TLDR;
This video explores the modern interpretation of Stoicism, often referred to as "Broicism," and compares it to ancient Stoic philosophy. It highlights the differences in priorities, the understanding of emotions, and the emphasis on individual achievement versus communal duty. The video also addresses the tendency for popular movements to simplify and dilute original concepts, and it cautions against intellectual snobbery towards those who are new to philosophy.
- Broicism often instrumentalizes Stoicism for external success, while ancient Stoics viewed virtue as an end in itself.
- Broicism tends to oversimplify the Stoic approach to emotions, potentially leading to the denigration of feelings.
- Ancient Stoicism emphasizes duties and obligations towards others, contrasting with the individualistic focus often found in Broicism.
Broics and Stoics [0:00]
The video introduces the concept of "Broicism" as a popular, modern interpretation of Stoicism, distinct from its ancient roots. While acknowledging the positive aspect of people engaging with philosophy, it points out key differences between Broicism and ancient Stoicism. The author aims to clarify the intellectual history and potential pitfalls of modern Stoicism. Despite criticisms, Broicism reflects genuine aspects of Stoic thought, such as taking responsibility for one's thoughts and behaviors, aligning with Epictetus' emphasis on controlling the internal mind. Stoicism encourages a detached view of emotions, cautioning against emotional excess.
The Wide Web of Stoicism [9:38]
Modern Stoicism is often presented as a means to achieve external success, such as wealth or status, which contrasts with the ancient Stoic view that virtue is sufficient for happiness. Ancient Stoics considered virtue an end in itself, with external success being a preferred indifferent, desired only as a means to becoming more virtuous. Stoic ethics is rooted in the Stoic view of reality, where the world is governed by reason (logos), and aligning oneself with this universal reason is key. Stoicism is a pantheistic doctrine that sees the universe as a thinking, morally legislating entity, and it emphasizes the importance of aligning with this universal nature.
Stoicism and Emotion [21:41]
The modern image of a Stoic is often that of an emotionless person, but ancient Stoicism had a more nuanced approach to emotions. Stoics viewed feelings as initial, involuntary impressions that are then judged by the rational faculty. Emotions are not to be repressed but addressed directly and understood, challenging automatic reactions rather than assuming all emotional reactions are inherently bad. Stoics believed in reasonable emotional reactions, including joy at virtue and disturbance by vice, and they saw virtue as the sole good worth striving for.
Snobbery, Learning, and Popularization [31:17]
As ideas become more popular, they inevitably get watered down, and Stoicism is no exception. The audience of popular Stoic authors today consists of people with practical problems, and introducing Stoicism as a way to improve their lives is a good starting point. The focus on individual and external success in Broicism reflects the values of wider society. Broicism can serve as an entry point to Stoic philosophy and philosophy more generally. It is important to recognize the differences between Broicism and ancient Stoicism, particularly the order of priorities between virtue and external ends.