Question our beliefs and assumptions from "summary" of How To Be a Stoic by Epictetus,Seneca,Marcus Aurelius
The Stoics constantly remind us to question our beliefs and assumptions. This is not done for the sake of being contrarian or difficult, but rather as a means of ensuring that our beliefs are based on reason and reality. By subjecting our beliefs to scrutiny, we can determine whether they are truly well-founded or if they are merely the result of habit or tradition. Seneca advises us to be vigilant in this regard, warning that our minds are easily swayed by the opinions of others and by our own emotions. He urges us to examine our beliefs with the same care that we would use in examining a piece of fruit before eating it. Just as we would not consume a piece of fruit that appears to be rotten or spoiled, so too should we not blindly accept beliefs that are illogical or harmful. Epictetus takes this idea further, emphasizing the importance of questioning not only our beliefs, but also our desires and aversions. He argues that much of our suffering is the result of our misguided attachment to things that are beyond our control. By questioning our desires and aversions, we can free ourselves from this unnecessary suffering and cultivate a sense of inner peace. In order to question our beliefs and assumptions effectively, we must cultivate a spirit of humility and open-mindedness. This requires us to be willing to admit when we are wrong and to be open to changing our beliefs in light of new evidence or arguments. It also requires us to be willing to engage in dialogue with others who may hold different beliefs, as this can help to sharpen our own thinking and refine our understanding.- The goal of questioning our beliefs and assumptions is not to undermine our sense of certainty or confidence, but rather to strengthen it. By subjecting our beliefs to scrutiny and challenging them when necessary, we can ensure that they are well-founded and in alignment with reason and reality. This process of questioning and refining our beliefs is essential for living a life of wisdom and virtue.
