This Is the Most Important Idea in Stoicism | Ryan Holiday | Stoic Thoughts #1

Summary

In this video, the core idea of Stoicism is discussed, with a focus on the teachings of Epictetus and Shakespeare. The key message is that it's not external events that upset us, but our judgments about them. Stoicism emphasizes that events are neutral; we give them meaning and make them either positive or negative through our perceptions. This approach encourages accepting things objectively and making thoughtful choices based on that understanding, which can lead to greater emotional resilience and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's not the events themselves that upset us, but our judgments about them. – Epicurus
• 😀 Shakespeare echoed this idea, stating that nothing is inherently good or bad; it's our thinking that makes it so.
• 😀 Events are objective, meaning they are what they are, but we assign meaning and judgment to them.
• 😀 Our interpretation of events can make them feel either hurtful or unfair, even if they aren't inherently so.
• 😀 Stoics believe that it's the stories and judgments we tell ourselves about events that amplify their impact.
• 😀 Stoicism doesn't deny the existence of good or bad in a moral sense, but it encourages a shift in how we perceive events.
• 😀 It's important to evaluate your actions: Is this the kind of person I want to be? Is this aligned with my values?
• 😀 The Stoic perspective is that there are no inherently positive or negative events, only objective facts.
• 😀 A football game score isn't good or bad; it's simply a snapshot of where things stand at that moment.
• 😀 We have the power to change and adjust based on our actions after accepting the state of things objectively.
• 😀 The Stoic approach to life can be life-changing by encouraging us to detach from our judgments and focus on objective reality.

Q & A

What is the core idea of Stoicism mentioned in the transcript?

The core idea of Stoicism presented in the transcript is that it's not external events that upset us, but our judgment about those events. Our thoughts and perceptions shape how we react to situations.

What does Epictetus say about the cause of our upset?

Epictetus says that it's not the things themselves that upset us, but our judgments about them. It's our perspective and interpretation of events that cause emotional distress.

How does Shakespeare's quote align with Stoicism?

Shakespeare’s quote, 'Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so,' aligns with Stoicism by emphasizing that events are neutral until we assign value or judgment to them. Our thoughts shape how we perceive experiences.

According to Stoicism, how should we view events in the world?

Stoicism suggests that events in the world are objective—they are what they are. The Stoics teach that we should accept things as they are and refrain from immediately labeling them as good or bad.

What distinction do the Stoics make between moral judgment and objective events?

The Stoics believe that while we should make moral judgments about our own actions (whether they align with our values or not), events themselves are neither inherently good nor bad. They are simply neutral pieces of information.

How does the analogy of a football game help explain Stoicism?

The analogy of a football game illustrates that a score in a game is not good or bad; it’s just a snapshot of the current state of the game. Similarly, events in life are neutral and only take on meaning when we assign judgment to them.

Why is accepting things objectively an important part of Stoic philosophy?

Accepting things objectively allows us to respond to situations based on reality, not on emotional reactions or judgments. This helps us maintain control over our responses and reduce unnecessary distress.

What is the significance of the statement, 'It’s not things that upset us, it’s our judgment about things'?

This statement underscores a key Stoic principle that our reactions to events are not dictated by the events themselves, but by the meanings and judgments we assign to them. This insight encourages us to take responsibility for our responses.

Does the Stoic view mean there is no such thing as good or bad?

No, the Stoics don’t deny the existence of good or bad in a moral sense. However, they argue that events themselves are not inherently good or bad; it’s our interpretation and judgment that make them so.

What is the main takeaway from this Stoic perspective?

The main takeaway is that by changing how we perceive and judge events, we can change how we experience them emotionally. This perspective allows us to approach life with more equanimity and control.