Epictetus on How to Be Calm (The Power of Indifference) (Stoicism)

The Stoics believe that regardless of our hardships, we have the choice of attitude. We should approach all things that are not within our control with an indifferent stance. Epictetus spoke of “contempt” toward things not in our control, in contrast to those in our control, such as our opinions, pursuits, and other actions originating from our ability to choose.

By being indifferent to things not in our control, we take away the fuel that causes us to be emotionally disturbed. This enables our minds to be tranquil in all circumstances, as Epictetus called it, “in a state conformable to nature.”

#indifference #epictetus #stoicism

[CamoGuy]

I've been applying these lessons at work, and have found, after time and practice, that I am far less stressed out than my coworkers; thank you for introducing stoic thinking to me.

[cesarioserrato]

It's not what happens to you is the problem. It's how you handle it. It's either a problem or a challenge. One that could take you down or one that could lift you up

[BallBatteryReligion]

I'm thankful for my grandfather for teaching me this way of thinking. He was a blue collar, basic-educated and hard working man. But had his own unique brilliance. He didn't know the formal terms for things like stoicism. But he battled with terrible health problems his whole life. And he told me from a young age "we don't decide when we die. It's out of your control. So why worry about something you can't do anything about?" Such a simple way to put it but pretty profound. I think his words at such a young age helped me avoid a lot of unnecessary anxiety as I grew up.

[beautyroses]

This kind of calm only comes from connecting with our inner resources. Being numb from anxiety is not the same as calm.

[Didgeridoovibes]

a very good mantra to practice this: "It is not the situation in front of me that is stressing me out - It is my perspective on the situation in front of me that is stressing me out"

[truthseeker]

"A state conformable to nature"

Beautifully said

[justsomejerseydevilwithint]

This js my attitude towards death, the ultimate end of control, over which no one has control; I cannot possibly prevent my ultimate death, there are so many ways I could just up and die, so why worry? Instead, I live every day like it could be my last. I go to bed knowing I've done the best for my life that I possibly can.

[MrHDProd]

Keep up the good work, you never let your fans down with great entertainment 😎

[georgelewis]

This thought is well beyond meaningful 😮

[jmsessn]

if you'd overindulge in stoicism, you'd bear the risk of weakening or losing the warrior traits of your spirit altogether. stoicism can be a double edged sword. don't let it rob you of your ability to tackle problems. peace of mind is good but struggle is your fuel.

[reapsow]

I bought ur book “stoicism for inner peace” and I absolutely love it. Ur videos are great too! The book is nice to have a written almost guideline. I like to highlight things that i feel i really need to work on and often reread chapters i find most important to me. Thank you for what you do ❤️

[nvraman]

I make mistakes, get beaten, and listen to him, get back to normal. He is the balm that soothes me.

[scoobysnack]

Needed to be reminded of this today. Thank you!

[MrHlcg]

I learned indifference and I lost friends and family. I am now at peace

[ElRiki]

ive been living by this, its called “eh, what are you gonna do?” and “i dont give a fuck”

[Alex]

I have to say something to everyone:

Epictetus was THE man! 😊

Not the only bright and enlightened of course, but the philosophy he preached is spiritual in nature but also fully applicable to every day life and any kind of action.

[djbond]

❤❤❤❤❤❤GOD BLESS U THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO

[marieredmon-scdm]

I like the idea of the stoic way of thinking.

[blackpepperpowder]

This and Dostoevsky's problem diminish by not caring helped me a lot.

[ziyoghoyengesoko]

Thank you i needed this. I have a temperament problem because i express myslef and i want people to understand that I'm i distress then I'm brushed off because I'm the youngest sibling (31years old last born) so i lash out and explode 😞