Natural versus Unnatural

It’s been sometime since I’ve been exploring the philosophical cornucopia that is online...but recently I had a chance to visit some pages and groups of other philosophical schools.

One thing that becomes immediately noticeable is the line of questions that come from people looking for advice about living a certain type of life. The Stoics for example who advocate for living in accord with nature seem to be almost paralyzed by their philosophy. Paralyzed without constantly reviewing what the sages have to say about every possible situation in life.

Questions about “what’s the proper virtuous way to react to something?” “Should I not date someone who isn’t a stoic even though I’m in love?” “Should I drink coffee for the sake of pleasure?” Etc.

It seems to me that a philosophy that continually causes a person to second guess their behavior at every turn and choice that they make would seem to be the opposite of living in accord with nature. In fact, in my humble opinion, sounds more like bondage than freedom.

Conversely, we come to Epicurus who provides knowledge of the Canon for us. He leaves us with our senses and our own prudence to do what we know our natural desires are. He tells us there are unnatural desires, but let’s us choose whether those desires are worth the pain or trouble to attain them. Our human nature, which already is in accord with nature by being firmly fixed on pleasurable experiences drives us.

So when we look at philosophies which claim to be living in accord with nature and those that seem to be extremely unnatural, it becomes very apparent when we see how the philosophy is applied to daily life.

It’s just interesting that that the argument that most Stoics make is that their philosophy is a “natural” philosophy in accord with the “mind” or “will” of the universe. Yet...their philosophy drives them to deny their emotions and feelings, embracing rationality and pursuing self-validated virtue. Especially in the case of the modern stoic who denies the idea of the providential logos (of which there is no evidence), their idea of virtue is entirely a human construct.

But seeing that the universe is not “rational” in the sense that it’s perfected for the comfort and perpetuation of human life nor does the universe seem to be concerned in any way about human ideas of virtue. It would seem that the very basis of the philosophy is not in accord with reality and nature. It would seem that Stoicism is unnatural to me.

Here’s a perfect example of another stoic dilemma posted in a forum that made me shake my head today...

“Is it necessary for a Stoic to be constantly striving toward productive activity?

I have had a particularly busy week and this morning I chose to sleep in. My plan for the day is a few small household chores, a little cooking, reading a bit of trashy horror and video games. Hardly lofty activities designed for self improvement.

However I really don't feel that constant activity is productive without the occasional break to recharge.

Does this approach meet the Stoic ideal or am I falling short?”

My response:

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” Ovid

“My Epicurean perspective would say that you need to listen to your body to the extent that you need rest. If you are burning the candle at both ends needlessly for no other purpose other than fulfilling a philosophical goal, I’d say you are not aligning yourself with nature at all.“

Again, unnatural ideals...just for the sake of it. Totally contrary to nature.

Like a religion, Stoicism is paralyzing for its practitioners. This is akin to needing to perform daily prayers to hit the ideal performance level.

In our worldview which aligns with nature it is pleasure. 😃 We are aligned with nature.

Isn’t it nice to not have to constantly be asking “sage” advice as to whether we should be drinking coffee or taking naps? Such preposterous stuff. Stoicism is baffling.

And Charles absolutely! What is the “end” for the stoic practitioner? What is the goal of all this mental sharpening?

Not everyone ends up in a prisoner of war camp like Stockdale did. There are terribly tough times in life, but that does not negate the fact that there are an infinite number of possible pleasurable experiences in life. So to justify spending your life trying to repress your feelings and deny yourself pleasure to be able to deal “better” with tough times is preposterous.