The Stoics valued virtue, wisdom, and ethics as essential pillars for a fulfilling life. Respect was a fundamental part of this equation, but there were clear limits when it came to behaviors that violated fundamental ethical principles. In this video, we will examine types of people and behaviors through the lens of Stoicism and explore why some of them do not deserve our respect.
Injustice is a wound in Stoic principles. It is a shadow that looms over society, affecting individuals and groups unevenly. For the Stoic philosophers, this injustice is seen as a violation of the fundamental principles of fairness and justice, which are the cornerstones of Stoic philosophy. Stoics, who valued virtue and wisdom as paths to a fulfilling life, saw justice as a central pillar of a virtuous society. For them, justice extended not only to legal matters but also to how we treat each other in our daily interactions. The Stoic philosopher eloquently expressed this idea: "The duty of justice does not limit itself to prevent someone from doing wrong, but also to prevent others from suffering wrong." This quote reminds us that justice is not just about avoiding harming others but also about acting to prevent others from experiencing injustices. This requires empathy and understanding towards the difficulties and challenges faced by our fellow beings.
Injustice, whether in the form of discrimination, inequality, corruption, or abuse of power, undermines Stoic principles of fairness and justice. When we witness or experience injustice, it is like a wound in our society and in our own conscience. The Stoics believed that each individual had the moral duty to strive for justice. This means defending the rights and dignity of others, speaking out against injustice when we see it, and working to create a more just and equitable society. Additionally, the Stoics emphasized the importance of cultivating the virtue of courage to confront injustice and wisdom to make fair decisions in difficult situations.
Excessive selfishness: an obstacle. The Stoics viewed excessive selfishness as a barrier to achieving true happiness. Living in harmony with others was essential for attaining eudaimonia, a state of inner well-being. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus reminds us of this idea: "When you shut the door of your home and surrender to solitude, know that this is not a selfish act but a way to protect your inner being from the invasion of the outside world."
This quote shows us that solitude, when used wisely, is not an act of selfishness but rather a way to take care of our inner well-being and maintain our integrity against external influences. The Stoics understood that self-care was important but not at the expense of others. Excessive selfishness can harm our relationships and our ability to collaborate with others. When we prioritize our personal interests above all else, we create a barrier between ourselves and those around us. This can lead to alienation and a lack of empathy for the feelings and needs of others.
The Stoics taught the importance of practicing the virtue of benevolence, which is the willingness to do good to others. This does not mean neglecting our own needs but rather balancing our personal interests with care and respect for others. Additionally, the Stoics emphasized the importance of developing the virtue of Justice, which involves treating others with fairness and respect. This requires the ability to recognize the needs and rights of others even when our own interests are at stake.
Arrogance: the obstacle to Stoic humility. Life is full of challenges, and one of the greatest challenges we face is maintaining humility amidst success and achievements. The Stoic philosophers of antiquity, who valued virtue as a guide to a fulfilling life, viewed arrogance and presumption as signs of lack of humility, something they considered contrary to the principles they upheld. "No matter how great your wealth, that is not what I call greatness, but how great you are in being small." This quote from Epictetus reminds us that true greatness does not lie in accumulating wealth or power but in cultivating humility and virtue.
For the Stoics, humility was seen as a fundamental quality for a meaningful life. Arrogance is the opposite of humility. When we are arrogant, we believe that we are superior to others and that our successes elevate us above others. This creates a barrier between us and the people around us, undermining our relationships and our ability to learn from others. Presumption, in turn, leads us to jump to conclusions and believe that we know everything...
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5 сен 2024
