I like the Stoic philosophers. Their work has endured and is still relevant today. I particularly enjoy the teachings of Cicero, Seneca, Epectitus and meditations of the Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius. I like their philosophy because it’s practical, doesn't get too bogged down with semantics. The Stoics taught that destructive emotions come from errors in judgement. And that a person of “moral and intellectual perfection” ought to be immune from such trappings.
Epictetus said, “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters” This resonate with me and I can imagine it resonates with most of us. Fast forward a couple of thousand years and an American psychologist by the name of Albert Ellis, develops a cognitive behavioural therapy technique simplified as the A-B-C model. It goes: an Action, coupled with a certain Belief produces a certain Consequence. Most times we jump from A to C but in order to avoid undesired consequences; we must evaluate B.
Doesn’t matter if you are a scientist, philosopher, artist, professor, teenager, teacher, employee or parent; we all lose our cool. Next time you are faced with a challenging situation (A), try and be aware of your judgement (B) in order to improve the outcome (C). Don’t just be ruled by emotions, take a break, assess the situation and let logic lead the way.
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