Weekly Stoic: Why You Have To Think For Yourself

Getting information has never been easier than it is today. We have access to podcasts, social media, Wikipedia, and almost an infinite library of books, both ancient and recent.

You can engage in a conversation with literally anyone regarding anything. It is indeed a wonderful time where opinions and random class are abundant like never before in the history of humanity. 

But as good as it sounds, there is a danger within all the abundance. Because with such instant access, also comes instant connection and viral sharing of anything. Which means despite all the diverse sources of information we have, it’s also never been easier to take a peek at what others are thinking. 

Facebook and Twitter have an algorithm that can create a filter bubble, which makes it so much easier to enforce political correctness and consensus-thinking. 

Look back and remember how impressive it was that Marcus Aurelius didn’t even have to publish his Meditations. He didn’t care about getting credit or glory for his ideas. All he wanted and cared about was the truth. He was thinking of himself. 

He went as far as actively practising inoculation. He walked barefooted and bareheaded throughout Rome. He wanted to get used to being laughed at and embarrassed for being different.

That’s why it shouldn’t also surprise us when nearly everyone in Rome was more than willing to rationalize Julius Caesar’s norm-breaking behaviour, and it was only Cato that could see it for what it was. Only he was willing to stand alone. 

Every Stoic has to be able to do that. Has to be the thing for themselves. A Stoic doesn’t care what people think, and they didn’t even need to “consort with the crowd,” as Seneca once told. 

Indeed, it is incredible that we have access to all sorts of tools and knowledge that the stoics and those before us didn’t have. But then again, how we make use of these assets is essential. 

Are you simply going to agree with everyone because you don’t want trouble? Are you going to out just what you like and what confirms your worldview? Or are you going to think for yourself? 

Are you sincerely willing to stand alone regardless of what anybody says?

Source: Daily Stoic