Stoicism is a school of philosophy that teaches how to live a virtuous and rational life in harmony with nature and the universal reason. It has been practiced by many influential figures throughout history, such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, and George Washington. However, stoicism also faces some common criticisms from its detractors, who claim that it is unrealistic, passive, cold, or even harmful. In this blog post, I will address some of these criticisms and show why they are misguided or based on misunderstandings.
One of the most frequent criticisms of stoicism is that it is unrealistic or impractical. Some people argue that stoicism asks us to suppress our emotions, ignore our desires, and accept everything that happens to us without complaint. They say that this is impossible or undesirable, as it would make us indifferent to our own happiness and well-being, as well as to the suffering and injustice in the world. However, this criticism is based on a misconception of what stoicism actually teaches. Stoicism does not advocate for emotional repression or apathy, but rather for emotional regulation and detachment. Stoics acknowledge that we have emotions and desires, but they also recognize that they are often irrational, unreliable, and out of our control. Therefore, they advise us to examine them critically and to act according to our reason and values, rather than our impulses and passions. Stoics also do not accept everything passively, but rather distinguish between what is in our control and what is not. They focus on improving themselves and their actions, which are in their control, rather than worrying about external events and outcomes, which are not. They also practice gratitude for what they have and resilience for what they face. This way, they cultivate a sense of inner peace and freedom that is independent of external circumstances.
Another common criticism of stoicism is that it is passive or fatalistic. Some people argue that stoicism discourages us from taking action or making changes in the world, as it teaches us to accept everything as it is and to conform to the natural order. They say that this is harmful or irresponsible, as it would make us complacent or complicit in the face of evil or injustice. However, this criticism is also based on a misunderstanding of what stoicism actually teaches. Stoicism does not discourage us from taking action or making changes in the world, but rather from being attached to the results or outcomes of our actions. Stoics believe that we have a duty to act according to our reason and virtue, which are in harmony with nature and the universal reason. They also believe that we have a responsibility to contribute to the common good and to help others whenever we can. However, they also acknowledge that we cannot control the consequences or reactions of our actions, which depend on many factors beyond our control. Therefore, they advise us to act with wisdom and courage, but also with moderation and humility. They also teach us to be prepared for any outcome, whether good or bad, and to adapt accordingly. This way, they cultivate a sense of purpose and agency that is independent of external validation or reward.
A third common criticism of stoicism is that it is cold or unemotional. Some people argue that stoicism deprives us of the joys and pleasures of life, as it teaches us to be indifferent to them and to avoid being influenced by them. They say that this is boring or depressing, as it would make us dull or unhappy. However, this criticism is also based on a misrepresentation of what stoicism actually teaches. Stoicism does not deprive us of the joys and pleasures of life, but rather from being dependent on them or addicted to them. Stoics appreciate and enjoy the good things in life, but they also recognize that they are temporary, uncertain, and out of our control. Therefore, they advise us to use them wisely and moderately, rather than abuse them or crave them. Stoics also do not avoid being influenced by them, but rather being enslaved by them or corrupted by them. They maintain their integrity and dignity regardless of their circumstances or possessions. This way, they cultivate a sense of contentment and happiness that is independent of external conditions or stimuli.
In conclusion, stoicism is not unrealistic, passive, cold, or harmful as some critics claim. Rather, it is a practical and rational way of living that helps us cope with the challenges and uncertainties of life while pursuing our highest potential and values. It does not ask us to deny our emotions or desires but to master them; it does not ask us to accept everything passively but to act wisely; it does not ask us to be indifferent to the joys and pleasures of life but to enjoy them moderately. By doing so, stoicism enables us to achieve a state of inner harmony