Summary
Highlights
Epictetus's pragmatic approach to life is highly relevant in the 21st century, focusing on what we can control. We should consider what depends on us and what doesn't. Things that depend on us include: our opinions, which we must be responsible for and use carefully, especially in the age of social media; our aspirations, which should be personal and not externally imposed; and our limitations, which we should know and accept ourselves.
Things that do not depend on us, and therefore should not affect us as much, include: the opinions of others, especially those outside our close circle, as unsolicited opinions and social media validation (or criticism) can be damaging; the affections of others, as we cannot force people to like us; and the achievements of others, which should not lead to obsession or comparison, but rather a focus on personal goals.
Stoic philosophy, particularly its pragmatic teachings, is crucial for developing critical thinking. This is vital in the 21st century, especially in how we consume news and media. The emotional manipulation prevalent in journalism often bypasses rational analysis, leading to sensationalism that targets our feelings of happiness or indignation, effectively neutralizing our critical faculties.
The Roman Empire understood this manipulation. Emperor Titus, facing multiple crises (Vesuvius eruption, fire in Rome, plague), inaugurated the Colosseum with 100 days of free spectacles and distributed bread to the public. This 'bread and circuses' strategy pacified the public and secured his reign, demonstrating how entertainment and basic needs can divert attention from deeper issues.
In the 21st century, critical thinking must be 'tele-directed' to recognize when entertainment dominates over analysis. Without real critical analysis, we remain in a constant state of entertainment, distracted from what truly matters. Therefore, it is crucial to educate people to consider context, as decontextualization leads to a loss of truth and reality.