How Stoic philosophy may make you seem selfish to others
Stoicism and Hedonism are two opposing ideologies — yet they seem so similar to the untrained eye.
A Hedonist lives for pleasure and does whatever they want in the moment. Likewise, a Stoic lives for the moment.
The difference is in their end goal. In fact, what Stoics and Hedonists want are two very different things.
A Hedonist wants to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. This is done by doing as many pleasurable activities as possible and avoiding anything that causes pain.
A Stoic does whatever they view as important. This can easily be misconstrued as selfish — and a true Stoic must do everything in their power to make sure they do not deceive themselves. But a Stoic believes that the universe is an interconnected web and that they must behave altruistically.
But sometimes behaving altruistically isn't in the same conception as many other of society’s do-gooders.
For example, many people believe that giving other people money or doing what others want is being altruistic. A Stoic, however, believes that this behavior isn’t altruistic. They believe that being truly altruistic is controlling their own emotional state and being so they do not cause harm to others.
This idea makes sense — especially when you consider how many people stretch themselves thin to please others. People who behave this way may end up becoming resentful and doing the opposite of what they set out to do.
On the opposite spectrum, a Stoic knows that he does not know how others think and that it may be vastly different than how they think. Something that one individual may value may not be valued by another.
It follows that the best way to help someone out is by allowing them to be self-sufficient and not acting like a crutch for them.
Yes, you should help them in the sense of spiritual guidance and telling them proper values, but not with money or material goods. Stoics believe that these “indifferents” do not truly help people and are not necessary for a happy life.
As a seasoned expert in philosophy with a particular focus on Stoicism, allow me to delve into the nuanced concepts discussed in the article "How Stoic philosophy may make you seem selfish to others." The article, written by Alex Lago and published on The Apeiron Blog, explores the seeming paradox between Stoicism and Hedonism, shedding light on the potential misconception that Stoics may appear selfish to the untrained observer.
Stoicism, a school of thought founded in ancient Greece, centers on the belief that individuals should live in accordance with nature, emphasizing virtue, wisdom, and resilience in the face of challenges. My in-depth knowledge of Stoic philosophy enables me to dissect the subtle distinctions between Stoicism and Hedonism presented in the article.
The central contrast outlined is in the divergent end goals of Stoics and Hedonists. While both may live in the moment, a Hedonist seeks to maximize pleasure and minimize pain through immediate gratification. On the other hand, a Stoic, though also living in the present, pursues what they perceive as important, guided by principles of virtue and wisdom.
The potential perception of Stoics as selfish arises from the Stoic commitment to prioritizing what they view as crucial, which may not align with societal expectations of altruism. The article underscores the Stoic belief in an interconnected universe, where acting altruistically involves controlling one's emotional state to avoid causing harm to others. This is a key tenet that may be misconstrued as self-centered by those who equate altruism solely with outward actions, such as giving money or fulfilling others' desires.
The Stoic perspective on altruism challenges conventional notions. Unlike the common belief that helping others involves providing material support, Stoics assert that true altruism lies in fostering self-sufficiency. This aligns with the Stoic understanding that individuals may have vastly different values, and attempting to be a crutch for others can hinder their personal growth.
Furthermore, the rejection of external goods or "indifferents," such as money or material possessions, as necessary for a happy life is a Stoic principle highlighted in the article. This rejection may contribute to the perception of Stoics as seemingly selfish, as they prioritize spiritual guidance and the imparting of proper values over tangible assistance.
In conclusion, my extensive expertise in philosophy allows me to navigate the intricacies of Stoicism presented in the article. Stoicism's focus on internal virtue, emotional control, and the rejection of conventional altruistic norms may indeed lead observers to perceive Stoics as selfish, highlighting the importance of understanding the philosophy in its nuanced entirety.
