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HI_IM_PLUTO t1_j1vvfo0 wrote

Reply to comment by captain_nibble_bits in [image] by _Cautious_Memory

Then why didn't he change his mindset to get out of slavery? Sounds like he didn't have a good enough mindset according to your logic.

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mfmllnn t1_j1w1wrp wrote

Because the mindset here is not this BS coaches want you to believe. The mindset that Stoicism presents is that you should not give things the control over you. If something bad happens, figure out if is something you can do to solve/repair/fix/improve. If there is a solution, calm down and don't let it ruin your day/life. There is nothing you can? Well, don't let it ruin your day/life too. It may be hard to believe, but how we react is more important than what happened. Understanding it requires maturity.

If you have the chance, try reading about Epictetus and his lessons. He lived about 2000 years ago in a complete different society, but his teachings still relevant, mostly because people behave the same despite the time and advancements we have.

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HI_IM_PLUTO t1_j1w4cnq wrote

>The mindset that Stoicism presents is that you should not give things the control over you. If something bad happens, figure out if is something you can do to solve/repair/fix/improve. If there is a solution, calm down and don't let it ruin your day/life. There is nothing you can? Well, don't let it ruin your day/life too.

I agree with this but the original post and comment I replied do not seem to share this same concept. Or if they do they do not give a proper representation of the idea.

I have struggled a lot with my mental health and I really want stoicism to work but it seems I am incapable of participating or incompatible because of my experience. Or I could just not be practicing it correctly. I'm honestly not sure. Stoicism just feels invalidating and delusional when I do practice it

>If you have the chance, try reading about Epictetus and his lessons.

Thank you, I have wanted to read stoic literature before but I have trouble actually retaining information and attention when I read (most books in general) so I haven't actually read any stoic philosophy. Maybe I'll give it another shot :)

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captain_nibble_bits t1_j1w6300 wrote

Hey mate. I certainly didn't want to talk down to or dismiss your struggles.

Mental health is a very difficult subject and Stoicism sure isn't some magical solution, but I found it to be really helpful to iron out the rough patches in life and I can agree with you that these modern oneliner quotes just don't work. It's like reading just do happy thoughts and be done with it. It ain't that easy.

Though I do agree with the general meaning of this quote just reading it won't help. Behind Stoicism is a lot of reading and daily mental practice before you can advance towards this outcome and even then 99.9% will never reach this goal. Though we do get better at it. And for me that's enough.

But this said, with some mental issues you need medication and/or therapy.

Greetings and wish you the best.

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mfmllnn t1_j1whm6t wrote

Hey Pluto! Didn't mean to lecture you at all, sorry If it sounded like that. English is not my mother language. I've reading and practicing Stoicism for 3 years now and I started it while fighting depression. It helped me understand others and myself, to keep calm even when my days were dark and full of negative thoughts.

I know how our mental health is essential and there is no shame to talk about it. If you ever need someone to vent or share something, feel free to PM me. Sometimes the people around us have no empathy or the sensibility to understand our pain.

If you don't mind, I would like to suggest these two books

Enchiridion of Epictetus And MEDITATIONS: BY MARCUS AURELIUS

Epictetus was a slave while Marcus was a Roman Emperor. Both had the same philosophy about the things in life, even with all the differences and circumstances.

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HI_IM_PLUTO t1_j1xd9ig wrote

Thank you. I appreciate your support. I definitely have a lot of work to do with my mental health.

I will be sure to check out the books you recommended. Is there a book I should read first?

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mfmllnn t1_j220ka3 wrote

Hey! Marcus wrote for himself, Meditations are a collection of phrases and notes he wrote on his diary.
It can be a good start as it may help you perceive and understand yourself.

Epictetus taught on the streets and his lessons are more about life in society, good and bad things, how we could behave to avoid bad thoughts and pain caused by our reactions.

I'd recommend starting with Marcus Aurelius. Anyway take care of yourself, too will find peace too.

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