Stoicism : A Negative Impact On A Person 's Life

As a slave Epictetus was severely tortured on a rack for another’s mistake and in turn received a broken leg, which never correctly healed. “ See, it’s just as I told you.” I was never more free than I was on the rack.” In addition, Stockdale ‘s leg was also damaged during his various hardships as a POW. Through these brutal hardships Stockdale finds strength in Epictetus words. For example, Stockdale was recognized by his captors in regard to holding a leadership position in the prisoners of war resistance with better hopes of challenging the Vietnamese’s treatment of prisoners. In accordance to Stoicism Stockdale did not take the leadership position with hopes of change but it was principally in his control and part of his essential duty

self-sacrifice in effort to do what one feels is right or just? Is it descriptive, or perhaps prescriptive? Two prominent Greeks, Thucydides and Plato, began providing answers to these questions over 25 centuries ago as they analyzed and wrote critically about life's ethical implications. They shined contrasting light on what is right, just, and good; as well as ways to achieve true happiness. In short, each gave an opinion on how to garner the Good Life. Let's start by taking a look at Thucydides,

International Paper Company was incorporated January 31, 1898, upon the merger of 18 pulp and paper mills in the northeastern United States. Its founders and first two presidents were William Augustus Russell and Hugh J Chisholm. The newly formed company supplied 60 percent of all newsprint in the country. Through many changes it has become one of the largest producers of paper and paper products and had facilities in twenty-four countries. The company now manufactures plastic lids and paper cups for fast-food giants like McDonald 's, Wendy 's and Subway. They also produce printer and copier paper, envelopes, corrugated packaging and shipping containers, consumer packaging for cosmetics and home entertainment. International Paper has made advantageous changes to stay competitive and profitable in the industry and to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment as times and conditions have changed.

Epicurus believed that the idea of pleasure was important but had to restrained. He contributed to modern hedonism. He created the garden a sort of ancient Utopia that he used as a base for his teachings and claimed that all were welcome but must reject their old lives and society. His guide to the good life included the use and creation of Tetrapharmakos, which had four points that people should live by to attain the good life. These included, God is nothing to fear, one if Epicurus’ biggest idea was in his riddle, if god is so powerful and willing to help others, then why does evil exist? And if is not so powerful and is not willing then why are they called gods and why are they worshipped? Death is nothing to worry about, there is not immoral

As Epictetus opens his handbook with the line, “Some things are up to us and some are not up to us,” a precedent is set for the entire following of the nature in his teachings (Hackett, 5). We are not merely an individual seeking something better in life, but an individual who can control his/her own path as long as we follow the context of staying true to ourselves and not wandering outside of our own capabilities. “Our bodies are not up to us, nor are our possessions, our reputations, or public offices, or, that is, whatever is not our doing,” is a prime example of what we cannot control, death being one of these (Hackett, 5). Our control is limited to what we can grasp and be in power of, and whatever is out of that reach should not be looked

After the death of Aristotle, philosophy that targeted greater complex depths was outrun by philosophy that focused on mere everyday lives. With the rise and fall of Skepticism, Cynicism, and Epicureanism there was an influence that survived years impacting life and that was Stoicism. Zeno of Citium who believed that the world had an ultimate plan and everything--including nature, animals, and humans, were there for a reason (Hergenhahn & Henley, 2014, p. 66). The reason Stoicism was easily used is because it was well-suited with the way Romans highlighted their law and order giving the extensive coverage displayed by many philosophers, including Marcus Aurelius.

Philosophical education is a fundamental aspect of Stockdale’s survival as a POW in Vietnam. He was able to use philosophical wisdom as a means to question various factors and roles in regard to living as a POW. If he absent-mindedly forgot to read the Epictetus novel given by one of his professors would his fate be different? As a POW he not only incorporated historical ideologies but also applicably highlighted key aspects of practical knowledge, which is often lacking in todays world. Stoic philosophy has vast practical application in accordance to all aspects of life. Stockdale as well as all philosophical wisdom seekers believe life is constantly consisting of education. Nevertheless, Stockdale took control of his studies and later lectured

Epicurus believed that we do not have the power over certain things but the things that we have power over can be cause action. Things that can require us to have power over such as making bad decisions or wrongfully thinking. Epicurus explains “The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, and unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others”. Things that are not in our control we tend to worry about the most such as poverty, wealth and reputations. As Epicurus describes, “Aiming therefore at such great things, remember that you must not allow yourself to be carried, even with a slight tendency, towards the attainment of lesser things”.

Characters in the Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth scarcely feel guilt - with two exceptions: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. In this essay let's consider their guilt-problem.

Happiness is all around the world, it is a very genuine and important thing, and everyone wants to be happy. Being happy is what makes life worth living, and it makes life a lot better in every way possible. What makes people happy though? Are bodily and external goods necessary to happiness? I would say no because by which they can make you happy, they are not necessary for human happiness. It’s not what things you buy, the pain, the suffering, or enjoyment your body might get. Human happiness comes from somewhere else within the human. Comparing and contrasting Aristotle’s and the Stoics’ view of human happiness will help give a better clear and logical understanding on what really happiness is and why I believe that bodily

The lord shall provide a person with what they need- nothing more and nothing less, therefore a person should not feel envious of those who have more, nor shall they fall to the temptations of obtaining “better” than what they have already been given. This matches well with stoicism, because Epictetus says, in order for a man to be truly free, he must first “extinguish his desire for all things, including life itself” (Pg.1 Epictetus). Both of these beliefs, in the end, are stating that for one to find a life of happiness, they must first give up all that worries and consumes

The exact quote is, “Give thyself time to learn something new and good, and cease to be whirled around,” (257). In life, knowledge is power, and exposing ourselves to new concepts and ideas always gives us new knowledge for new challenges. One can never be prepared enough for the trials of life, yet the best we can do is keep an open mind to new informations in order to easily bounce back from failures. This is something I believe in heartily and take in whatever knowledge I can from failures in order to prevent it from happening again. This quote heavily influences Stoicism, as the philosophy states that positive and negative experiences should not hinder us, but only teach

Epictetus presents many themes through his aphorisms from free will, to the divine plan and many more. The one that will be focused on today are Value Judgements. This theme is present in the aphorism I have selected, number 9. The aphorism states “Illness interferes with the body, not with one’s faculty of choice, unless that faculty of choice wishes it to. Lameness interferes with the limb, not with one’s faculty of choice. Say this at each thing that happens to you, since you will find that it interferes with something else, not with you” (Epictetus, The Handbook, 14).

Stoicism made the transition from an intriguing foreign philosophy to a popular practice because it was taken up by several high profile figures. Scipio Africanus, the original esteemed Roman Stoic died in 129 BCE, but about 40 years later a new crop of celebrated Romans took up the Stoic practice. During the fall of the Roman Republic a group of famed orators, generals, and statesmen including Marcus Junius Brutus (85-42 BCE), Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BCE), Pompey the Great (106-48 BCE), and Cato the Younger (95-46 BCE) all professed themselves Stoics. This group of powerful statesmen and leaders practicing Stoicism disseminated it throughout Rome. Octavian (63 BC- 14 AD) who later became Caesar Augustus had a Stoic tutor and many

Epictetus strong belief that the only control we have is within our own actions, and the rest is out of our hands, is a true valid argument because if the pure thought of changing a person is fairly difficult, the mere thought of controlling someone is terrifying since the only person that should be in control of oneself is oneself. However, certain flaws are presented in his beliefs such avoiding situations that may cause pain like the death of a loved one. It is understandable that death and other events are out of our reach, but it is impossible to see loved ones just as humans and not be disturbed if something tragic were to occur. Like today, it is out of our control to see families being split due to the massive deportation order. All