When Life Hurts, Stop Clinging to It | The Philosophy of Epictetus Stoicism for Inner Peace (book): https://einzelganger.co/innerpeaceOur very sense of wellbeing is at gunpoint when we cling to the fickle, unreliable outside world. Around two thousand years ago, Stoic philosopher Epictetus observed that people are burdened and dragged down because they tend to care about too many things. His cure, however, is not to stop caring altogether but to care about the right things and stop clinging to anything that doesn’t matter.What matters and doesn’t matter according to Epictetus is bound to the reality of our place as reasonable beings in an everchanging environment. This reality Epictetus makes clear in the underlying tenet of his work: ‘the dichotomy of control.’ Some things are in our control, others not. If we manage to concern ourselves with the things in our control, we are in a position of strength.But if we neglect these things, and focus on what’s not in our control, we are in a position of weakness. Especially when we cling to what’s not up to us, we set ourselves up for a life of suffering. But what are those things that we cling to? And why is it better to let go of them? This video explores the philosophy of Epictetus, and what we, according to him, should focus on to be happy and content, and what we should let go of, and how we do this.Support the channel: ✔️ PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/einzelgangerco ✔️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/einzelgangster ✔️ Bitcoin: 3HQnEz1LQ4G6dqN2LdZgzc7qoJjJCyWjTC (Donated BTC and want in the credits? Send me an email with the amount/address)🎞️ Animations by Munkaa: https://www.youtube.com/user/jus7yPurchase Stoicism for Inner Peace (affiliate links): 📘 Paperback: https://amzn.to/3wB9iHb 💻 Ebook: https://amzn.to/2RdjbKVPurchase Unoffendable (affiliate links): 📘 Paperback: https://amzn.to/2RJYfti 💻 Ebook: https://amzn.to/35e23a5Merchandise: 🛍️ Shop: teespring.com/stores/einzelgangerstore 🛍️ Merchandise design by Punksthetic Art: https://www.youtube.com/user/JRStoneartMusic used: VYEN Amber pATCHES The Joy Definitive pATCHES Humble ProofreadingCreative Commons (attributions):Epictetus: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Discourses__Epictetus_(illustration_1)_(9021700938).jpg Epicurus: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Greece_from_the_Coming_of_the_Hellenes_to_AD._14,_page_257,_Epicurus.jpg Stoa: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Second_floor_detail_Stoa_of_Attalus_Athens.jpg00:00 Intro 01:37 Dichotomy of control 05:04 (1) Stop clinging to objects, people, and power. 09:10 (2) Stop clinging to the opinions of others. 12:08 (3) Stop clinging to outcomes and ideas.#stoicism #epictetus #stoic Turn on notifications for the podcast & rate it a 5star for new episodes. Einzelgänger explores a wide range of topics and ideas, with a dose of "as I see it," out of curiosity and creative urge. Einzelgänger is under the supervision of the Dutch Regulatory Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media). *Disclaimer: The material provided by Einzelgänger isn't a clinical/medical service or replacement of mental health professionals, nor an academic resource. Disclaimer: This audio project is an independent interpretation of content originally created by Einzelgänger. It was made by a listener who resonates deeply with the channel’s quiet reflections on philosophy, solitude, and selfmastery — and seeks to share that experience in a format suited for stillness, movement, or anything in between. This is not an official production of Einzelgänger, nor is it affiliated with or endorsed by the creator. All rights to the original material remain with Einzelgänger. If you represent the channel and wish to get in touch regarding this adaptation, please feel free to reach out. ------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related