Issue No. 20

Seneca, the eminent Stoic philosopher, imparted a wisdom that resonates through time:

Essentially, he's saying that if we go through life's hardships but fail to grow or learn from them, then all the pain and suffering has been for nothing. In other words, if we don't use adversity as an opportunity to learn and grow, we're just wasting our time and energy on misery. This timeless counsel embodies another philosophical construct known as Apatheia, which shares striking parallels with the modern-day concept of equanimity—a state of emotional equilibrium.

At the heart of Apatheia lies the Stoic prescription for maintaining emotional equilibrium amid the tumultuous currents of existence. It encapsulates the art of cultivating a poised and composed demeanor, irrespective of the tempestuous circumstances that life presents.

The convergence of two seemingly distinct realms—pain and passion—reveals an intriguing harmony in their potential to sway our capacity for reasoned decision-making. Whether physical suffering or fervent zeal, both can obfuscate judgment and impair our ability to make sound choices. This connection underscores a fundamental unity in the human experience.

What use does equanimity have in the modern world?

We often hear the phrase, "The world is moving so fast." Consequently, we tend to believe that we should react frequently wherever we go. However, not everything necessitates an immediate reaction, nor does every situation require deep contemplation. It's crucial to be selective about where you invest your mental energy; otherwise, it may steer you towards undesirable outcomes. The essence of emotional composure lies in discerning when not to react.

Say someone uttered something negative about you: "You're stupid." Why respond in a similar manner? Embrace curiosity instead. Engage the person in a conversation: "What leads you to think that?" Even better, inject humor into your response: "Well, I'm stupid every day. That's a fact." Avoid taking everything too seriously. Many of our predicaments are amplified within our minds because we overanalyze them when they don't warrant such scrutiny. What truly merits your attention demands careful consideration. Your mental capacity is finite, and what you expose it to shapes your thought patterns.

Consider the life of Nelson Mandela, the revered anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa. Throughout his tumultuous journey, he exhibited an extraordinary embodiment of equanimity. In the winter of 1964, Nelson Mandela arrived on Robben Island where he would spend 18 of his 27 prison years. Confined to a small cell, the floor his bed, and a bucket for a toilet, he was forced to do hard labor in a quarry. He was allowed one visitor a year for 30 minutes. He could write and receive one letter every six months.

From his 27 years of unjust imprisonment to his ascent to power, Mandela's capacity to channel his emotions productively was astonishing. Amid the harsh conditions of Robben Island, he embraced physical exercise, labor, and clandestine discussions with fellow inmates to maintain a sense of purpose and solidarity. Despite isolation and punishment, Mandela wrote extensively, both documenting his experiences and sharing his political ideas. He found strength in meditation and personal growth, forming deep bonds with his fellow prisoners. Through his unwavering resolve, Mandela transformed the confines of his imprisonment into a platform for resistance, intellectual growth, and emotional resilience, ultimately contributing to his remarkable journey toward justice and equality. He did not suppress his passions but instead harnessed them for a higher purpose—uniting a fractured nation.

And you know what he said after all of it?

This example underscores the profound influence of emotional mastery on shaping history and how learning from your suffering is a new-found power that makes anyone unstoppable.

Another great illustration of using this philosophy can be seen within the scientific community. In research, papers are published regardless of whether the initial hypothesis is proven correct or not. Each paper contributes to progress by either confirming the hypothesis or showing what doesn't work. When a paper confirms a hypothesis, that's a positive outcome as it means we're heading in the right direction. On the other hand, if the result is negative, it's still valuable because it helps us avoid going down the wrong path. This way, every piece of research helps us get closer to the truth, whether it's a success or a learning opportunity.

This is what Seneca wanted us to understand. Whatever happens in our life, we can learn from it to get what we want. If you’re not learning, you’re not living properly.

Bunk Bed, Robben Island Prison

by Tasneem Jhetam