Stoicism

Entering the World of Epictetus

Captain James Stockdale, a U.S. Navy officer shot down in the Vietnam War, offers a powerful example of Stoic principles in action.

Remember, then, if you deem what is by nature slavish to be free, and what is not your own to be yours, you will be shackled and miserable… But if you deem as your own only what is yours, and what belongs to others as truly not yours, then no one will ever be able to coerce or stop you… because no harm can affect you.
— Epictetus, Enchiridion

The Essence of Stoic Wisdom

Epictetus's philosophy, rooted in Stoicism, revolves around one central tenet: *control what is yours, and let go of what is not.* This isn’t just a theoretical framework but a practical guide for navigating the hardships and challenges of life. It emphasizes the importance of focusing only on what you can influence—your thoughts, actions, and responses—while accepting that external circumstances are beyond your control.

This mindset is as liberating as it is challenging to master. By directing our energy only toward the things within our power, we can free ourselves from the emotional turmoil of the uncontrollable. This philosophy becomes even more powerful when we apply it in moments of crisis or adversity.

The Story of Captain James Stockdale

One powerful example of applying Stoic principles comes from the experience of **Captain James Stockdale**, a U.S. Navy officer who was shot down and captured during the Vietnam War. Stockdale endured over seven years as a prisoner of war, surviving under brutal conditions, including physical torture. Despite the unimaginable suffering, he found a way to maintain his inner freedom — by focusing on what was his to control.

Upon being captured, Stockdale recalled entering the “world of Epictetus.” This wasn’t an abstract idea for him — it was a survival mechanism. He embraced the Stoic philosophy of separating what he could control (his thoughts, his reactions) from what he could not (his captivity, his torturers’ actions).

Lessons from Stockdale’s Mindset

Stockdale’s application of Stoic philosophy teaches us profound lessons about resilience and mental fortitude. His captors could take away his physical freedom, but they couldn’t touch his mind. Focusing on his inner life, Stockdale kept his sense of autonomy intact. He avoided participating in propaganda videos by injuring himself, demonstrating his control over his actions, and refusing to let external forces dictate his choices.

He also observed an interesting pattern in the prison camps: the optimists — the ones who kept hoping for release by Christmas, by Easter, by next year — were the ones who suffered the most. They set expectations on things they couldn’t control and were crushed when those hopes were unmet. In contrast, Stockdale persevered by focusing on the *present moment* and controlling his internal state rather than clinging to future outcomes.

Applying Epictetus in Everyday Life

What can we learn from this? While most of us will never experience anything as extreme as Stockdale’s ordeal, the principles of Stoicism are incredibly applicable to our daily lives.

Separate What You Can Control from What You Cannot

• Your actions, decisions, and mindset are yours to control.
• External events, opinions of others, and outcomes are not. Let go of them.

Focus on Your Responses

• We often can’t control what happens to us, but we always control how we respond. By focusing on thoughtful, calm responses, we maintain our inner peace.

Embrace the Present

• Expectation is a form of control we impose on the future. Instead of projecting outcomes, work within the present moment where your power truly lies.

The Power of Letting Go

At its core, Epictetus's wisdom teaches us to release our need for control over the external world. When we cling to outcomes or expectations, we set ourselves up for disappointment and suffering. True freedom comes from realizing that our power resides in our inner world—the world of our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

By entering “the world of Epictetus,” we practice the art of detachment from external forces. It’s not about giving up but redirecting our efforts toward the things that truly matter. Like Stockdale, we can survive life’s trials with dignity and peace, no matter our challenges.

Key Takeaway: Master Yourself

To fully embrace Epictetus's teachings, one must commit to mastering oneself. This is a daily practice of choosing to focus on what one can control and letting go of what one cannot. This is the essence of Stoic resilience. Whether in everyday annoyances or life’s greatest tests, the Stoic path offers a way to live with calm, purpose, and freedom.

Ask yourself today: What is truly mine to control? What must I release? The answers to these questions guide us toward a life of greater peace, resilience, and true freedom.

Quote to Remember

“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”— Marcus Aurelius