War is Madness | A Stoic Warning to the World

The ancient Greeks and Romans were pretty familiar with the phenomenon of warfare. Through violent confrontations, they expanded their empires and protected the outskirts from invasions by enemies, like the Persians in the East and the Germanic tribes in the North. The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, for example, fought many wars during his time in reign while still trying his best to follow Stoic teachings and to live well. History shows that Stoics weren’t pacifists, as in that they abstained from violence. But in ancient Stoic literature, we do find objections against war. This video explores ancient Stoic opinions on war and why they opposed it. Why War Is Madness (According to the Stoics).
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Marcus Aurelius (4): commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
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00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Legitimate Madness
05:03 - The Ignorance Behind War
#STOIC #EPICTETUS #STOICISM

[@Chill_Mode_JD]

“The realization that life is absurd cannot be an end, but only a beginning.” ~Albert Camus

[@KootFloris]

There's a hidden religion, called the big joke. All is a big joke, now live with it. Kind of refreshing and playful when you accept it.

[@carlam3990]

“All wars are lost” -J.R.R. Tolkien

[@lgx2410]

“Nearly every war that has started in the past 50 years has been the result of media lies. Populations don’t like wars, populations have to be fooled into war. If we have a good media environment, we'll have a peaceful environment" - Julian Assange

[@bornylapesch5900]

Whenever I hear "Thank you for watching" i think "Thank you for teaching" There is a lot the World has to learn and you and your channel are a great source for that - So thank you for giving us your insight :D

[@musicaty]

Exactly

[@jimhaaay]

Had to put down my 12 year old cat the other day due to kidney failure. Been waging a war against myself about that day for the last year or so, trying to strengthen myself to make the right decision when the day was due. Your videos about stoicism have helped me distinguish more clearly between the things within my power and the ones that are not, and when I now faced that day i felt empowered, certain and didn't hesitate. Thank you, Einzelgänger, for all the wisdom you share.

[@randosimson7463]

Sorry for your loss. I’m glad that you were certain in your decision when the time came

[@paulduggan2]

Mate, I’m really sorry to hear about your cat, it must have been devastating, I hope you’re okay. Take care 👍🏻

[@michaelm124]

Sorry to hear about that, glad your staying strong, I'm in a similar situation. My cat just turned 13 and has kidney failure I'm not looking forward to these next few months but just wanted to say your not alone❤️ and thanks for a perfect new video❤️

[@captainjosue]

This day is coming for me as I have very senior pets whose time is approaching. Understand that your cat lived a fantastic life because of you. And we have the power within us to maintain posture because we can't hold on to what is meant to leave us.

[@danielhendrickson7485]

im sorry for your having to part with your friend. good job doing what you thought you must. its hard but we shouldn't feel bad when we did the best we know. may i suggest my way of handling grief? turn grief into gratitude. the moment i start missing or yearning for my dead ones, i turn it into gratitude. i turn to who and what i got. truth be told i dont have the brain power to grieve and appreciate this beautiful and complex life. is there an afterlife? idk, i got too many people in this life i been neglecting.

[@filipzuzo6901]

It is interesting how in these bothersome times, stoic philosophy is bringing me sense of healing. And more and more men around the globe is sticking to stoicism lately.

[@aaronsmith2929]

A person at war is first at war with himself. There is a self destructive disharmony inside of them which lashes out on a world they don’t agree with. Fear, hatred, and pessimism are always present in the minds of those who wage war and murder.

[@Nastyfinger1444]

Well ststed my friend.

[@CyborgCatWitch]

"Isn't the destruction of cities and the displacement of millions, just to appease the fantasies of a few individuals, the definition of madness?"

[@belovedchaos1]

I think what’s hard to grapple sometimes as human beings is that everything we hold dear or believe is important to us - like sand will fall through our fingers at some point. That we place our stability or our worth and value in our possessions with this belief that it will always be there, when really it may not be. We struggle so hard to hold on to the way we believe things “should” be, rather than as they are or how they may grow. It can be hard to find peace in accepting the transition of all things, but I hope that we all can find that place and peace for ourselves without struggle or strife. I truly wish this.

[@Aklemvaeo]

Well said, can't agree more.

[@Seamus3051]

" True wealth should be measured not by the things we have, but rather by how little we need ". Our needs are finite, our wants are without limit. 😞

[@Darkloid21]

@@Aklemvaeo it’s not true though.

[@Enigma_Vids]

"Weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them. Weapons are the tools of fear; a decent man will avoid them except in the direst necessity and, if compelled, will use them only with the utmost restraint. Peace is his highest value. If the peace has been shattered, how can he be content? His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself. He doesn't wish them personal harm. Nor does he rejoice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? He enters a battle gravely, with sorrow and with great compassion, as if he were attending a funeral." -Lao Tzu

[@mikehoot3978]

The guns aren`t the problem. There was no war before the ceeation of the state. Only states can make wars.

[@quinnsine1650]

Always happy to see my good friend Lao Tsu showing up

[@spiritlevelstudios]

I started reading it in the audiobook guy's voice.

[@OnyxIdol]

@@mikehoot3978 tribes can war against each other no?

[@mikehoot3978]

@@OnyxIdol Yes, they could. In fact they have existed, although they were rare. But the agressive tribes ended up perishing. Others would unite against them. Just as it happens today against Russia. But in the tribal organization there were no massive and lasting wars as in the state organization. This doesn´t mean that I like the tribal society, we have learned to base social life on values such as respect for the property of others, freedom, peaceful coexistence and good manners derived from the benefits of reciprocal trade.

[@Bodyknowledge77]

There is a legendary, timeless, classic song that was released in 1970 recorded/sang by Edwin Starr and written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. It's titled "War". The lyrics and conviction in the delivery sum it up amazingly.

[@lk8300]

That's why the 90s were so much better. There were less wars back then.

[@elaminmochichi7767]

@@lk8300 oh boy...

[@tomhodges1552]

Say it again!

[@DeepRoot_]

I think I read up a little on a happening in the balkans around that time that might conflict with that statement

[@annmallozzi681]

"War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing. Say it again."

[@shortlytall7926]

You say "thank you for watching", I say "thank you for telling". Love your work Einzelgänger

[@jeffreyrosenfeld7543]

Now that's why Marcus Aurelius didn't conquer any new territory.

[@deepeshbajpai4423]

The war happening outside can be resolved but most important is handling our inner conflicts only when we leave them as they are they manifest outside sometimes harming people

[@Munkaa]

Well said.

[@movement2contact]

This is... Just reread what you wrote...😶

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

War's existence demonstrates humanity's inherent madness. Our species is mentally ill.

[@OatmealTheCrazy]

Other apes have wars as well. Obviously not to the tune of lives in the thousands, but independent tribes, often ones that splinter from each other have been seen invading and killing the entire other group.

[@ddmddmd]

@@OatmealTheCrazy we are not apes

[@alexxx4434]

@@ddmddmd We are close relatives. And we are also generally animals.

[@chrismuratore4451]

Highly appropriate for the times, my friend. Indeed, a certain leader could take a lesson from the stoics of past.

[@UltraGaivalas]

by "a certain leader" you mean Joe Brandon?

[@multichannel9256]

He mean muigiwara luffy

[@kroneexe]

many leaders, its not just ones fault

[@doloresvangaal2248]

'Certain leaders. Plural.'

[@chrismuratore4451]

Ah yes, I shot myself in the foot with that one. Indeed, nearly all the leaders are a bit short on virtue these days lol

[@ShuaiGe69]

Gotta say, your videos had made up more than half of the content I watch on youtube as of recent. With everything that is going on, you have helped me tremendously. Sincerely, thank you very much.

[@Darkloid21]

All he does is just read the words of dead philosophers with no critical thinking.

[@ShuaiGe69]

@@Darkloid21 Do reframe from using phrases you know nothing about., it only makes you look dull.

[@Darkloid21]

@@ShuaiGe69 Dude that is all his content, just reading this stuff off as though it's fact without actually questioning it.

[@ShuaiGe69]

@@Darkloid21 Someones self projecting.

[@TheDhammaHub]

When the Buddha demonstrated the origin of suffering and "picking up sticks and weapons", he always did so with delusion at the very core of it...

[@DR---]

"He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes." - Buddha I think views like that is what leads to war.

[@TheDhammaHub]

@@DR--- That Now that citation is a pretty broad mistranslation ;D

[@TheDhammaHub]

@@DR--- It would be more correct to translate it as "he who clings to and obsesses about 50 people has 50 woes; he who freed himself from clinging has no woes". For him, non-ill will and non-cruelty are the natural state of being

[@pumarealtor]

@@TheDhammaHub great translation. some folks don't understand most teachings from stoicism are very similar to the Buddha's teachings.

[@OatmealTheCrazy]

@@pumarealtor Honestly they're basically the same, with the caveat that Stoicism is objectively allowing enjoyment of things you manage to obtain, but Buddhism is sort of just silent on it, as long as you aren't forming attachments. Often in practice it's a bit more like the Cynics than the Stoics on that front.

[@zovalentine7305]

War, what is it good for Absolutely nothing Say it again

[@solonyetski]

For me: you’re throwing your life away for something that will benefit the elites.

[@sisigs4820]

That's why you should only fight for causes worth fighting for ans making sure only the innocent and the good people of the world get the benefit.

[@harithdanial141]

@@sisigs4820 such as self defense

[@alixmordant489]

@@sisigs4820 But that never happened. Even in the American Civil War, few were actually consciously fighting to end slavery. And in WWII, few knew or cared about the fate of the Jews. Wars are fought for hierarchy. The hierarchy of elite groups, like a certain dynasty or a faction of said dynasty, or nations competing for glory and resources. Which can be, again, translated to hierarchies. As for self defense, one has to be careful. If the enemy is out to destroy you, as the Nazis may have been with the Slavic people, and absolutely wanted to do to Jews and Sinti and Roma people, fighting is necessary to survive. If it is about contested areas, do not bother fighting. A change of name is hardly more than a blow to the ego. If it is about changing your elite against the elite of another group, do not bother fighting. My opinion. Life is too precious.

[@smjbr79]

When so many are stuck in meaninglessness...as Chris Hedges says..War is a force that gives us meaning. War is its own force. Its even in your own mind..your mind wars with itself until you bring those splintered parts of your mind together.

[@d.p.7520]

I've stopped "watching" your videos and now merely listen to the words. By closing my eyes and only listening, my mind focuses on only the meaning of what you are saying. Thank you!!

[@tdesq.2463]

Same here! The most brilliant Judge in Massachusetts never looked at the Lawyers during Hearings. He'd swivel his chair 90 degrees to the side, close his eyes and recline in his chair. Never saw that before. When his written findings and order came, and I read it, I was like "Holy Sh*t! He got it." He heard every word that I said ... and even what I did not say expressly, but had to subtly imply. A few years later, he was appointed to the Mass Supreme Judicial Court. And, rightly so. So, how's that for a ringing endorsement of Your (and my) listening style? You're a Smart One!!! ~TD, Boston

[@SpaceLion87]

5000 years of human civilization and each and every of these years, there has been always a war going on. No amount of stoicism will help until every one of us begins to observe the violence we perpetrate every day in our little. Thank you for the video. Would you pick up more of J. Krishnamurti? I've come to observe that it has the most hands on approach to our inner and outer conflicts and divisions.

[@user-tf2wd1eh3g]

And will continue till the end of human civilization.

[@deanodog3667]

The end of one war is the beginning of another!

[@ddmddmd]

I like Buddhism. Straightforward and simple

[@ricardoge96]

“War, war never changes” that is the only truth about this topic i know

[@mikalynn1136]

How does one become conditioned to fight for things they want to obtain, or how things "should" be? What gives us the authority or right? Thank you for sharing this....I understand now why I had the distaste for war... It is indeed, 'madness'~

[@dancingdyonysis]

My heart breaks not only for the people caught on the side of the conquered, but the young men and boys who are forced against their will to do the conquering. Hard to imagine which would be worse - what would you do if they shove a weapon in your hand and march you into battle? All of your options lead to death - death that comes with deserting or the death you'll bring to others. Such a horrific position to be in

[@kharakternyk_]

The majority of those are not being sent against their will. There are a lot of evidences that they were expecting easy prey such as Crimea in 2014 or Donbas actions in 2014-2015. Not to mention marauding and war crimes. From the latest: look at what soviets did during WW2 'liberation', Russian soldiers done to Chechen women and kids and now are doing to Ukrainian. It's part of Russian mentality that was inherited from the Golden Horde. As a Ukrainian that has(had) relatives in Russia, I can confirm: the majority of them WANTS to conquer, they praise the tsar and they can not live in a democratic society. It's simply in their DNA and is proven by history.

[@dancingdyonysis]

@@kharakternyk_ Did I mention anything about a specific war? And saying ANYTHING is part of an "inherited mentality" is racism, period

[@kharakternyk_]

@@dancingdyonysis Context matters. Well, that's what artificial selection does. In the case of people living under Moscovy, Russian Empire and Soviet Union - the ones perceiving freedom were executed or deported into Siberia. Any kind of selection affects our genes. That genetic side of us defines wide spectrum of our personality. It's in our genes and we may change it through the awareness of choice. Such awareness could be brought by society as well as wide changes in other aspects of our personality. Still, the main argument is that almost all soldiers are quite aware of what they are going to do. The scenario could be changed, which will be followed by frustration that you described. Society should describe the good that soldiers are fighting for. Time will define whether that good is virtuous.

[@naturalfreeness322]

We are mad, not only individually but nationally, love this quote, awesome information, this explains the mass mental illness today, we would jail an individual for homicide saying they were crazy, but the same people will celebrate the death of countless millions during war,

[@thingsthatclick]

Thank you for this very timely and wonderful video!

[@jankocech4310]

Inspiring and meaningful lesson.Thank You.

[@satnamo]

War is the ultimate form of competition

[@Ugg_Son_Of_Thogg]

A stupid competition.

[@alixmordant489]

@@Ugg_Son_Of_Thogg Like most of them. Hierarchies are formed through endless competitions. War is just the biggest. A competition of groups. For the well being of a person, competition is not healthy. Lots of philosophical, and stoic, teachings advice against competing to gain status in hierarchy. Sound advice.

[@ash8207]

Epic! This couldn’t be more timely & relevant. Thank you for sharing an incredibly powerful & relevant piece of ancient wisdom that truly shines a light on the modern madness we’re all witnessing today. Praying for peace in the hearts of all men & an end to mankind's vicious cycle of war! 🙏☮️😔

[@musiciohann]

Very good. Beautiful message.

[@laviedesamourai4746]

Wow , I love your videos. what a beautiful insight in this time of war.You have done a great work.

[@branahombati6305]

Amazing as always

[@CenteredCircles]

I really like your videos, it helps me alot. Thank You.🙏🏻

[@ZombieCSSTutorials]

The problem is it turns out Julius Cesar is not forgotten, he's a household name. On the contrary, Epictetus is on the verge of being totally forgotten to the sands of time, being inconvenient to the powers that be.

[@marta9127]

Thank you! It is worth meditating upon, especially now.

[@gefginn3699]

Great post my friend. Stay safe, free, happy and healthy.

[@wolfo11]

I honestly never understood the reason behind war. But I did always suspect it was a projection of the vanity from those who waged it.

[@AlabhyaVeerKumar]

Honestly, I agree with this way of thinking. All of humanity should work together to make a better world, a better future. There are things bigger than all of us at stake. It is the society we have created that gives importance to certain things over others. Can even be thought of as arbitrary. Frivolous. It's time we focus on what really matters. To save our world. The natural world because of which we are alive. We have no right to destroy it.

[@Darkloid21]

Working for what “should be” is the antithesis of stoic Philosophy

[@AlabhyaVeerKumar]

@@Darkloid21 that's not what I gather from it. Perhaps you misunderstood the meaning behind my comment. Stoicism revolves around ethics and virtues, that is what I want to incorporate.

[@Darkloid21]

@@AlabhyaVeerKumar But ethics and virtues are striving to control what is out of your control which is the exact opposite of stoic philosophy. The very foundation of ethics and virtue is based on OUGHT. Your goal in the original comment is in direct conflict with stoicism.

[@AlabhyaVeerKumar]

@@Darkloid21 First of all, being ethical and virtuos does not mean to strive to control. Stoicism is, in fact, based on ethics and virtues. It is all about remaining composed in difficult times. It is about perseverance. It is about managing your behaviours and actions. So, in a way, it is about control, but of oneself, not anything around oneself. And all the prominent figures in History who have applied Stoicism have wanted to build a better future. Maybe you minunderstand what Stoicism actually is. Maybe I'm using the teachings of Stoicism to imagine a better world. Instead of just being stoic.

[@philipkim9779]

Thank you for a great video. Great elaboration on how war is caused by ignorance and madness.

[@martinwarner1178]

Brilliant, thank you. Peace be unto you.

[@Davlavi]

Very cool thanks.

[@obitouchiha2581]

,,RELIGION. IDEOLOGY, RESOURCES. LAND, SPITE, LOVE OR JUST BECAUSE, NO MATTER HOW PATHETIC THE REASON, IT'S ENOUGH TO START A WAR.“ -Nagato (Pain)

[@benhudson4014]

Great parable exquisite and so relevant in these times of history repeating,

[@zoilo87]

Please more videos about existensialism.. Thank you!

[@1984Phalanx]

I have often felt this way. The only cause truly worth fighting for is self defense.

[@justthebest2531]

Tho All people fight because they think they are defending themselves

[@mikehoot3978]

@@justthebest2531 Atack is the opposite of defense. Is the INITIATION of force.

[@justthebest2531]

@@mikehoot3978 leaders attack because they think they will defend thier families or thier nation by staying or becaming more powerful and majority of soldiers think they are defending thier nation or thier relegion or thier race that is why ignorance is the root of all evil

[@mikehoot3978]

@@justthebest2531 In understood your point. But reality speaks for itself. No matter what ideologized people believe or think. Be it their race, nation, or whatever. To attack is to initiate force. Defense is the response to a direct attack. It´s physical, not psychological.

[@shanastroskyphazer8172]

Subtle, nice 👌

[@joshy0369]

Good stuff ☝ 👏 👍

[@chilldude9695]

Looks like an interesting video, for real

[@AKdon68]

Stoics opposed war so much that they went to war for it!!

[@dotdashdotdash]

I don't recall Marcus Aurelius opposing war... he fought them for most of his reign.

[@Andrew_alxf21]

That's why war is necesary. It's part of nature

[@OatmealTheCrazy]

@@Andrew_alxf21 it took me a second to realize you weren't the same person as right above

[@zenlounge7871]

Hi I'm watching your videos since you had 1k subs

[@eliet8944]

5:16 love that reference

[@moundercesar3102]

very good video as always, but even if someone is against violence, everybody should learn to defend their selves and close ones, Where do you get your soundtracks?

[@zenanon7169]

Timely!

[@rhysperalta3906]

We are neither good nor evil, we simply possess the potential for both. We will simply exercise whatever is in our nature. As much as compassion, history has made it apparent that war is simply a part of our nature. That will never change.

[@rohan8721]

it's about being pro-peace and not pro-country. Because if I learned anything in history and from the current issues... war has effects on both sides. and LOSS is indeed a LOSS

[@robertb.seddon1687]

Good meditation for our time. 😎🤙🕉

[@Fair-to-Middling]

Make love, not war.

[@ethanmcfarland8240]

Nice little avatar reference you slid in there

[@joebenzz]

"This is how it's done. When people are sitting on shit that you want, you make them your enemy. Then you justify taking it."

[@hej2800]

when you see someone else having things you want to have to yourself, you'll make excuses for why you're a better handler of these things. the longer you believe your own convictions and let in to your desires of others' possessions, the more you want to grab from those around you while not finding value in what you have, unless you risk losing it, in the case of which you will use all means not to give your things to those wishing it, as you're always the better handler. these delusions perpetuate infinitely. what others can do, becomes irrelevant. it's only about what others can give to you.

[@cesarmarulanda2860]

Beautiful.

[@duduprado8362]

i appreciate seeing firelord ozai

[@antonyath2950]

Respect m8 !

[@alexanderesaulov6856]

wow, thank you so much for this video. I am from Ukraine and it meant a lot to me that you made it.

[@absurdhero89]

Nice video, however I think you could have mentioned Cato the Younger, who was one of the few to openly oppose Julius Caesar and waged war against him to save the Roman Republic from his tyranny. What do you think about this kind of defensive war? Do you think he should have surrendered to spare lives?

[@divinepiccolo9469]

that's an interesting question --a dilemma .

[@X87778]

Not all Stoics are pacifists because they understand the levels of responsibility to one's self, family, community, country and lastly the world. They will do what they must or they think they must. (Cato even committed suicide.) I believe we only learn the basics and core ideas of Stoicism but generally, we have our own personal forms of it. We act in accordance to them, not based on textbooks, dead people's memoirs or others' interpretation.

[@battlesofantiquity7449]

@@X87778 yeah I have struggled with some of the tenants too, it’s hard to have total indifference to outcomes, and keep a sort of spirit to win.

[@catch.22]

The Doctrine of Least Harm explains the necessity of waging war against a warlord. Though you and your men will die in the defense of others, to break the wave, it is just and compulsory. Edit: Grammer.

[@sneakerbabeful]

Waging war is insane. Self defense is a natural right.

[@KillahBeez94]

Great going! One thing, in Greek the C is pronounced as a K

[@yair1010]

Sometimes at the end of day, war is only option left after all the options have been handed out to the enemy.

[@thewise3551]

Stoicism is very much a warrior mindset. All soldiers worth anything oppose war and being prepared or willing to fight a war doesnt mean you endorse warfare. Marcus Aurelius was a prominent stoic and warrior. As were other others. The role of a warrior in the beginning at least was to protect people.

[@someguyfromanotherplanet5284]

It was never to protect people my man. The Assyrians, Persians, Babylonians etc waged crazy unprecedented wars just to gain more land and build vast empires.

[@rhobot75]

BRAVO

[@shirtlessviking9225]

to seek out war is madness, but to stand up and fight for righteousness is not. war is inevitable, but we choose how bad they should be

[@AlabhyaVeerKumar]

You won me over with the ATLA reference 👏

[@Munkaa]

glad u saw it :)

[@Anuj-2]

It indeed is

[@carloschircop2063]

why did you change the thumbnail? It was good as it was bro

[@CosmoShidan]

"In war, totalitarianism has free reign" -Paul Feyerabend

[@josephang9927]

As long as there is free will and power, there will always be war. War became less common but also more harsh because tech.

[@pauljackson171]

0:00-0:17 I find it insufficient to abstain from war with solely that justification. Not to undermine Seneca as noteworthy and revered a stoic, but in my study and tending to fish, plant life and animals, have found the bar to elicit violence unto their fellow specie (or species) way lower than modern humanity. Not all cases, as with prey animals (although more so restrained with inability of large scale violence) or sophisticated species able to operate in colonies, but with so much as putting the wrong number of fish (10s) or wrong type of fish together in an aquarium, wrong number of chimps (100s) in proximity of one another, or wrong type of plant in a forest, confrontation and violence in scale erupts. Where it gets interesting is that this violence is more so survival based/instinct and doesn't bode with it ill will or creation of evil that is present in human capabilities. A Chimpanzee troupe can go to war with another troupe and will use whatever is at their disposal. Essentially physically tearing to pieces enemy chimps so as to kill them (so the poor fellow is screaming and writhing as their organs and joints come apart). It's not to the level of say Chimp commander plans an assault force of 100 and sends them off to raid the enemy encampment with specific orders as they sit drinking coffee, or the creative chimps in the back come up with weapons on the fly facilitating the situation, let alone leave residual impacts in the environment (nukes, poison gas, traps, you get the picture). This is more upfront, unfiltered aggression that once sated, dies out along with the opponents. We on the other hand are capable of holding on to grudges, instigate and propagate ill will across the immediate-long term while also creatively come up with ways to harm one another (if not ourselves) on the fly! So yeah, keeping the peace... no. Upholding a balance in the ecosystem, perhaps. Really like how Einzelganger explored in depth across philosophers and across history a more sophisticated and well thought out justification for the narrative: Why Stoics Oppose War. Overwhelmingly touching upon our capacity to do better and to elicit change in ourselves and the greater world. Stoic view being more so a focus on the internal stuff that makes us us, that which is "in our control", but overwhelmingly when considering what technically goes down in wars. The cost of facilitating war dwarfs possible benefits. Whatever you get out of it is temporary, as promising it may be, while sacrificing so many individuals that each could've in their own way contributed to a far more abundant and promising reality. No guarantee each being an Einstein or an Elon Musk, but across various industries and varying degrees capable of production and services. So much as refraining instigating going to war, which to be clear includes the actions at the individual level that occur far before any official declaration but lead to warring, with our fellow man and fellow species being a net neutral. Let alone if to instead direct time, energy and capabilities towards peaceful coexistence are capable of creative good. Think instead of having to kill animals for our survival, trying to retrofit an alternative that suffices our needs, not like a polar bear is out there contemplating how to make the next beyond meat because all of a sudden they feel bad killing and eating seals. That or encroach neighboring lands (at least nowadays, preindustrial revolution was a different story) to be able to expand one's population. Heck, so much as be able to join millions to billions of one's species with elaborate peace treaties and in times of need (ex: natural disasters) send aid across the globe to members you don't even know or likely to ever know 1 on 1!

[@sugarray710]

Whats the name of the song in the intro and outro?

[@anthonyrodriguez6515]

As always, a quality video that makes perfect sense and tries to bring balance to humanity one person at a time. I'd like to propose an idea about something that has been bothering me for a while. How can I distance myself from my own perception of things and just understand the ways things are in their true/natural state? The way people act can sometimes seem like they try to harm or annoy you, but it is usually not the case. The only thing that has helped me is "Hanlon's Razor", but I'd like to hear a stoic perspective. Thanks for reading this comment

[@divinestep3251]

It's curious you uploaded about this topic today because I'm going to join the Marines and I'm leaving for boot camp this 27th of March. Don't want to be involved in a war just because I don't want to follow blind orders and do stuff without knowing the actual issue and intentions of both parts. It's not like I trust the government but well; will be a sacrifice to earn a better life, achieve goals faster and be able to support family and friends.

[@RemyReverieGaming]

"Don't want to be involved in a war just because I don't want to follow blind orders and do stuff without knowing the actual issue" Yeah I think you fucked up, bro

[@divinestep3251]

@@RemyReverieGaming hopefully no war happens and I'm not directly involved in one but honestly if I am; my mindset will be, "I'm defending myself". It's to kill or being killed

[@stevensteven3417]

@@divinestep3251 You fool

[@divinestep3251]

@@stevensteven3417 Whatever bud; that's your opinion and I can't care less. It all depends on how you see things. Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Countries had left Hitler do his thing??? I guess the "madness of war" sometimes is necessary to keep things normal, "ok" at Country/World level and defend "human rights". Was Marcus Aurelius fool for you as well?? Bet not.

[@botcontador3286]

Seneca was wrong about animals ( beasts ) keeping peace and not waging conflicts.

[@jamansh214j7]

good sh*t homie

[@RemyReverieGaming]

attachment to one's interests = fear of death, truly

[@5ublic3nemy]

I am new to tis Way of Life and really intereseted in it. Is there a must read Book which lets me dig deeper and better understand all of it. Please only German Language Book. Also appreciate your content really nice.

[@divinepiccolo9469]

but what do you do when someone insist on fighting with you while you absolutely no interest in fighting with them ?

[@_..____]

I understand the stoic pov, but personally, I draw a line with violence against me or my community. Think of it this way: do you like your immune system?

[@movement2contact]

There's war and there's a nuclear apocalypse... 😐

[@Svemirsky]

And there is peace and 'peace'.

[@darinjames3313]

I think Fear, Envy, Greed, Power and Control contribute to allot of Our pain here on 🌎...and in those you ll always find HATE.....thats the Ugly stuff that Kills.....even the Innocent.....THERE WILL BE AN ANSWER....WHEN I FIND MYSELF IN TIMES OF TROUBLE.....Stoics Rock!

[@Necroman98]

Ouch!

[@HOllyGolightlysHeart]

🕊

[@KathrynFritze]

Absolute madness.

[@elinope4745]

In the big picture, life on earth is fleeting. What are a few billion years compared to eternity?

[@buddhap396]

War is a child of inner conflict

[@michaelpaparelli3227]

Having the awareness of a God and disposition of an animal is truly an amazing yet frightening thing.

[@lizz2040]

Meerkat Manor shows meerkats actually waging war just for the heck of it.

[@shazaki1134]

If there's some robber with weapons in your house, best action is to defend yourself, so the last course of action would be to take the robbers life, but so be it, worse it may cost your life also. Don't let the enemy take your freedom, sometimes there's no option but to war with the enemy.

[@sv3n1234]

exactly. There will always be people who will invade your boundaries if you don’t defend them. Pacifism just doesn’t work and it’s not compatible with a philosophy that tries to take reality as it is.

[@msd5808]

Aggressive wars of conquest or defensive wars against conquest?

[@jamesalanstephensmith7930]

Timely...