The importance of stoicism

[HellRell804]

I have this, one thing that kinda disturbed me was another book, The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire. Reading about Aurelius punishing folks by having them sewn within animal carcasses had me

But that made me think, that's the dark side of Stoicism. One can control their emotions even when administering punishment. To suppress empathy and discard humanity in the name of judicial principal, is some cold sh!t. It kinda creates a paradox in that Stoicism is about being even tempered but that same lack of passion as some might define it, can be applied to brutality. Which is terrifying IMO.

I think that's why its important to have women around with their natural feminine energy. Feminine energy acts as a counterbalance to extreme masculine energy and vice versa.

 

[Grano-Grano]

fukk Western philosophy/thought

 

[Tombstone]

I have this, one thing that kinda disturbed me was another book, The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire. Reading about Aurelius punishing folks by having them sewn within animal carcasses had me

But that made me think, that's the dark side of Stoicism. One can control their emotions even when administering punishment. To suppress empathy and discard humanity in the name of judicial principal, is some cold sh!t. It kinda creates a paradox in that Stoicism is about being even tempered but that same lack of passion as some might define it, can be applied to brutality. Which is terrifying IMO.

I never heard about that definitely gonna cop that book. Yeah I believe with any type of philosophy you should pick and choose what benefits you. There's limits to that shyt.

 

[Infamous45]

fukk Western philosophy/thought

well, this guy isn't practicing being stoic

 

[George's Dilemma]

I never heard about that definitely gonna cop that book. Yeah I believe with any type of philosophy you should pick and choose what benefits you. There's limits to that shyt.

I agree breh. I don't have the book right now as I let a homie borrow it. But one thing Epictetus said that left a mark on me about philosophy was that one shouldn't be taught the thoughts of another man. Rather, one should question those thoughts and views, then if those views make sense put them to use in your life. Otherwise you'll be a student for life, not ever expressing your own thoughts as an individual . Forever following the thoughts of other men. I think folks getting into philosophy make that mistake often enough. They see a name here or there, Nietzsche, or Schopenhauer, etc., becoming desciples instead of Messiahs.

Reminds me of a Bible verse.

Ecclesiastics 12:12

"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."

 

[George's Dilemma]

I think that's why its important to have women around with their natural feminine energy. Feminine energy acts as a counterbalance to extreme masculine energy and vice versa.

Its amazing to me how balanced one can feel around a good woman. You feel complete, like your purpose has been fulfilled. They really do balance us out! There's such a difference between an intelligent and educated woman from a physically attractive woman lacking intelligence or maturity. I swear being around an intelligent woman and conversing is like a tennis volley that you hope never ends. Its so perfect, so fitting. Even now with my work, the conversation I can have with a female colleague leaves me so much more fulfilled than with a woman who might be more physically attractive yet lacks substance.

 

[Tombstone]

I agree breh. I don't have the book right now as I let a homie borrow it. But one thing Epictetus said that left a mark on me about philosophy was that one shouldn't be taught the thoughts of another man. Rather, one should question those thoughts and views, then if those views make sense put them to use in your life. Otherwise you'll be a student for life, not ever expressing your own thoughts as an individual . Forever following the thoughts of other men. I think folks getting into philosophy make that mistake often enough. They see a name here or there, Nietzsche, or Schopenhauer, etc., becoming desciples instead of Messiahs.

Reminds me of a Bible verse.

Ecclesiastics 12:12

"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."

thats real. You have books you recommend in general on philosophy that you learned from?

 

[K.Dot]

I'm the most stoic nikka to ever exist

 

[Raw Lyrics]

Always disliked stoic philosophy. They believe in "whatever happens, happens". The philosophy is grounded in taking the world as is and not changing it as your attempts are futile. So just be passive according to the stoics.

Passions are necessary, however, rationality should be used to operate in the world. Rationalism is the ideal philosophy to live by as it incorporates some stoic ideology. Some adherents of rationalism believe in working to manipulate or control nature which runs counter to stoic ideology.

I agree with some of OP's post and yours as well.

Passions are definitely necessary, but when navigating the shark infested waters of what we call life, sometimes, having a poker-face aka stoic demeanor helps against those who seek to plot on you.

 

[Nature's Fury]

dope thread

 

[George's Dilemma]

thats real. You have books you recommend in general on philosophy that you learned from?

I can only speak from the perspective of someone raised within a fundamentalist household, and I'm still stumbling along while exploring. As of now though, I'd say any book focusing on Epictetus' stoicism , Thomas Paine's Common Spense, Bertrand Russell on anything related to religion, Robert Ingersoll, and HL Mencken. HL Mencken in my opinion was a genius regardless of his nuanced racial views which were relative to his time.

Nietzsche is good, however, I question his relevance in 2016. Although, in consideration of Trump's popularity and the rise of nationalism in Europe, Nietzsche might help one find perspective on why we're where we are socially and politically going into 2017.

Christopher Hitchens wasn't a philosopher, but his thoughts on politics and religion are up my alley.

 

[Super Future Luther King Jr.]

Jewels being dropped for the coli brehs

Each one teach one

 

[WheatThins]

stoicism will keep your enemies guessing. emotionality gives people the opening to fukk with you.

for me, stoicism has brought much peace and with that, time to focus and relax without concerning myself with others.

i had to really meditate on that though. when i think of how much of a loser i used to act like bc i just "had" to express myself. 99% of things aren't worth it. and spending time on those things takes us away from our personal greatness and potential

 

[Clayton Endicott]

Rather, one should question those thoughts and views, then if those views make sense put them to use in your life. Otherwise you'll be a student for life, not ever expressing your own thoughts as an individual .

I think this is what Bruce Lee meant when he said : "Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own." The most slept on thing about his legacy was that his philosophy on the martial arts was applicable to life as well.

 

[Nymbus]

All day