Nobody Said You Can’t Have Emotions

The email argues that Stoicism is often misunderstood as emotional numbness, but Margaret Graver says the school is really about human nature, rationality, and our place in the universe. Emotions are part of that nature, and the task is to direct them toward what matters for a human being.

Reading notes

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• Stoicism is not mainly about suppressing emotions.
• Ancient Stoics focused on human nature, rationality, and connection to others.
• Emotions such as elation, eagerness, and horror are part of human nature.
• The aim is to value honesty, courage, and compassion more than income, reputation, or lifespan.
• When values are ordered that way, emotions fall into line.
• Reaching that point is described as a hard, possibly lifelong project.