“One ought to hold onto one’s heart; for if one lets it go, one soon loses control of the head, too”
–Friedrich Nietzsche
Stoicism is often thought to be the philosophy that disdains emotions. It doesn’t. But early Stoics emphasized keeping the executive center of our mind firmly in the driver’s seat, with strong emotions (known as passions or pathe) taking a back seat to logic, reasoning, and cognitive knowledge. In fact, emotional mastery of the turbulent passions-anger, lust, bitterness, intense desire, fear, or distress-is necessary for living a good life. Why? Because these states of mind disrupt our unhappiness and can lead to destructive wrongdoing. But emotions are an essential part of being human and sometimes they prod us to action required to create positive change. Emotional responses can be considered ‘judgements’ rising from deep biological memories or instincts or emotions can arise because of our thoughts themselves. They saw some emotions as good, like joy, wishing good will, cheerfulness, cherishing, caring, even reverence. A Stoic works towards equanimity, as the state that balances our reason and our feelings. Consider the following resources, for more information on this vital Stoic topic:
/Shortcode
| In Order to | Distinguish Stoic beliefs about.... | Consider these Resources |
|---|---|---|
| consider the nature of emotions in Stoicism, | to understand their importance to obtaining virtue and the good life. | Graver, M. (2007) Stoicism and Emotion Sellars, J. (2014) Stoicism and Emotions YouTube lecture |
| Relate Stoic views on emotion to human caring and social responsibility | to consider the value of emotion and intuition in guiding human experience | Nussbaum, M. (2001) Upheavals of Thought Stoicare.com https://www.stoicare.com/ |
| Learn emotional self-management skills | to distinguish between right and wrong impressions and assents to truth | Seneca On Anger. Sorabji, R. (2000). Emotion and Peace of Mind: From Stoic Agitation to Christian Temptation. Epictetus Discourses 2.13 On Anxiety Marcus Aurelius Meditations |