Week 2 on Live Like A Stoic: The Dichotomy of Control and Beyond

Epictetus, a renowned Stoic philosopher in ancient time, has provided us some insights on how to live a happy and calm life. In order to achieve ataraxia – an ancient greek word for serenity – one should master the dichotomy of control.

On the one hand, there are things in our lives over which we have (complete) control. On the other hand, there are things that are not completely under our control. The dichotomy of control teaches us to focus our time, energy and resources on the former and lean how to make peace with the latter.

However, modern Stoics such as Gregory Lopez and Massimo Pigliucci, rethinks the dichotomy of control by proposing a third category: things we can influence but cannot completely control. This is the theme for the week 2 exercise on their workbook on Stoicism, Live Like A Stoic: 52 Exercises for Cultivating Good Life.

For example, we may want to get promoted, but being actually promoted is not under our control. However, by working hard, we might get actually be promoted. This part is under control (working hard) which may influence the desired outcome (getting the outcome).

Living Like A Stoic Exercise Week 1: The Dichotomy of Control

Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our power. In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and in a word, everything which is our own doing. Things not in our power include the body, property, reputation, office, and in a word, everything which is not our own doing.

Epictetus, enchiridion 1

Epictetus is one of the most prominent Stoics of ancient time. In the citation above, he teaches us to be aware of the two things in our lives: those events and entities that are within our power and those that are not.

In this post, with the help of Massimo Piguliucci’s and Gregory Lopez’ workbook on Stoicism entitled Live Like A Stoic: 52 Exercises for Cultivating a Good Life, I will reflect on Week 1’s theme: The Dichotomy of Control.

When we used to write letters

In what ways do you communicate online?

I consider myself lucky to be able to experience an era in which letter were exchanged as a way of communication. Writing letters is an excise I find quite stimulating and an experience I very much enjoyed.

When we write letters, we do not only communicate with the recipients of our letters, but we also communicate with ourselves. Through these writing exercise we learn to listen to the voice from within our conscious mind.

The digital world has drastically changed the way we communicate with each other. Communication has become swift these days. I usually send email, send message, share photographs or videos on social media. These are the ways I communicate online.

I do still remember the effort I exerted when trying to communicate my thoughts on paper, trying my best to make my handwriting legible. I will feel a sense of achievement as I seal the envelope and putting stamps on its upper right hand corner. And not to mention the excitement of anticipation for a reply to that letter and the joy of receiving one.

All of these are gone.

Thinking about those years I spent in Utrecht University

What colleges have you attended?

The years I spent in Utrecht University is certainly one of the few highlights of my life. I look back to those years with a whiff of nostalgia.

I can still remember the time when I receive the admission letter. It felt as if a whole new different world has opened up for me. And it many ways, it really did.

Being at the university is one of my happiest moment. Especially during my bachelor years. I even went to Melbourne Australia for an exchange program.

Since I was a young boy, school has already been my safest place. It is the place where I truly feel safe.

When I completed my master’s degree, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand I am proud of my achievement. But on the other hand, also heartbroken, because I have finally came to a point where I have to leave school.