380]

Expect nothing and you won't be disappointed.

[@fauberkaupfmann982]

you'll never be surprised either.

[@brianmurray7091]

+bro derick less expectations leaves more room for surprise

[@fauberkaupfmann982]

Brian Murray no, it doesn't.

[@UltravioletFactoryYT]

I think one can in fact have large ambitions, just not expect it to work out even a bit.

[@damppp]

walter byrd More like "expect the worst and you will be happily surprised"

[@Reality-Distortion]

"And when you really, really can't take it - suicide is always an option." I couldn't not laugh with how optimistically it was said.

[@LolPlove]

It’s great to be reminded that you can never be driven into a dead end, you ALWAYS have the last choice in life…well unless you die in an accident i guess😂

[@crzune]

So in basically stoicism is mastering emotional neutrality.

[@kurtmill9080]

Non-attachment as some might say.

[@LexCreeps]

Think Buddhism, specifically the 4 noble truths/eightfold path

[@ЭльмирЭльмир-д5с]

Not at all. Neutrality only in appearance.

[@crzune]

Really I thought I was starting to become stoic really I'm becoming more apathetic

[@wafflesingsong6715]

I'd say it's more like realizing the (very) potential insignificance of your emotion's impact in the real world and trying to live of reflection of that. The Stoics themselves weren't against emotions in of themselves, just didn't support emotion when it wasn't going to amount to anything, or dig you in a deeper hole than you'd already be in.

[@stratocaster1986able]

Stoicism is not pessimism, it is about neutrality.

[@villiestephanov984]

MarcusAurelius No! Is not.

[@tagaway6173]

Villie Stephanov or is it?

[@alexminsky1]

Well, some of them were pretty Cynic. Including Epictetus who as you may know inspired Marcus Aurelius. They weren’t Nihilistic, though.

[@kekero540]

Not necessarily it’s better to say it’s about responsibility.

[@adrian_zombturtle148]

No its about the neutrality to be what you want

[@Z0MBI3P3LICAN]

stoicism, ripping off the bandaid of life.

[@anonymousmale2646]

Nice, I like this.

[@marconmz]

without a flinch

[@upmayo100]

Quite the opposite actually. It's a philosophy which aims to provide emotional bubble wrap.

[@villiestephanov984]

Rusty Shakleford Reasoning.

[@villiestephanov984]

The Real Craig , need practical wrap the babble of emotion

[@MegaAdytya]

"You need only turn over your wrists" seneca is savage af

[@kbgonzo9202]

Was he saying that its all in your hands or the answering slicing your wrists?

[@LupusDei777]

@@kbgonzo9202 both

[@VeryAverageGirl]

Adytya Reuben Halder , yeah that comment scared me.. I guess if you want to be very realistic some people simply won’t have the opportunity to be free like slaves, and it can be a freeing thought that you decide yourself. But I think it’s still pretty frightening

[@nathaniel6210]

@@VeryAverageGirl I see it as not necessarily encouraging suicide but encouraging the idea that even if were in a situation we cant get out of, we have more freedom than we think

[@bigdaddy2372]

Is a realistic view

[@kevins7704]

'What need is there to cry over parts of life when the whole of it calls for tears" So sophistical yet makes sense somehow.

[@vvohvaelez9277]

Makes sense quite easily tbh

[@jahirlumagan2443]

If I were Paulina, I would have said "Maybe because these parts of life make up my whole life."

[@the-brownwhale]

I can't understand this? Can anyone explain this?

[@tkdking1000]

@@the-brownwhale Basically a reminder that sometimes things can happen and there's nothing we can do and it's okay. These things are a part of life, however it might happen once and never happen again. You've had your entire life to live, don't let one single event bring you down so easily.

[@the-brownwhale]

@@tkdking1000 thanks for the explanation, I really appreciate the way you explained.

[@davidmandujano1824]

Would Stoic philosophy essentially be the “it is what it is” phrase

[@BY-sh6gt]

yup, or "yeah it do be like that sometimes"

[@Jerry-kw8ge]

Oh my God this is soo underrated 😆😆😆

[@kiileetsoku2397]

Yep

[@paigemuse]

like "oh! anyways so..."

[@MoritzvonSchweinitz]

Also, a deep "Eh. Shit happens"

[@hailalexander93]

"Life is 10% what happens to me, 90% how I react to it." -Scipio Africanus; Roman Genral, Statesman and Philosopher.

[@AH-on6jt]

My 8th grade English teacher said this once and it's stayed with me ever since. I didn't agree with it then because it felt like everything was so out of my control as a teen in a family that focused on suppressing emotions and unintentional neglect. But as I've gotten older in my teens I see how true that is.

[@hailalexander93]

@@AH-on6jt it's one of my favorite quotes

[@jwu1950]

@@AH-on6jt That is not true. The truth is life is 100% what you believe life is, nothing more, nothing less. So, choose wisely what you want to believe. May the love and the peace of Jesus be with us.

[@ChuckChuckWood]

@@jwu1950 People don't choose their beliefs, you are either convinced of something or not.

[@jwu1950]

@@ChuckChuckWood Exactly. People have the choices of being convinced or not. Everyone is making a choice. No one can be absolutely sure of anything because truth is a personal choice, aka subjective, truth is temporary, and truth is situational. There is no objective truth, no permanent truth, and no absolute truth. It's that simple. May the love and the peace of Jesus be with us.

[@coweatsman]

Hope is the universal panacea today. Every politician and every commentator says "we need hope" or "this gives us hope". In fact hope is a source of anxiety. With hope comes the possibility that you will not get. No one hopes for what is certain or what they already have. The more hope you have of winning a lottery, the greater your disappointment on losing.

[@kaigibson806]

right on, I love how you worded that

[@milesmorrow4860]

+coweatsman Hopes a devil or a saviour

[@BroCactus]

+coweatsman hope is a beggar. It walks through the fire and faith leaps right over it.

[@mallemall012]

+coweatsman There is nothing wrong with remaining open to a possibility that can and may benefit you. The problem, I think, stems from creating an attachment to the outcome you have placed your hopes in. I may hope to win the lottery, as it builds on the strength and perseverance it takes to continue buying lottery tickets, but in the end I will not allow myself to be hung up on the fact that I did not win. Toss out my card, buy another one, and try again! There is no certainty to life, and everything will eventually fade away. Hope distances us, and creates a barrier between this rather cynic, but realistic viewpoint, and opens us up to the infinitesimal possibilities of our current reality.

[@milesmorrow4860]

Friend i worship you i am bruce lee have you heard of me?

[@TejenderPrasad]

"Know that fear of suffering is worst than the suffering itself" - Paulo Coelho

[@scathachar]

Is this from the alchemist?

[@TejenderPrasad]

@@scathachar YUP 😊

[@scathachar]

@@TejenderPrasad thank you :)

[@TejenderPrasad]

@@scathachar Do read the book if you haven't Already 😊.

[@scathachar]

@@TejenderPrasad I haven't, but I will 👍 I see it everywhere through synchonicities ^^

[@hugosalinasaliaga5266]

In all of my engineering projects we used the "What If" this bad thing happens (and what to do ahead of time to mitigate it) during construction or the operating phase. Engineers are stoics by nature.

[@bigdougbarkz]

That is incorrect. Sorry

[@natural_law]

"Never complain and never explain." - Benjamin Disraeli

[@essah4161]

@WakinTheDeadFan lmao do you think he would explain... complaining is not helpful in any situation as it drags your emotional energy and explainig also. You can't get your point across everytime and you shouldn't, as a lot of people do not want to hear any reasonable choice

[@noelnoni7310]

Never complain is false as it gets. Closed mouths don't get fed mate

[@drasticgamerstv1025]

@@noelnoni7310 complaining has two aspects imo... 1. Complaining to someone where that person can understand n change the situation into something positive 2. Complaining, which most people do where nothing is positive. Such as, complaining things we can't control, etc this should not be done.

[@BW3721]

I feel like stoicism is Roman Buddhism. Epictetus is my favorite stoic I've read,but I can't claim I've read them all.

[@incognitosecret2377]

Brandon Wheeler I think I actually just realized the meaning of a buddhist teaching through this video.

[@BW3721]

Cynicism and asceticism I think have there similarities too. There is a lot of crossover, I'd say between the four.

[@BW3721]

+Mr. Gaunt They aren't exact equivalents, but the basic belief that suffering is unavoidable and that accepting suffering will improve one's life is shared.

[@killerdinoblood12]

+Brandon Wheeler Or maybe Buddhism is Hindu Stoicism ;q ?

[@sindabadthesailor1]

+Simeon Vasilev - Em, no. In Hinduism everything is centred around the God/s. Buddhists don't care much about the supernatural entities.

[@Dantick09]

this comes down to having realistic expectations, particularly true in love, the fear of acceptance or rejection is all a frabrication od the suject's mind.

[@warren2948]

Dantick09 enlightening

[@iz2333]

Old comment but - stoicism isn't about realistic expectations, the whole idea of expectations should be avoided. If you expect something to happen, you determine a future, that does not yet exist and therefore can't be known. Expectations are a major source of frustration and disappointment. Instead, a stoic expects nothing but prepares for everything, so whatever happens, you're equipped to deal with it and cannot be disappointed.

[@javierbonadeo4569]

if you said stoics prepares for everything...then they expect everything

[@lemagnificent7553]

Mom: Don't think about bad things, son. If you think about them too much, they'll happen. Me: No, mom. They'll happen if they're supposed to. I just need to be ready.

[@erojerisiz1571]

Me: *grabs rifle* I'm ready.

[@mir9168]

YES THIS IS IT

[@LuFX23]

It sounds more like depression

[@gutar5675]

@Cliff Hanley The stoic believes that only his actions are under his control, but it does not mean that he can't urge people or spread information. The stoic doesn't only accept that things can't be changed, but they understand when their actions can lead to change and when their actions can't.

[@gutar5675]

@Cliff Hanley I think you're taking a very narrow view of determinism. If I push a boulder down a cliff, I cannot change how it rolls or what the boulder is. It will always be that boulder and it will always fall. I can choose whether to push or not, though.

[@Emodnet]

Today I discovered that I've been living my life with many of the Stoic's values. I always imagine the worst case scenarios, because it actually makes me feel better and eases my mind. I do also get annoyed at people who always assume things will turn out ok, even if there's no proof of a certain good outcome. I think of the worst outcomes because when something happens and it's not as bad as I thought I feel a million times better. Stoics are right about needing to be weary of hope, it does only lead to disappointment and crushed dreams. I like to look at the dark side of things because it helps prepare me for whatever happens, instead of allowing myself to be blinded unnecessarily by hope.

[@animkali5998]

Today was the day i discovered I've been living life like this too!

[@cristinalacoste2062]

Anger stems when misplaced hope smashes into unforeseen reality. I love these videos.

[@Junker-kr4sd]

This video has started my cure of my anger problem. It COMPLETELY explained anger in a way I have been trying to my whole entire life! Thank you Stoics.

[@jorgep1]

I tried to check out Meditations by Marcus Aurelius from my local library. The librarian and I were shocked to find no copies available. Some were checked out but many were lost or stolen. She said to me, "this must be a very good book, I've never seen anything like this happen before." I am starting to understand why this book is so popular.

[@ludwigvanbeethoven6853]

"Hope only lifts you higher for the eventual fall" 🔝

[@mrmtn37]

"The whole of it (life) calls for tears." The imperfection of all humanity, the realization, and acceptance, brings peace. As well Wabi Sabi can bring peace through learning that we are allowed to, accept, love, and cherish, the imperfection we all posses. Nature must not be perfect, man is its greatest example of this.

[@aroneidelman2237]

Nature and man may not always affect us with joy, but doesn't that have more to do with our confusion than with Nature's perfection? And even if we are confused, we're perfect insofar as we have some idea of Nature--the more adequate, the more perfect.

[@vallenvega]

"you are stronger than you think" that was exactly what my brother said to me when I faced a rough patch. teared up a bit. thanks a lot for the video.

[@lotnewlifewhy5190]

Yo dude, I just wanted to ask how are you now? Feeling good I hope?

[@azathothic]

Meditations is truly moving and even life changing. I would totally recommend it as its mostly plain speaking. Its somewhat short and a seemingly self evident piece of gold.

[@JohnBelchamber]

Marcus Aurelius's Meditations is one of my favourite philosophy books.

[@uwuk_hai]

happiness are fleeting moments, sorrows are the companion of the wise.

[@abegailelaurza5919]

This lesson made me understand that I am actually being stoic in life. I feel like this is where I belong

[@cheeseclover]

dang, the comparison between ‘not being angry at rain’ and ‘being angry when something unpleasant happens’ was what really hit the most. it opened my eyes a lot more to ‘expecting misery’ rather than ‘expecting the unexpected’ because expecting the unexpected is easy, but what isnt easy is the ‘cause and effect’ or the ‘reaction’ that comes from the unexpected.

[@cheeseclover]

as tiny as the difference is between expecting misery and expecting the unexpected, it still makes a larger difference in the long run when practiced so that’s just what i thought was super cool

[@AMCTKate]

I don't understand how this video was uplifting and depressing all at once. I want to laugh and cry simultaneously 😂😭

[@Volleyballislife1234]

Kinda like life... which is like philosophy. full circle completed.

[@AboodeyMUFC]

A.M.C.T Kate consult a doctor 😂😂

[@coldpineapples9328]

Thank god, someone who feels the same way as I do. At first I was like, "Hmmm interesting and very convincing.." until it got to the suicide part .-.

[@jinfps7712]

Hey, you’re awake

[@DanyalLodhi]

Epictetus is also one of the greatest teachers. Stoicism has had a major influence in my life. Going through major challenges and being calm. However, with time I realized that I see many similarities between Stoic and Epicurean ideals and I use both to develop my mindset. I also use Cynic values, I see Stoic wisdom in Schopenhauer, in Nietsczhe. For me, being emboldened, being strong, being brave in the face of life is what counts. And all these philosophies lead me to that direction. Thank you for the great videos. I really enjoy them and they are a quick reminder for me to get back on the right path :)

[@DanyalLodhi]

I do have a question for you. Are you actually Alain de Botton replying to my comment?

[@pirrepe]

***** can one say that the reason Nero, other than assholeness or craziness, told Seneca to kill himself was to prove the stoic philosophy of suicide is a path of freedom? hope I phrase it right. I will not re-read it. :P cheers.

[@LockeShocke]

Pretty disappointed in this. Yes, there is a mention of expecting miseries, but there is no mention of the claim that people are disturbed not by things, but by their impression of things. No mention of how there are some things that are up to us, and others that are not. No mention of Zeno, Chrysippus, Epictetus. These are significant gaps.

[@HuxleyWasRight]

+LockeShocke it is only a 5 minute overview of stoicism, there's plenty to get a beginner started.

[@murimurimrui]

+LockeShocke It's like people expect the whole vide to sum up stoicism in one video + history of it. If you didn't get the memo, the video is about the idea of stocism.

[@LucasMakes]

+LockeShocke No no of course your right Locke, the whole history of man kind should fit into a 5 min video. Expectations should be respected.

[@eight216]

Probably because that's just a moderately more complicated way to say "it's all in your head!"

[@ZoeEGrace]

I used to expect videos on KZbin to be useful and comprehensive, but then I realised that it's lucky if there is any sense in them at all. Nowadays, I don't let it worry me that most, if not all YoutTube videos are empty and time wasting. It's my own fault if I click on them in the first place. But this one was a nice shade of yellow, and I'm content with that. :)

[@deepthakur575]

It reminds me Seneca's ever famous quote - " we suffer more in imagination than in reality "

[@grtwhtbnr]

"Anger stems when misplaced hope shatters into unforseen reality" I like that

[@greaylinmyers966]

man I can't stop watching these videos... I deactivated all my social media accounts, but still wanted something meaningful to research because I still utilize the internet. These videos have been great thanks

[@4FYTfa8EjYHNXjChe8xs7xmC5pNEtz]

Surviving a major earthquake taught me like no other experience I've had that what we see as settled reality is a thin, arbitrary film we've scribbled over the surface of an infinite and completely indifferent universe. The world not only doesn't care if we're happy or unhappy, it doesn't even know that we exist. I've never looked at life the same way since.

[@BountyFlamor]

so Stoicism basically champions rationality

[@thegoonist]

+BountyFlamor how apt, this statement, coming from a german ;)

[@BountyFlamor]

john smith ?

[@iAmTheTrueSpaceman]

+BountyFlamor I think John meant that German people are usually considered to be pretty rational and practical people. Thus your comment seems to reflect that connection, assuming your profile picture really stands for the country you're from.

[@AlexIncarnate911]

+spaceman hahaa Clever.

[@jorgepeterbarton]

+spaceman No not really, that's just old british comedies, which is why they didn't get the joke.

[@sreeparvati3449]

A better way to think is "Expect the worst but hope for the best". And even if you are disappointed what's the big deal? Just smile tell yourself it's ok and move on. I think it's a better way to lead life.

[@dissolvemusicofficial7652]

Thank you. This helps with my depression and despair.

[@evka24]

talk to someone...problem shared is problem halved.....ur suffering is temporary...u will see the light at the end of tunnel...if u wish...

[@potenvandebizon]

Why didn't you mention the Greeks? It originated in the Stoa, although it was indeed very much popularized by the Romans.

[@potenvandebizon]

+The School of Life I was prepared for this catastrophe, so it's okay.

[@Forcystus85]

You could have at least mentioned that Zeno of Citium was the founder of Stoicism about 350 years before Seneca even lived...

[@le_puke7058]

+Mistermaarten150 First person on youtube paying attention to a video.. *slowly claps

[@Refulgent_Rascal]

Well you could argue that the line of thinking originated with Buddhism or even further back with Jainism. They said similar philosophies with never expect and truly accept what is etc.

[@richwestman9694]

I think it was due to few if any of the Greek stoics written works having survived to present day, Chrysippus for example is mentioned by the Roman stoics as a prolific writer but the only knowledge we have of those writings are from these Romans accounts of them, where as Roman stoics especially Seneca have a large number of surviving works to draw from.

[@JJY888]

I've been turning Stoic and I didn't even realize it. Nothing scares me like it used to and I can handle rejection like never before. I think it's because I've been successful with my recovery and I've read allot of spiritual and philosophical book.

[@switzerlandful]

"Things are not as they seem." - Someone "All things pass" - Someone "don't try to be perfect, just try to improve & don't punish yourself."

[@tronghuynh8189]

Reading The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius has changed so much about how I see the world. I love coming in to work and making the lives of other people better. I fear much less about the outcome and focus more on what I'm doing in the moment.

[@anandabliss7382]

I can't get enough of your videos. "The School of Life" is such an appropriate name for your channel. I wish all your videos would be also narrated in Spanish and that everybody since an early age would educate themselves in all these subjects, which ultimately leads to the understanding of oneself. Thank you SO very much for your illuminating job!!!

[@manavgupta100]

Love stoicism. It makes lots of sense. It's almost like living life as if market is always in deep recession.

[@timothynoonan8591]

I usually love these videos, but this one is riddled with historical inaccuracies and philosophical misrepresentations. Starting with the former, there is no evidence that Nero ever slept with his own mother (though he did have her killed) or raped young boys. Accusations of sexual deviancy were thrown about even more loosely in Rome than they are today, and usually represented general dissatisfaction with the administration. Similarly, Tiberius probably didn't throw recently deflowered sex slaves off cliffs, and Caligula probably wasn't sleeping with his sisters. Furthermore, Nero didn't have Seneca kill himself for no reason, he did it because Seneca had joined a plot against his life. More importantly, though, there are some deep misunderstandings of Stoicism here. There was no big Stoic 'but,' the whole point is that you very well might not be ok. You may be injured or even killed. The Stoic philosophy at its core is that one should only value what cannot be taken away, and for the Stoics this is virtue. The world is ever changing and beyond your control, so you must not value the world - the only value is in your own mind. Your wife is killed? Who ever said she couldn't be killed? Your leg is chopped off? Who ever said no one could chop off your leg? Finally, any summary of Stoicism with no mention of Zeno of Citium or Epictetus is just a joke.

[@ge0rge36]

+Timothy Noonan any suggestions on what to read mentioning zeno or epictetus?

[@timothynoonan8591]

+vaiot13 Zeno founded the Stoic school, but unfortunately, as is the case with so many writers of his era, none of his works have survived to the present day. Peter Adamson's History of Philosophy podcast gives a good introduction to Zeno and the other early Stoics, however: historyofphilosophy.net/stoics-principles Much like Socrates, Epictetus did not write any works on his philosophy, but his ideas were recorded by his student Arrian in The Discourses of Epictetus and The Enchiridion of Epictetus. Both are available in English on Amazon. The always excellent Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy also has a great Epictetus article: plato.stanford.edu/entries/epictetus/

[@alexandrossklavenitis8518]

+Timothy Noonan I think Chrysippus should be mentioned as well as Zeno

[@MrJaco324]

+Timothy Noonan There will always bee a certain level of variance when speaking of things that happened thousands of years ago so its best not to declare one interpretation to be the correct one and the other false.

[@Gameboob]

Timothy Noonan actually there is a stoic 'but' and you've just mentioned it. Happiness can be had despite things seeming bad bc happiness is complete tranquility of mind that comes from virtue, the perfection of reason.

[@feedmemusic3460]

What are emotions but animals? But they are necessary animals, helpful even, beasts of burden that carry you through life. Rather than despise, deny, or make enemies of them...or simply let them run untamed, why not make allies of them. Anger may do stupid things, but righteous anger is a powerful energy that can trample over injustice. But you are the leader of that animal, and its reins are your perception. If you are quick to be offended by illusory threats your emotional animal will be quick to rage. Starve your animal and perhaps then it will seem easier to control, but that is an illusion. Real control comes from perception, and it seems a waste to throw your emotions away.

[@comradecracker447]

As my answer since long ago of being asked of if I am excited or not, I am not hopeful for nothing nor expect nothing of anything, and with that everything is a blessing.

[@edr5000]

I am so thankful to have read and still reading meditations! It's a life changing experience. I believe every politician or anyone conscious should read this text! Highly recommended if you are anyone! I love you all (:

[@keerteshtripathi6413]

Lord Baelish once said"Don't fight in the North or the South. Fight every battle, everywhere, always, in your mind. Everyone is your enemy. Everyone is your friend. Every possible series of events is happening at once. Live that way and nothing will surprise you. Everything that happens will be something you’ve seen before"

[@junesilvermanb2979]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petyr_Baelish

[@abdyabdy3177]

"WHAT NEED IS THERE TO WEEP OVER PARTS OF LIFE? THE WHOLE OF IT CALLS FOR TEARS."

[@demianhaki7598]

Stoicism is definitely one of those philosophies that deserve a closer inspection, not only because of its valuable content but also because it is easily misunderstood and can have consequences that are not necessarily to be recommended. For instance, while very emotional people might benefit from embracing the Stoic focus on accepting certain events for the time being, it can also be quite fatalistic. Secondly, in a society in which rationality dominates and emotions are neglected, being too much of a Stoic can lead us to disregard our emotions and their very necessary expression. If one is stoic only because one surpresses one's emotions for the sake of what should be thought rationally, that's a recipe for desaster. BUT: Ideally, one can combine the initial, healthy emotional expression with a follow-up dose of stoic putting-things-in-perspective.

[@robbert-janmerk6783]

Stoics do not propose repressing emotions or to be fatalistic. One thing Stoics stress is that it is no use spending time or energy on things you can't control. Those things you just accept and move on. However, you do have control over your thoughts and actions: you are capable of being virtuous and there is nothing fatalistic about that. As happiness is purely dependent on virtue according to the Stoics, this means that you have full control over your happiness. Stoics were against passion, but this is a bit misleading as they had a technical definition for it. Passions are irrational judgements of overvalueing "indifferents". Emotions like "joy" and "caution" were perfectly fine with Stoics. See for a better explanation here: www.iep.utm.edu/stoiceth/#H5. What Stoics propose is to stop reacting so emotionally to events that aren't that important.

[@AiraCamille]

Wow it hit me.. Im so tired listening to other people of the same lines when someone is in pain like no one is acknowledging the pain that you're feeling. Truth really hurts, you're on your own pain and if you're weak you're out. It is really survival of the fittest.

[@MentalHealthMMA]

I became stoic after my first psychiatric hospitalization for mental health. I just didn't know what Stoicism was at the time. And had no idea there was a term that defined exactly how I felt until now. I called it an internal suicide pact.

[@killerbait8240]

"Hope only lifts you up higher for the eventual fall"

[@maxschumann2761]

3:19 The Olli Kahn appearance makes me appreciate your channel even more. Just wow.

[@christianshook6025]

America needs this school of thought no more than ever. I swear, it should be taught in schools.

[@Marshallgill]

The story of Admiral James Stockdale brought me to an interest in Stoicism. After suffering 7 years in the Hanoi Hilton he said that he was glad that it happened!!! If you can be glad while suffering over 1 year in solitary confinement and torture then there is nothing, NOTHING that can keep you from happiness!! My "suffering"? It can't really even be called that next to what he experienced! The dialogues of Seneca are pure wisdom. I wish that I had made my children read them when they were young.

[@MasisReubenPanos]

A very good video. Some minor points: Nero being depicted entirely depraved, whilst Marcus Aurelius being called "kindly" when he could be ruthless. The picture used at 1:09 is a renaissance painting of Constantine "the great Christian" at the Battle of the Milvian bridge rather than Marcus Aurelius. An image from the "column of Marcus Aurelius" in Rome that shows some of the "scenes" of his campaigns could have done.

[@vvohvaelez9277]

I dont understand, do you really think Nero is underrepresented and MA over represented? Nero was a loser with a weak mind. He had Seneca as a tutor and he still gave in to his ill temper and malicious desires. His jealousy of Seneca is the mark of a truly depraved character. In comparison, MA is very kind indeed

[@brunotvrs]

1:29 "They say things like 'it'll BE OK!'" (...) "The stoics were appalled. They hated any kind of consolation" 2:05 "BUT (...) one must keep in mind that one will nevertheless BE OK!" It's like "I don't like it when you say it, but I love it when I say it" WHAT

[@slothfromthegoonies8201]

This video didn't touch on them much, but I think the most important lessons to take away, especially from a modern viewpoint, are: There's a difference between an actual event, and our perception of it; something is only bad because we interpret it to be bad. These thoughts are irrational, as are all negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, jealousy, fear, craving, etc. They serve no purpose and are considered to be destructive emotions. We are naturally illogical and controlled by emotions, the key is to control our emotions and view events from a more logical perspective. As the video said, yes you may have lost your job but it's not the end of the world, to feel as though it is the end of the world is completely irrational and serves no logical purpose. *We cannot always control events around us, they are like a storm dictated by uncontrollable factors, but we have complete control over what happens within our minds.* - Sloth from The Goonies (1/6/2016)

[@JulianusMaximianus]

You smell like phys-ed.

[@slothfromthegoonies8201]

Julianus Maximianus You smell like shit.

[@JulianusMaximianus]

Sloth from The Goonies Heeey you guuuuys!

[@slothfromthegoonies8201]

Julianus Maximianus Chunk?

[@NguyenPhuc-px7pg]

This brings tears to my eyes

[@opfergameplay8450]

This video saved my life on multiple occasions thank you!

[@charlescumberland6887]

Brilliant series School of Life. I thank you kindly for making these videos both insightful and entertaining. Cheers from Australia

[@12345saoma]

Your voice in this video is so animated, i love it (as I always do)! Wow the Stoics are so interesting I want to learn more!!!

[@antifelicitous4373]

Please do. This philosophy is so rare in modern women... which is a real shame because I think it quite a viable route to empowerment.

[@ulkem]

When I watch this old video, I can clearly hear the voice difference between then and now. This has more excitefulness while now it's more soothing. They both bring profound thought but if I had a say in it, I'd say bring back the excitement.

[@Nawroz770]

I am here because I am trying to deal with my anxiety, stress, worries and fears, which often paralyze me and put me in long phases of inaction and passivity. I am trying to pinpoint the problem and figure out how to deal with it. Glad that I found about stoicism.

[@Kormac80]

To me stoicism is a valuable reminder of how to find equanimity despite our innate emotional turmoil. Equanimity should be authentic and not feigned. If one already anticipates the worst possible outcome, anything short of that will be a win. America seems to be collapsing into authoritarianism. Many are actively sabotaging democratic processes and rule of law. Do i take it as a disaster and source of stress? I do not. I take a walk in the woods and commune with nature. I work on my creativity. I disallow the external potential stressors from seeping into my body and psyche. It's taken a lot of work to get to this place, and for it, I have continual gratitude.

[@penguindrummer252]

Hope is not a bad thing if there is a realistic chance for the good outcome to occur. As long as you are conscious of what might happen in the worst possible case.

[@dmf030]

+Penguindrummer Hope is an unnecessary distraction, as you are a small soul dragging a corpse.

[@penguindrummer252]

David Fadul I don't share that opinion. The part with the corpse isn't even remotely true though.

[@roymarshall_]

+Penguindrummer Whether hope is good or bad is not the point, the point is that hope is irrelevant. You can prefer a certain outcome, but ultimately not everything is up to you, so maximize the possibility of getting your preferred outcome by using everything that is in your control to get there, and be fundamentally indifferent to the final result. If something outside your control causes your goal to not be accomplished, then the only rational thing to do is say "that is how it is" and move forward.

[@warren2948]

the 4:53 minutes that changed my life

[@mik2420]

To me, stoicism seems like the art of giving up; a tutorial on how to abandon the essence of humanity. There is nothing wrong with hope, with sadness, with happiness, with fear. To suppress emotion is to suppress humanity. It is not in our nature to expect all and to be surprised by none. We are built to search for what we do not know, it is lust for knowledge and for new experiences. To be let down after hoping for something does not mean you should never hope again, it is reason to turn hope into action and to learn. Stoicism argues to be the gateway to knowledge but how can one find knowledge of he is too afraid of being let down and not finding anything.

[@cinderelly00]

no that's not it. it's just saying that with every happiness, there are more disappointments. so don't be disappointed when disappointment comes. that's it.

[@evka24]

its asking not to supress emotions but to handle them with calm

[@antboogeyman]

This reminds me of both existentialism and Buddhism down to its core. The recognition of existence and understanding of the inevitability of suffering, yet to find true peace you must recognize that it is the battle of self in which needs to be won

[@IanM-rl1pu]

Such a simple idea. Almost impossible to adequately implement but wisdom says you can only keep trying, courage keeps you going, virtue sets you back on your path and acceptance allows you to move on.

[@sumitdalavi7925]

2:27 Yes. thank you. really.

[@khansolo4178]

De Bottom is unusually excited in this video

[@madhusudhana]

Epictetus???? The most important and has the most volume in his works.

[@madhusudhana]

Commentatorrr Rrr it's a shame because he was a lame slave made his philosophy hold more weight.

[@innosanto]

Maybe because the guy/team that made the video havent read all of the Stoics or Epictetus and put in what they have read.

[@RahmatikaUlin]

Hope will only lift you up higher to the eventual fall. Thats the reason we need hope management, emotion management. Stoicsm teach us what we need for sure.

[@brassedoff2437]

Loads of comments on here about how things are inevitably going to be bad which makes stoicism a depressing philosophy - but that isn't right.....it's about learning that your emotional reaction to things either good or bad is an illusion and that reacting to them is what causes problems. It doesn't mean you can't be sad when things go wrong or that you can't be happy when things go well, it just means you accept whatever is happening without going off the deep end and that there is a constant at play that is neither good or bad. Acceptance of that gives you an outlook that leads to total peace and serenity - in other words acceptance of what is.

[@tunatabak8331]

Difference between a nihilist and a stoic. Stoic: Shit happens. Nihilist: I do not give a shit.

[@swabby429]

What about Epictetus? Oh well, no matter.

[@BunnyUK]

I would argue that Epictetus, as a former slave, is a far more authentic proponent of Stoicism than either Marcus Aurelius or Seneca, both of whom were from wealthy aristocratic backgrounds and had immense personal power. Stoicism is needed more by the powerless than the powerful, in coping with the unfairness and harshness of human existence.

[@RickJaeger]

Doesn't matter how "needed" philosophy is. It only matters if it's true or not. If Richie Rich tells you the sky is blue, is it less authentic than if Joe the Hobo says it?

[@overmanzarathustra4041]

No. But if Richie Rich tells me "You don't need material wealth for a happy existence", it will be less authentic than if Joe the Hobo says it.

[@zjs6605]

That's a good explanation of Stoicism right there: "Oh well, no matter." lol

[@sagarpatel6841]

@@BunnyUK i beg to differ, i understand that Epictetus was excellent stoic even being slave But, Marcus Aurelius being emperor had power over whole empire Even then He lived life of stoic Without giving in to Desires. To have such control on himself! Epictetus had external struggles that led him to become stoic He had to become stoic to live such a life but not Marcus Aurelius.

[@spacetrips457]

i absolutely LOVE all of your videos!! they are interesting and I learn a lot - but you also succeed to make it really fun and entertaining! WHY cant teachers at schools teach in the same way? Plus all the pictures really help you to remember all the facts, thanks a lot!! :)

[@samir6047]

Anger happens when misplaced hope smashes into unforseen reality ..damn !!!!so true

[@rebel7417]

Accept the worse and anything otherwise is victory.

[@jaymirabito5029]

Could you do a PHILOSOPHY on Voltaire? I have always wanted to understand his philosophy, as I am a pretty dumb individual when it comes to mental stuff like this, I have a pretty mechanically based brain, but you somehow describe these philosophies to me in a way that I can understand.

[@temenow]

+Jay Mirabito That attitude you have is amazing, I am sure it will take you all the way in life where you dreams lie. Success my cosmic brother!

[@bardockobama5495]

He wasn’t really a true philosopher, he mostly critisized others like Descartes or Liebniz for their philosophy. He was more of a critic expert. He was against the heavy influence of religion, against racism, and against absolut monarchies. He actually was for a monarch who had all powers but could make décisions that were good for the people such as Frederic the great of Prussia. That’s what i remember from french philosophy class.

[@bardockobama5495]

He wasn’t really a true philosopher, he mostly critisized others like Descartes or Liebniz for their philosophy. He was more of a critic expert. He was against the heavy influence of religion, against racism, and against absolut monarchies. He actually was for a monarch who had all powers but could make décisions that were good for the people such as Frederic the great of Prussia. That’s what i remember from french philosophy class.

[@Roselightdv]

The picture choices in this are absolutely hilarious. Love it. However cynical I was feeling this morning, at least now I"m laughing. It's a start.

[@Axle-F]

I finally understand that the Internet is full of stoics. Every yelling at people to kill themselves is such noble advice. As if.

[@bluescarlet5479]

Right!?, Lol. But, I don't think Stoics would be the the word I'd use.😁

[@bluescarlet5479]

Right!?, Lol. But, I don't think Stoics would be the the word I'd use.😁

[@Refulgent_Rascal]

hahaha!! 😂

[@tim30006]

That's not what stoics belive.

[@JanetStarChild]

Axle doesn't get it. ...Unless that was sarcasm. Hard to tell.

[@Moonstar79]

A study was done at a college (can't remember which one) with new public speakers. Half of the group was told to do well, not worry, and just be themselves. The other half was told that they should fret and have every reason to be afraid. Only the optimists did well with the first tactic; the pessimists and neutrals worried about every situation and thus were prepared for them. The latter group did best of all. Moral of the story: Listen to Benjamin Franklin. "Failure to prepare is preparation to fail." (My science teacher used this quote on a difficult test once- salt in the wound.)

[@philosophyoflife111]

Stoicism in a way gives me optimism that helps me face difficulties in life

[@adamlee6435]

This video must be so triggering for broke college students, suicide survivors and the depressed.

[@corduroykumquat]

Adam Lee lol tru

[@JoshWoodYouTube]

Only if they don't understand it and are ignorant.

[@TheMarkusFIN]

Josh Wood Nah, not all emotional reactions are from a lack of understanding. In fact I would argue that when it comes to deep philosophical concepts, it seems the more emotional turbulence, distress and crisis they cause in the individual, the deeper their comprehension of it is. Those who graps such concepts only on the surfance can bypass them with little care.

[@rajatmond]

true that

[@kakarotto6420]

Nihilism is more triggering

[@winterviews]

I think this stuff is a bit too prescriptive... To say that a stoic perspective is a "one-size fits all" cure for despair is ridiculous. I think one of the key differences between humans is what type of philosophy they benefit from. This is why I like William James' advocacy of dualism-- while he didn't invent the idea, he sparked interest in the concept of differences between people and their psychology and how this interacted with philosophy and other ideas. For instance: Person 1 may benefit from an 'acceptance of things as they are', meditative philosophy Person 2 may benefit from an 'endure everything bravely and expect the worst', stoic philosophy Person 3 may benefit from an 'savor the physical aspects of life and the communication with others', materialist philosophy Person 4 may benefit from a 'figure out what you can, while you can', scientific philosophy While many may discount person 3's philosophical bent, you forget that we are entirely comprised of materials. No cognizance we possess is free from our physiology. Basically everyone is different and different philosophical streams are going to appeal to different people. One philosophy might make someone depressed, which, really, means that philosophy doesn't work for them, rather than them 'failing to grasp the concepts'. I feel like this prescriptive philosophy might force people who are naturally inclined to other forms of philosophy to make themselves miserable.

[@makrofocus]

So I am a Stoic and didn't even knew it... Interesting.

[@alian455]

I needed watching that so much because i don't think many face what i am facing now.. Gay in a middle eastern country which is at war, educated but poor, might be beautiful but lonely, and top it all i am forced to join the fighting soon... Stoic principles touched me deep, it was so relieving to hear someone admiting that life is miserable, coz real people deny that fact and actually accuse me of being a pessimist

[@Jameswrittenhouse]

You make a great point, it ia undeniable that we will suffer at some point in life. Even though that"s outside of our control, we can organize our minds in such a way to interpret events and circumstances in our favor. #amorfati

[@Shystichu]

I was stoic since a teen before I even knew what it was. Now, as an adult, the more I research philosophy as a whole, the more I'm fascinated by certain outlooks I have on various topics in life innately.

[@sudevsen]

what should one read apart from meditations by aurelis

[@liviodinaj6105]

+Sudev Sen Epictetus is the best stoic philosopher I've read

[@RatherGeekyStuff]

+Sudev Sen Dr. Phill

[@Neomalthusiano]

+Sudev Sen Epictetus is great, but it's somewhat difficult to find in other languages. Translations of most of Seneca's works however, can be found easily and are short and direct. Also, as a member of the late stoa, he had a more subtle approach, making it clear that he didn't avert pleasure, but pleasure as a chain that stops someone from reaching virtue. He acknowledged the epicureans where they had a point.

[@yusufdaniju8945]

+Sudev Sen on anger by seneca

[@tibfulv]

+Sudev Sen Cicero is useful, as he explains many of the tenets of the old Stoa, and in fact agrees with them in matters of law. So he gives Stoic arguments a favourable treatment in his dialogues on such matters. John Sellars too is good. I've also put together a list here: storify.com/tibfulv/miniature-presentations-of-ancient-stoicism