They are making a connection between courage and understanding.
Or put another way, the stoic response assumes the ever present influence of Strife. — Valentinus
So, are you saying that courage and understanding are the proper responses towards Strife? How does one not indulge in too much indifference, then? — Wallows
"indifference" (the central theme of Stoicism) — Wallows
If “indifference” is the central theme of Stoicism, how could you explain that both Marcus Aurelius and Seneca were the most powerful people of their time, effectively ruling and governing the Roman Empire? Were they The Lame Stoics? — Number2018
As far as I know, even Epictetus encouraged his pupils to be actively engaged in theNo, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, we're not "Lame Stoics", however, Epictetus literally was. I speak of just the "apatheia", characteristic of Stocism, which is actually encouraged by the Stoics. — Wallows
In general, one could claim, that the central theme of Stoicism was not simple “indifference” and becoming “apathetic,” but also a passion of working on self, of indifference while being fully involved in the "external" events. — Number2018
I don't think "indifference" is the central theme in Stoicism. I think the central theme, if there is one, is understanding the difference between things in our control, and things beyond our control.Anyway, "indifference" (the central theme of Stoicism) is a two-edged sword. — Wallows
I was struck by the following fragment from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations:how do you strike a balance between the internal conflict dwelling within and the external day-to-day issues, sturm und drang, — Wallows
Sorry for being vague. I tried to point out that quite often what I think, feel, and percept has indeed been induced and enforced by external socio-cultural forces; and, in most cases, I do not recognize it. Further, under these circumstances, it can be challenging to practice Stoicism in its classical form. I may think that the most intimate parts of myself are under my control, but actually, they are not.It's possible, though, to distinguish what I think, feel and do as a part of the world from other parts of the world. — Ciceronianus the White
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