How To Cope With War Like a Stoic (By Mr. Ogbule Chibuzo Isaac)

(Philosocom's O. C. Isaac Articles)

(Philosocom's Subcategory on Military and Combat)

(Disclaimer: The guest posts do not necessarily align with Philosocom's manager, Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein's beliefs, thoughts, or feelings. The point of guest posts is to allow a wide range of narratives from a wide range of people. To apply for a guest post of your own, please send your request to mrtomasio@philosocom.com)

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Introduction

The Stoics were a school of Hellenistic philosophy that emerged in ancient Greece around the 3rd century BCE and gained popularity in ancient Rome. Stoicism is known for its emphasis on ethics, rationality, and the development of virtue, as well as its practical approach to living a good life.

The Stoics had a unique approach on how to cope with war. This way was influenced by their philosophical principles. They believed in accepting the inevitable and maintaining inner tranquility even in the face of adversity. When it came to war, Stoics like Epictetus and Seneca emphasized the following points:

* Acceptance of Fate: Stoics believed that some things are beyond human control, including the occurrence of wars. They advocated accepting this fact and focusing on what can be controlled, such as one's reactions and decisions. Acceptance of fate is a core Stoic principle that encourages individuals to recognize and come to terms with the aspects of life that are beyond their control. It involves understanding that certain events, outcomes, or circumstances are determined by external factors, and no amount of worry or resistance can change them.

In essence, acceptance of fate in Stoicism is about acknowledging the limits of human agency and finding serenity and wisdom in embracing life's uncertainties. It allows individuals to navigate challenges with greater equanimity and maintain their inner peace.

* Inner Peace/tranquility: Stoicism encouraged individuals to maintain inner peace (ataraxia) amidst the chaos of war. This involved controlling emotions like fear and anger, as these could cloud judgment. Inner peace refers to a state of mental and emotional calm, tranquility, and balance. It is a state in which an individual feels at ease, free from inner turmoil, and can maintain emotional stability regardless of external circumstances. Achieving and maintaining inner peace is a valuable goal in many philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, and mindfulness practices.

In Stoicism, inner peace is closely related to the acceptance of fate and the cultivation of virtues. Stoics believe that true happiness and peace come from living in accordance with reason, virtue, and an acceptance of the natural order of the universe. By practicing these principles, individuals can attain a sense of inner tranquility even in the face of external challenges and uncertainties.

(Mr. Rubinshtein's note: As someone suffering from an anxiety disorder, I testify that reason helps calm my mind).

* Duty and Virtue: Stoics stressed the importance of duty and virtue. In a time of war, they believed it was essential to fulfill one's duty as a citizen or soldier, while adhering to virtuous principles like justice and courage. For the Stoics, duty and virtue were intertwined aspects of leading a moral and meaningful life. Recognizing and fulfilling one's ethical duties, while striving to embody the cardinal virtues, were seen as the path to attaining inner peace and true happiness, regardless of external circumstances.

* Aversion to Violence: Despite being prepared for war, Stoics generally favored non-violent resolutions and diplomacy. Seneca, for example, urged restraint and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. The Stoics generally advocated an aversion to violence and favored non-violent means of resolving conflicts and disputes. That is, while they recognized that some situations might require self-defense or justifiable action.

It's important to note that the Stoics did acknowledge that there might be situations where self-defense or the defense of others could be necessary. However, even in such cases, they emphasized that the use of force should be proportionate, just, and in line with one's ethical principles. Stoics believed in non-violent conflict resolution, self-control, and the cultivation of virtues to lead a more peaceful and harmonious life.

* Endurance: Stoicism taught endurance in the face of adversity. This was particularly relevant in the context of war, where soldiers were expected to endure hardship and danger with resilience.

Endurance, in the context of Stoicism and more broadly in philosophy and life, refers to the ability to withstand and persevere through difficult circumstances, challenges, and hardships with resilience and inner strength. Stoicism, in particular, places a strong emphasis on endurance as a virtue and a key component of leading a virtuous life.

However, endurance as seen in Stoicism, is not merely a passive response to suffering; it's an active and principled approach to life's challenges. It's about cultivating the inner strength and wisdom to face adversity with equanimity and to continue the pursuit of virtue and a meaningful life, no matter the circumstances.

* Preparation and Training: Stoics emphasized the importance of preparation and training to be better equipped to face the challenges of war. They believed that through training and mental discipline, individuals could better handle the stress of combat.

Preparation and training are essential aspects of personal development and growth, and they play a significant role in various aspects of life, including Stoicism.

In Stoicism, the idea of preparation and training is closely tied to the pursuit of wisdom, virtue, and tranquility. By actively and deliberately preparing the mind and character, individuals can better face the challenges and uncertainties of life with resilience and inner peace. Stoics believed that this training was an ongoing process that could lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

In summary, Having known that humans are egotistic there's always a case of envy, disagreement and conflict. Thus made war inevitable. The Stoics approached war with a focus on acceptance, inner peace, duty, and virtue. Their teachings provided a philosophical framework for individuals to navigate the realities of war while striving to maintain their ethical principles and mental composure.