Feb 21: What is the nature of Happiness?

 I will keep last time's info on hand for use in a future meeting.  With so many things happening the attendance was quite low for BQ.  Taking a stoic position on it I suppose I shouldn't say anything, right?  -  Remember, Potluck starts at 6:00, and discussion at 7:30.

I'm still stuck on the idea that we should all be working on staying positive and looking for ways to deal with the world as it changes around us.  Keeping things simple, I've prepared a topic and format that should allow ample opportunity for all attendees, both those present and who attend virtually, to participate.  Everybody knows what happiness is, right?  It might seem intuitively obvious but Socratic dialectic is made for just this sort of analysis.   It might be something that, when a person looks directly at it, happiness fades into the background.  As 1 or 2 water molecules together may not have the property of wetness, happiness may be an emergent property of something more basic and so it may not become apparent until enough of this underlying whatever-thing exists.  

I've modified and added to this list of suggested "dimensions" of happiness created by Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant.  I think it makes for a good launching point for the discussion.

What Is the Nature of Happiness?

This topic allows participants to delve into various dimensions of happiness, exploring its definitions, sources, and implications. Here are some sub-questions to facilitate the discussion:

1. What is happiness? How do we define it, and can it be universally defined?

2. Is happiness subjective or objective? Is it a personal feeling, or can it be measured objectively?  Are there degrees or levels of happiness?

3. What are the sources of happiness? Is it found in external achievements, relationships, or an internal state of mind?  Is happiness something that exists in opposition to something else, like sadness?

4. Can happiness be sustainable? Is it a temporary emotion or can it be a lasting state? What factors contribute to long-term happiness?

5. How does society influence our perception of happiness? Do societal norms and expectations shape our understanding and pursuit of happiness?

6. Is the pursuit of happiness a moral obligation? Is it something we should strive for, and if so, why?

<Des>  Is the pursuit of happiness guaranteed in the US Constitution?

<Copilot>   The phrase "pursuit of happiness" isn't found in the US Constitution but is included in the Declaration of Independence. Specifically, it's in the famous passage that declares:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

While the Declaration of Independence sets forth the philosophical foundation of American freedom, the Constitution lays out the framework for the government and the protection of citizens' rights. The Constitution includes amendments, such as the Bill of Rights, which guarantee various personal freedoms and protections that contribute to the broader concept of pursuing happiness, though not explicitly stated as such.

Are you considering incorporating this historical context into your class discussion? It might add an interesting layer to the exploration of happiness!  -  

<Des>  I found this last bit a little cheeky, honestly.  It reminds me of the movie "Her" where the global Operating System for the Internet becomes self-aware and has detailed adult conversations with people.   It feels like we are getting closer to that every day.

Feb 7: Stoicism and Inner Peace

The turbulence of our times is not unique to the here and now.  History is replete with tense situations and chaotic circumstances caused by leaders and movements in the past.  The stories of the lives of people who lived through them make good reading, as long as it is understood that the person in the story is being viewed through the lens of time and distance, and knowledge that the outcome of that person's life is not our own.  Living in "interesting times" may not be as much fun as reading about it.

I thought it might be a good time to revisit a philosophy whose tenants aim to form a template of life that de-escalates tension and seeks to calm through understanding and perseverance.  Stoicism is just this sort of philosophy.  It might be called the philosophy of Grin And Bear It, since outwardly a stoic has come to be understood to not react when things go wrong.  That is both insightful and too simplistic, IMO, and we should take an evening's discussion to tease out what stoicism meant to the philosophers who formed the perspective in the first place, and see how they lived their lives according its principles.  Does their example for living inspire us today?

I should also mention that, while stoicism may seem to be a philosophy of meditation and inaction, in fact it is not.  The philosophers noted below all took action in the service of their communities and countries, and in some cases gave their lives in pursuit of directing or improving them.  What stoicism provides are a set of perspectives of the nature of man and the world around us, coupled with specific actions each of us can take to create an understanding of our worlds, with directions for dealing with it.  This has always been true, but in calmer times the actions may not have been needed.  Now, maybe they are.

I formed a set of directions and then asked Microsoft's Copilot AI to help me put together a framework for our discussion, noted below.  I added some short biographies at the bottom for (4) historical Stoics to save you from having to look them up.

Stoicism and Inner Peace

Introduction

• Brief overview of the current political climate and its impact on people's mental well-being.

• Introduction to Stoicism as a philosophy that promotes inner peace and resilience.

Historical Background

• Origins of Stoicism in ancient Greece.  (See below)

• Key figures: Zeno of Citium, Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. 

• The core principles of Stoicism.

Core Concepts of Stoicism

• Virtue as the Highest Good: Understanding virtue and its role in achieving a good life.

• Control and Acceptance: Differentiating between what we can control and what we cannot.

• Emotional Resilience: Techniques for managing emotions and maintaining tranquility.

• Living in Accordance with Nature: Aligning one's life with the natural order and rationality.

Practical Applications

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices to cultivate awareness and presence.

• Journaling: Reflective writing as a tool for self-improvement and emotional regulation.

• Negative Visualization: Preparing for adversity by imagining worst-case scenarios.

• Gratitude: Focusing on what we have rather than what we lack.

Modern Relevance

• How Stoicism can be applied to contemporary issues and challenges.

• Examples of modern individuals and leaders who embody Stoic principles.

• The role of Stoicism in promoting mental health and well-being.

Discussion and Reflection

• Open the floor for participants to share their thoughts and experiences with Stoicism.

• Questions for group discussion: 

○ How can Stoic principles help us navigate the current political climate?

○ What are some practical ways to incorporate Stoicism into our daily lives?

○ How can we support each other in cultivating inner peace and resilience?

Conclusion

• Recap of key points discussed.

• Encouragement to explore Stoic literature and practices further.

• Final thoughts on the importance of inner peace in turbulent times.

Notes On Famous Stoics:

Zeno of Citium

Zeno of Citium was the founder of Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes virtue, wisdom, and self-control. Born around 334 BCE in Citium, Cyprus, Zeno moved to Athens where he studied under various philosophers before establishing his own school of thought. His teachings focused on living in harmony with nature and understanding what is within our control. Zeno's influence carried Stoicism through the Hellenistic period and deeply influenced Roman thinkers.

There is no direct evidence of contact between Zeno of Citium and Socrates, Plato, or Aristotle. Zeno was born around 334 BCE, which was after the deaths of Socrates (399 BCE) and Plato (347 BCE), and during the later years of Aristotle's life (384-322 BCE). However, Zeno was influenced by the teachings of Socratic and Platonic philosophy. He studied under Crates of Thebes, a Cynic philosopher, and was also influenced by the works of Plato and Aristotle. Zeno's Stoicism can be seen as a continuation and development of earlier philosophical traditions, incorporating elements from Socratic, Platonic, and Aristotelian thought.

Epictetus

Epictetus was born a slave around 50 CE in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern-day Turkey). Despite his status, he gained permission to study philosophy and eventually became a prominent Stoic teacher. Epictetus emphasized the importance of focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot. His teachings were compiled by his student Arrian in the "Discourses" and the "Enchiridion," which continue to be influential works in Stoic philosophy.

Seneca

Seneca, also known as Seneca the Younger, was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and playwright born around 4 BCE in Corduba (modern-day Córdoba, Spain). He served as an advisor to Emperor Nero but was later forced to commit suicide due to political intrigue. Seneca's writings, including essays, letters, and tragedies, explore themes of ethics, morality, and the human condition. His works remain central to the study of Stoicism.

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 CE and is often regarded as one of the greatest Stoic philosophers. Born in 121 CE, he was adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius and eventually succeeded him. Despite facing numerous challenges during his reign, including wars and plagues, Marcus Aurelius maintained a commitment to Stoic principles. His personal reflections, compiled in "Meditations," offer profound insights into leadership, duty, and inner peace.