Emotions should be guided by reason in Stoicism from "summary" of The Stoic Life by Tad Brennan
The Stoics believe that emotions are a natural part of human experience, but they should not be allowed to run rampant. Instead, emotions should be guided by reason, which acts as a kind of rudder, steering our emotional responses in the right direction. According to the Stoics, reason is what sets humans apart from other animals, enabling us to reflect on our emotions and choose how to respond to them. When we experience an emotion, such as anger or fear, the Stoics advise us to pause and consider whether that emotion is justified. Is it based on a true understanding of the situation, or is it a knee-jerk reaction that is not grounded in reason? By questioning our emotions in this way, we can begin to understand their true nature and decide how best to respond. For the Stoics, some emotions are considered to be inherently harmful, such as excessive anger or fear. These emotions cloud our judgment and lead us astray, causing us to act irrationally and harm ourselves and others in the process. By subjecting our emotions to the scrutiny of reason, we can begin to see them for what they truly are and take steps to cultivate healthier emotional responses. In Stoicism, the goal is not to suppress or ignore our emotions, but rather to transform them through the power of reason. By engaging with our emotions in a thoughtful and deliberate manner, we can learn to respond to life's challenges with wisdom and equanimity. This requires practice and self-discipline, as well as a willingness to confront our own shortcomings and biases.- We can learn to cultivate emotional resilience and inner peace, even in the face of adversity. By training ourselves to align our emotions with reason, we can free ourselves from the grip of destructive emotions and live a more fulfilling and virtuous life. Ultimately, the Stoic approach to emotions offers us a path to greater self-awareness and personal growth, enabling us to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and dignity.
