How to Be a Stoic

Re:How to Be a Stoic by karyon on Saturday February 25, 2017 @04:05AM (#13730747)

Actually, that quote was the one sentence I didn't understand. Who's spilling the wine? And why does that buy tranquility? If you could help me that would be great :)

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by gattilorenz on Saturday February 25, 2017 @04:27AM (#13730798)

I read it as "instead of getting angry for losing a 20$ note, consider it the price you pay for tranquility".

Which maybe works for yourself, but most of my significant others of the past would just start complaining that I lost a 20$ bill.

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by Pamar on Saturday February 25, 2017 @04:31AM (#13730808)

Another Stoic tip:

Most people are annoying: educate them or just put up with them, there is no third option. Also, always remember you are equally annoying to at least some of them.

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by pbhjpbhj on Saturday February 25, 2017 @07:54AM (#13731356)

I prefer to consider the joy of finding money; when you lose it you've almost certainly given someone else that joy.

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by jschwartzi on Saturday February 25, 2017 @08:21AM (#13731461)

Just like when things get stolen from my car, they're inevitably things that the thief might have needed more than me.

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by jpttsn on Saturday February 25, 2017 @08:16AM (#13731434)

Better hope the finders don't apply the same logic, or they'll just feel your pain all over again.

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by factsaresacred on Saturday February 25, 2017 @04:45AM (#13730853)

I think the premise leading to the sentence is absurd: "And, if I pretended not to notice these slights, wasn’t I proving that I really was a disengaged, privileged oppressor?".

But the author is trying to reason with her anger in the face of perceived slights - verbalise it or hold it inside?

Epictetus suggests that small losses (of wine or of 'face') should simply be forgotten. They are sunk-costs whose expense has been incurred.

One need not pay more - in the form of one's tranquility or contentment - by dwelling on them.

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by kgwgk on Saturday February 25, 2017 @04:32AM (#13730810)

Don't cry over spilled milk (or oil). If someone steals your wine, get over it and continue with your life.

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by FabHK on Saturday February 25, 2017 @09:49AM (#13731778)

The one argument against is of course justice, that is, punishing cheaters in prisoner dilemmas, special and general prevention, etc.

However, the Stoic would advise to do the punishment (where appropriate and possible) without anger, but rather as one would punish a child that has transgressed - for the benefits arising from it.

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Re:How to Be a Stoic by briancleland on Saturday February 25, 2017 @04:40AM (#13730837)

Adversity provides the opportunity to practice tranquility. If you let go of the wine, you gain peace of mind in return.

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