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An Iconic Phrase by Philosopher Marcus Aurelius and Its Impact on Modern Life, According to Psychology
🇺🇾 Uruguay /Health & Science

An Iconic Phrase by Philosopher Marcus Aurelius and Its Impact on Modern Life, According to Psychology

From El País · (1d ago) Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The ancient Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing control over one's mind rather than external events, is regaining relevance.
  • This concept aligns with modern psychology, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on how interpretations of events shape emotions and behavior.
  • The principle encourages emotional regulation and resilience by recognizing that while external circumstances are uncontrollable, one's response can be managed.

In today's world, often characterized by relentless uncertainty and an overwhelming flow of information, the wisdom of ancient philosophers offers a valuable anchor. The teachings of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, particularly his insight that "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength," resonate deeply with contemporary psychological principles.

You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

— Marcus AurelioThe central quote from Marcus Aurelius that highlights the Stoic principle of focusing on internal control.

This ancient maxim directly echoes core tenets of modern psychology, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT posits that it is not the events themselves that dictate our emotional state, but rather our interpretation and perception of those events. Whether facing job loss, a personal setback, or an unexpected change, individuals react differently based on their internal processing, a concept that Stoicism has long championed.

Not the facts in themselves determine how we feel, but the interpretation we make of them.

— Psychology expertsExplaining how personal interpretation influences emotional response, aligning with Stoic philosophy.

The Stoic emphasis on distinguishing between what is within our control (our thoughts, judgments, and actions) and what is not (external circumstances) is fundamental to achieving emotional well-being. This internal locus of control, as psychologists term it, fosters resilience and reduces feelings of helplessness. It's not about denying difficult emotions like sadness or anger, but about developing a conscious awareness of them and choosing a constructive response, much like practices such as mindfulness encourage.

Recognizing that it is not always possible to control what happens outside, but rather the way we respond, can reduce the feeling of helplessness and favor a more flexible attitude in the face of adversity.

— Psychology expertsConnecting the Stoic principle to emotional regulation and resilience.

While the Stoic approach empowers individuals by highlighting their agency over their internal world, it's crucial to avoid misinterpreting it as a call for absolute emotional suppression or control. The goal is not to eliminate all feelings but to cultivate a more mindful and balanced relationship with them. By accepting that some aspects of life are beyond our direct influence, we can better navigate challenges and cultivate a more flexible and adaptive mindset, drawing strength from within.

Those who have an internal locus of control tend to feel more capable of influencing their lives, while an external locus is usually associated with the perception that everything depends on external factors.

— Psychology expertsLinking the Stoic idea to the psychological concept of locus of control.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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