What are your opinions on a Stoic or heavily disciplined life in contemporary society? Has anything actually changed that makes this less viable, is it preferable?
I am not implying anything by these questions, I would just like to hear peoples' opinions. I personally feel that while the social climate of our current societies praise accomplishment, effort and hard work towards the self are usually overlooked if they do not produce discernibly results. Whether or not this is any different, and it is irrelevant to the practice of self-discipline I sometimes find it hard to not come off as unfriendly when dealing with a heavily social event like a party. I just wish there was a notion of being an ascetic in society, a term or phrase understood and contemporarily relevant, that I do not come off as an autist trying to live the life of a Samurai, or that I refrain from certain behaviors or overindulgence because I fear divine retribution.
>>1102385
I think it is wholly necessary, to have at least some level of self-discipline. I think modern society proffers many dissipating influences to the individual for various reasons, thtough various means. To stay afloat in an age of overwhelming vice and decadence is to be disciplined, to abstain, to contain, to exercise. I don't at all think I'm being dramatic when I say "overwhelming vice and decadence." You must have self-control - against things and for things - otherwise you will dissipate your natural capabilties and live a lesser life.
I will also say that I've met very few true stoics in my life.
"If the room is smoky, if only moderately, I will stay; if there is too much smoke I will go. Remember this, keep a firm hold on it, the door is always open."
- Epictetus
its simple, good luck.
>>1102426
I agree with your assessment. Now, ignoring Stoicism in particular, do you think an organized system of discipline is important? Surely, it is more efficient and creates a more readily clear cut line of "do"-"do not'/virtue-decadence. If so, does one clearly and readily exist that is applicable to the modern era?
For example, some people get into nofap/porn things. From whence comes the vice?, sex/masturbation, or the initial desire and weakness to do so? I think this is a pretty good example for our contemporary lifestyles, so, is porn the vice or is the compulsion to do so? If compulsion, then how many other things does this apply to? Is absolute avoidance of pleasures, drinking, sex, leisure, etc. a vice itself, a forced habit that ultimately shows no moderation?
No this is not about nofap, just a discussion of what is self-control
>>1102453
he also said, to a rich man whining about the noise at a certain game, "well man, don't you endure to keep watch over the spectacle? And if you cannot see, or complain about senators having better seats, wait for them leave and go sun bathe in their seats. Treat life, when outside, living it; as the most serene festival."
i'm still trying to see it as a complicated philosophical thing, when its just "do i hold the pot or not." Just do what you want. But do it with kindness and virtue.
>>1102478
>organized system
When a thing is done consciously, with awareness, it is more effecient than something done unconsciously. Yes, by all means, have a code of conduct. It will only make you better as a person.
>applicable to modern era
It all depends on who applies it. And how.
>From whence comes the vice?
Excess, which in turn creates negative attachment - 'addiction', which damages the individual.
Moderation is key. You may enjoy those things, but the key is to avoid Abuse. Then it becomes less of an enjoyment and more of a burden. A curse.
I'd say that being a stoic is incredibly beneficial if you know how not to go full hermit mode. Its great for your financials, for your career, for your education, and so on. As long as you maintain the ability to be social and work with people who aren't as disciplined its only a positive.
little discipline is good
but emotion is the source of knowledge and justice so one shouldn't completely disregard it.
>>1102599
>l if you know how not to go full hermit mode
But I like full hermit mode.
