Epictitus: Stoicism Vs. America

Epictetus' school of thought, Stoicism, promotes the practice of releasing one's care for that which he cannot control. This belief lies directly in contrast with the mindset of the modern American nation. As a unified body, America seeks to influence all things, both those it holds influence over and those it does not, in an effort to delegate the entirety of the world under its authority. However, it is not world domination in the traditional sense akin to the aspirations of Nazi Germany under Hitler, yet they seek to conform the world into an idealistic philosophy which follows closely to its own. Stoics, on the other hand, Epictetus in particular oppose the beliefs and actions of modern America, even though they do it unwillingly. In the first point of his Handbook, Epictetus states:

1. There are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power. Within our power are opinion, aim, desire, aversion, and, in one word, whatever affairs are our own. Beyond our power are body, property, reputation, office, and, in one word, whatever are not properly our own affairs. Now, the things within our power are by nature free, unrestricted, unhindered; but those beyond our power are weak, dependent, restricted, alien. Remember, then, that if you attribute freedom to things by nature dependent, and take what belongs to others for you own, you will be hindered, you will lament, you will be disturbed, you will find fault both with gods and men.

America intrudes on those affairs which are not its own and as such, has been hindered and disturbed over the course of the past half-century. Because of this, the American people have grown intellectually weak due to the arrogance of their superiority. America has grown dependent

on foreign nations for oil and many of the consumer products it prides itself on producing. Despite claims of freedom its populous becomes increasingly restricted by legislation, passed by a soon-to-be oppressive government, curbing free speech and removing institutions such as the right to a fair trial by ones peers. Due to these infractions, the American people and the nation as a whole has grown alien in the eyes of the rest of the world.

Epictetus presents his views and teachings on living a Ð''good life' in a series of aphorisms compiled into a text given the name The Handbook. Through these aphorisms he gives practical advice on how to live in accordance with the stoic philosophy in an everyday environment. As Epictetus lists his points it can become easy to see many reasons why the world, and in particular America, is a place so full of disappointment, unhappiness, and restlessness. Capitalism has created a culture where more is better, and no one, no matter how much they have is happy with their situation. Epictetus relates his feelings on this matter through the description of a banquet, saying:

15. Remember that you must behave as at a banquet. Is anything brought round to you? Put out your hand, and take a moderate share. Does it pass by you? Do not stop it. Is it not come yet? Do not yearn in desire towards it, but wait till it reaches you. So with regard to children, wife, office, riches; and you will some time or other be worthy to feast with the gods. And if you do not so much as take the things which are set before you, but are able even to forego them, then you will not only be worthy to feast with the gods, but to rule with them also.

If one waits and lives with no expectation, even the smallest of good fortune will far surpass one's need. American capitalism has established a contest among its people, a scramble for wealth, material luxuries, and social status and power. Such a system brings forth powerful men who control others, criminals who seek wealth, and ambitious leader who's every action and word is moving toward personal gain. Capitalism creates many vices such as gambling which degrade ones life, especially through the eyes of a Stoic.

At America's conception it was decided that the nation would be a staunch isolationist, not getting caught up in the trifles of Europe. America flourished under this doctrine and the most lived peacefully as farmers and laborers. However with the industrial revolution America became increasingly more active in the stage of global politics. By the time of the Cold War America was the key player in global affairs. America began to make its influences felt in theaters such a Korea, Vietnam, and more recently the Middle East. One can see the stoic views of this through Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, an eastern philosophical discourse whose views are parallel to that of Epictetus. Lao Tzu states:

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Weapons are the bearers of bad news;

all people should detest them.

The wise man values the left side,

and in time of war he values the right.

Weapons are meant for destruction,

and thus are avoided by the wise.

Only as a last resort

will a wise person use a deadly weapon.

If peace is her true objective

how can she rejoice in the victory of war?

Those who rejoice in victory

delight in the slaughter of humanity.