A transcript of author Phil Van Treuren talking about the common misconception that Stoicism teaches us to be “indifferent to the world.”
Stoicism is not about being indifferent to what happens in the world. It does teach us to accept what we really can’t control. But throughout history, Stoics have fought bravely for things they really could change.
Stoics aren’t afraid to try to change the world for the better if the really can.
Stoicism actually differs from many other philosophies because it teaches that we have a responsibility as human beings to be active in our communities and improve them.
Over the last 2,000 years Stoicism has been studied by military leaders, political leaders, business magnates, you name it . . . all examples of people who absolutely weren’t indifferent to the world.