Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (December 22, 2019)
Hello there,
This week on Stoicism for a Better Life, let us seek guidance on what virtue actually is and is not from Seneca’s dialogue Tranquility of Mind XVII 8-9:
“Cato used to refresh his mind with wine after he had wearied it with application to affairs of state, and Scipio would move his triumphal and soldierly limbs to the sound of music… : sometimes we gain strength by social meals and a more generous allowance of wine: at times we ought to drink even to intoxication, not so as to drown, but merely to dip ourselves in wine: for wine washes away troubles and dislodges them from the depths of the mind, and acts as a remedy to sorrow as it does to some diseases”
This is quote is directly in contrast to the “macho, toxic masculinity, tough guy who can take cold showers and feels no emotions, super disciplined that does not indulge” image that Stoicism wrongly gained in the past decades. Stoicism is not about self-deprivation, or being emotionless or tough. It is about being virtuous in a pragmatic way; as in, be as virtuous as you can, without the costs outweighing the benefits.
The next point in need of clarification is: What is virtue? Virtue is working towards the betterment of humanity with an honest, honourable and rational approach. So taking a cold shower, or living a monk-like hermit life is not virtuous. It can be, or it may not be, but virtue is not found in what we do, but why we do it. It is not how much one suffers, or deprives themselves, or doesn’t. It is in the ultimate goal we are trying to achieve with our actions.
Of the three most famous Stoics (Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius) Seneca is to one who most encourages the practitioner to remember to have fun, let loose sometimes and seek pleasures and entertainment form time to time. Why? For the same reason, an employee working a 60 hour week is not necessarily going to yield more or better work than an employee doing a 40 hour week. There is a cost-benefit to effort and pushing oneself, vis-a-vis the actual results one gets out of the extra push.
If a small reprieve (drinking wine until we become festive as Seneca puts it) helps you unwind and become a much better person the day after in comparison to the alternative, why would this be a bad thing for humanity? You may very well be able to give twice as more the next day due to your good humour and rested mind and spirit, than the deprived counterpart.
There are no right answers to how much relaxation is the right amount. It all depends on who, what, when and where (i.e. it is subjective to your own objective reality). So, as a practical exercise this week, consider the decisions you are making regarding your Rest & Relaxation. Are you depriving yourself too much or not enough? Just make sure your decision is based on rationality and logic, and not simply because you are following rules.
Remember, virtue is not about perfection. Too much discipline and pursuit of perfection can be hurtful. The holidays are a time to indulge and have fun. Sometimes indulging a little more in something can be exactly what you need to balance yourself. The important thing is to think rationally and logically. But one thing is for certain: Overindulgence of anything is always a bad thing.
As always, I wish you a wise, tranquil and productive week. If you can, share how you are progressing with your exercise. Your journey may very well inspire others.
Anderson Silver
(Author of “Your User’s Manual” and “Vol 2: Your Duality Within”)