Travel has always held a special allure for humanity. It’s a means of exploring the unknown, seeking adventure, or simply taking a break from the routine of daily life. In the modern world, with its easy access to transportation and globalization, travel has become more accessible than ever before. But what does Stoicism, an ancient philosophy with a focus on virtue, have to say about this common human pursuit? In this guide, we’ll delve into the concept of Stoic travel, exploring both the ethical considerations and practical wisdom it offers to make your journeys more enjoyable and meaningful.
The Ethical Dimension: Is There a Stoic Way to Travel?
A Philosophy of Virtue
At the heart of Stoicism lies the pursuit of virtue. The Stoics emphasize that living a life in accordance with virtue is the ultimate goal, and so-called “preferred indifferents,” such as wealth, fame, and even travel, are considered secondary. Therefore, from a Stoic perspective, it’s clear that extravagant or decadent forms of travel are not in alignment with the philosophy’s core principles.
Travel as an Escape
One common motive for travel is to escape from the challenges and emotional turmoil of everyday life. However, the Stoics caution against using travel as a means of finding tranquility or emotional resolution. Seneca, a prominent Stoic philosopher, argues that travel cannot provide the solutions we seek. Instead of controlling our emotions, we end up carrying them with us on our journeys.
Seneca’s perspective is clear: “What benefit has travel of itself ever been able to give anyone? No restraint upon pleasure, no bridling of desire, no checking of bad temper, no crushing of the wild assaults of passion, no opportunity to rid the soul of evil.” Travel, according to him, offers nothing more than a temporary distraction.
The Reality of Travel
My personal experiences align with Seneca’s wisdom. While traveling may offer a temporary respite from the familiar, it doesn’t fundamentally change who we are. The external circumstances may shift, but we carry our thoughts, anxieties, and personality traits with us wherever we go. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that, according to Seneca, true enjoyment of travel comes from fixing ourselves rather than expecting travel to fix us.
As Seneca aptly puts it: “If you would enjoy your travels, make healthy the companion of your travels.” In other words, it’s not the destination but our inner state that determines the quality of our travel experiences.
Travel with Purpose
Stoics can engage in travel when it aligns with their pursuit of virtue. Traveling for a specific purpose, such as work, teaching, environmental causes, or charity, can be seen as virtuous. In these cases, the journey contributes to the common good and serves a higher purpose. So, when your travels are guided by virtuous intentions, any preferred indifferents encountered along the way become secondary, albeit enjoyable, aspects of the journey.
The Practical Wisdom: How Stoicism Can Enhance Your Travels
Embracing the Lack of Control
One of the fundamental tenets of Stoicism is the “dichotomy of control.” It teaches us to focus our attention and emotions on what we can control and to accept with equanimity the things beyond our control. Travel serves as a potent reminder of the vast areas of life beyond our influence.
When you’re on a journey, you can’t control the weather, flight delays, taxi drivers, or whether your hotel room matches the catalog’s image. Stoicism’s wisdom encourages travelers to maintain a healthy detachment from these external factors. Lowering your expectations, in particular, can help you navigate the unpredictabilities of travel with greater ease.
Detaching from Desire and Aversion
Caring too much about external circumstances during travel often leads to desires and aversions. We may strongly desire beautiful beaches and pleasant weather while harboring aversions towards flight delays or uncomfortable situations. Stoicism advises us to detach from these desires and aversions by focusing on the tranquility of our minds rather than external conditions.
Instead of letting your journey’s success depend on meeting specific external criteria, such as perfect weather or flawless travel plans, strive to enjoy the good moments while making peace with the inevitable inconveniences.
The Power of Negative Visualization
Marcus Aurelius, another renowned Stoic philosopher, advocated the practice of negative visualization. This technique involves mentally preparing for potential setbacks or challenges before embarking on your journey. By visualizing and accepting worst-case scenarios, you cultivate resilience and equanimity, ensuring that external circumstances don’t disturb your inner peace.
Virtue Above All
While practical Stoic tips can enhance your travel experiences, it’s vital to remember that a Stoic always places virtue above all else. Even in the midst of enjoyable travel, keep the Stoic virtues—wisdom, moderation, courage, and justice—in mind.
Moderation, in particular, can help prevent overindulgence and an excessive focus on fulfilling passions like lust and delight. While the allure of luxurious resorts and sensory pleasures may be tempting, remember that true contentment and inner peace are the ultimate goals of Stoicism.
Conclusion
In the world of Stoicism, travel is not merely a physical journey but an opportunity for self-improvement and the pursuit of virtue. By aligning your travel choices with virtuous intentions and applying Stoic principles to navigate the unpredictabilities of travel, you can make your journeys more enjoyable, meaningful, and aligned with the wisdom of this ancient philosophy. So, whether your travels take you to distant lands or nearby destinations, remember that the Stoic path invites you to explore both the world and your inner self with equanimity and purpose.