In Stoicism, a philosophy rooted in the wisdom of ancient thinkers, there exists a fundamental distinction: the things that are up to us and the things that are not. Within this philosophical framework, one powerful and yet often perilous tool emerges—the power of non-judgment. In this article, we will explore how our judgments shape our perceptions and, consequently, our lives.
The Stoic Inquiry: What Do We Truly Control?
Stoicism invites us to engage in profound self-inquiry by posing a question that has resonated through the ages: “What do I truly control in this world?” The answer, as Stoicism teaches, reveals that the sphere of control is surprisingly limited, encompassing only the realm of our own actions. Our dominion over outcomes remains circumscribed in a world teeming with unpredictable events and external influences.
The Paradox of Judgment
Life unfolds as a series of events devoid of inherent moral value—neither intrinsically good nor bad. Picture a fried egg sizzling in a pan, a frustrating traffic jam, or a plate of savory fried rice served in a bustling Asian eatery. These are mere events, blank canvases awaiting the brushstrokes of our judgments. Our judgments imbue these events with meaning, painting them as good or bad, desirable or undesirable, joyful or boring.
However, the paradox lies in our propensity to be excessively judgmental. Our judgments can transform the mundane into the extraordinary or plunge the delightful into the depths of despair. We categorize and define the universe through our judgments, and these classifications, in turn, dictate our attitudes and responses.
The Birth of Preferences and Aversions
The repercussions of judgment are profound. Strong preferences and aversions emerge, giving rise to cravings and repulsions that can be the wellspring of our misery. The words of Marcus Aurelius echo through the ages: “You take things you don’t control and define them as good or bad.” Inevitably, when unfavorable events occur or desirable outcomes elude us, we cast blame upon external forces, from the whims of fate to the actions of others.
Take, for example, the complex relationship we often foster with money. We deem wealth as good and poverty as bad, setting the stage for insatiable greed. The volatile world of cryptocurrency serves as an apt illustration. When the market soars, our spirits lift, but when it plummets, we are plunged into despair. The ceaseless cycle of emotional turbulence becomes evident, all stemming from our judgments and their impact on our desires.
The Trap of Aversions
Aversions, the flip side of our judgments, hold equal sway over our lives. When we harbor an aversion to poverty, we are not merely prudent in managing our finances. Instead, we live in perpetual fear, anxiously dodging the specter of destitution. The harsh reality is that both wealth and poverty exist beyond the realm of our control, and judgment simply deepens our entanglement in this quagmire of longing and dread.
Breaking free from this cycle demands profound introspection and self-awareness. It necessitates recognizing that our judgments, which often hinge on external circumstances, should not dictate our inner peace and well-being.
Amor Fati: Embracing Non-Judgment
Non-judgment, admittedly, is a formidable challenge. Yet, it is a journey well worth undertaking. Reminding ourselves that the outcomes of our pursuits are not within our control can be a powerful source of inner peace. This Stoic mindset is encapsulated in the concept of “amor fati,” the love of fate—a profound acceptance of whatever life brings our way.
It is essential to differentiate between what is up to us and what lies beyond our sphere of influence. By focusing our judgments on our own actions and decisions, we embark on a path of self-improvement and personal growth.
Self-Judgment: The Stoic Path to Virtue
To embrace the power of judgment in a Stoic manner, we must turn the gaze inward and engage in rigorous self-judgment. Stoics aspire to live virtuously, understanding that virtue is the harbinger of true happiness. Self-judgment involves evaluating our actions through the lens of virtue, determining whether they align with the natural order of things.
In essence, we ought to refrain from passing judgment on external events and instead scrutinize our own conduct. By doing so, we gain valuable insights into our strengths and shortcomings, enabling us to make wiser choices in the future. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, “Don’t judge what isn’t up to us; judge what is.”
Conclusion: The Stoic Wisdom of Non-Judgment
In conclusion, it is crucial to understand the role of judgment in our lives. Our judgments, if left unchecked, can become the architects of our own suffering. Yet, by practicing non-judgment and focusing our evaluations on our own actions, we embark on a path of virtue and inner peace.
In the tumultuous seas of existence, Stoicism offers us an anchor—an anchor rooted in wisdom, self-awareness, and a resolute commitment to embracing the things that are truly within our control. Through the lens of Stoic philosophy, we transcend the cacophony of judgments and, in doing so, unlock the profound serenity that lies within our grasp.