Continuation of Part 1 here.
How to Live: Applying the Philosophy Teachings of Epicureanism and Stoicism
Dig the Epicurean Lifestyle?
Let’s say you dig the Epicurean lifestyle. But you think to yourself: Isn’t a life dedicated to the pursuit of happiness and desire an empty life? That might be true, provided you have not properly evaluated what are your desires and goals.
In our current society, we are often reminded about the supposed vices of capitalism. Many have spoken out against materialistic consumption, stating that it is pointless waste of resources and only contributes to egoistical boasting. Especially in our times of pandemic, promoting materialism seems to go against the voice of society itself.
To-Do: Evaluate Your Desires
The Epicureans, however, are not asking you to lash out on parties and branded goods. They are asking you to evaluate your desires and fulfil them. Sure, your desires may involve buying that shoe you always wanted.
Ask yourself this: Why do I want that pair of shoes? Is it because of boasting rights? Is it because of the quality of the shoe itself? Or is it just because you really liked that shoe? I believe that by scrutinising the root cause of our desires itself, we can come to understand our true intent. If it turns out to be the wrong reason – eliminate the desire itself. If after scrutiny you still like it – well, go ahead!
At this point in time, we should not question others for trying to make themselves feel happier. If the act itself does not come at the expense of the self and others, why are we questioning the act itself?
Dig the Stoic Lifestyle?
The Stoics on the other hand provides a methodology that seems more relevant than ever.
In this pandemic, we are influenced by so many external factors. COVID-19 has closed down the borders, shutting down international travels. It has closed down massive gatherings, and forced many of us to limit our travels even within the country. All of us are called to wear masks, and risk a penalty if we refuse to do so. None of these are within our control, and it is understandable to be upset about it.
To-Do: Evaluate What Are Within Your Control
But if you cannot control the external factors, why bother then?
Disregarding the deterministic nature of the Stoics, we are still in control of our movements.
I believe most of us have come to learn how to live with the pandemic – we have already done half the work the Stoics trained so hard to do.
If we reconcile our mental state about the pandemic – understanding that it is going to be a long endeavour and all we can do is be patient about it, then the burden on our mind will start to lessen.
We can learn to be happy, even in these times of hardship. This applies to everything in life: if we can learn to control our emotions and reconcile our mental state with events out of our control, then we are in a much better place.
I have skipped over many details about both schools of thoughts and what I offer today are simplifications of what they have to offer. But I believe it can be summarised to this:
Epicureanism vs Stoicism
Epicureanism: If you desire it, go for it! Provided you have thought through it properly.
Stoicism: If you cannot control it, why bother? Accept it, and be happy!
Philosophy is many things, but I believe its key purpose is this: to help us live a better life. Stoicism and Epicureanism, while differ in many aspects, aim to help us to do so. I can only hope that this article will inspire many more would-be philosophers to study philosophy and debunk everything I have written here and strive to write a much better article.
After all, the more philosophers there are, the better the world is.