Stoicism.
At a brief glance, the concept of stoicism may seem like an ancient, long-irrelevant concept. However, this blog will prove otherwise; through observing characters, specifically in film or TV, The Modern Stoic will explore how stoicism is practiced in modern-day society. There will be examples of highly stoic characters, as well as a few that are the complete opposite of stoic nature.
As explained in a video lecture by American historian J. Rufus Fears, stoicism describes that humans only have control over a few specific things: a person's mind, thoughts from said mind, and actions based on those thoughts. Fears states that all else are "fantasies," and that the main idea of stoicism is that a concept (or idea, person, etc.) can only mean something if you give it meaning. Almost everything can be taken from you, but your thoughts and mind can never be stolen. He also discusses the conundrum of being a philosopher, saying that "life will beat you up if you're a philosopher." A person cannot be wealthy and powerful as well as a philosopher, as those things are completely contradictory of one another.
This blog will explore if stoicism still exists today, or if the ancient motto has failed the tests of time.
As explained in a video lecture by American historian J. Rufus Fears, stoicism describes that humans only have control over a few specific things: a person's mind, thoughts from said mind, and actions based on those thoughts. Fears states that all else are "fantasies," and that the main idea of stoicism is that a concept (or idea, person, etc.) can only mean something if you give it meaning. Almost everything can be taken from you, but your thoughts and mind can never be stolen. He also discusses the conundrum of being a philosopher, saying that "life will beat you up if you're a philosopher." A person cannot be wealthy and powerful as well as a philosopher, as those things are completely contradictory of one another.
This blog will explore if stoicism still exists today, or if the ancient motto has failed the tests of time.