Thanksgiving Week: Is The Stoic Lifestyle Too Harsh?
As we head into Thanksgiving week, many of us are reflecting on our gratitude and the things in our lives that bring us joy. However, for those who practice Stoicism, the holiday season can be a challenging time.
The Stoic philosophy, which originated in ancient Greece, emphasizes the importance of reason, self-control, and indifference to external events. Stoics believe that individuals should focus on things within their control and accept things outside of their control with equanimity.
For many, the idea of focusing on the things that bring us joy and practicing gratitude may seem like a simple and enjoyable exercise. However, for those who practice Stoicism, this can be a difficult task.
As one Stoic, Epictetus, noted, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." This philosophy can be difficult to apply during the holidays, when we are surrounded by family, friends, and the pressure to conform to societal norms.
Furthermore, the emphasis on gratitude can be seen as a form of negative thinking, where we focus on what we lack rather than what we have. This can be at odds with the Stoic idea of focusing on what is within our control and accepting what is outside of it.
So, is the Stoic lifestyle too harsh for the holiday season? Perhaps.
Author's note: The Stoic philosophy can be a challenging and complex topic, and this article is not intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject. However, by examining the core principles of Stoicism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the holiday season and our place within it.