Fascinating how Stoicism, as philosophy, will touch the realm of politics. It’s actually inherent, and fundamental, as it applies to various fields in political science. From the words of an ancient slave to the furious scribes of the “founding fathers” in the Federalist Papers. Fascinating.
You may have been jesting, but both this and bringing up James Madison using a pseudonym led me back to a (admittedly maybe off-topic and nitpicky) question I had the other times you have brought up the Stoic opposition in regards to a willingness/demand to risk life to speak out or go against injustice.
Would/should stoics consider it acceptable to indirect methods of opposing tyranny? Like for instance, resistance movements or spies in WW2 that feigned loyalty/compliance, silence, and service to the Axis while doing what they can to undermine their tyranny under their noses, only taking more public action when a good opportunity arises*? Is it always necessary shine a purple in the toga to still wear it (ignoring whether it actually is possible or not to hide it, I am not a tailor)?
*Like the Liberation of Paris, where the uprising only occurred when news of approaching allied troops reached their leadership.
Willy, I don't think Epictetus means it literally that the purple has to be seen. It's a metaphor for leading by example, so all the cases you mention do qualify, in my opinion.
Fascinating how Stoicism, as philosophy, will touch the realm of politics. It’s actually inherent, and fundamental, as it applies to various fields in political science. From the words of an ancient slave to the furious scribes of the “founding fathers” in the Federalist Papers. Fascinating.
Thank you for this! It is just what needed to hear in order to bravely argue against injustice on the co-op board
Just be careful not to be sent into exile! 😆
You may have been jesting, but both this and bringing up James Madison using a pseudonym led me back to a (admittedly maybe off-topic and nitpicky) question I had the other times you have brought up the Stoic opposition in regards to a willingness/demand to risk life to speak out or go against injustice.
Would/should stoics consider it acceptable to indirect methods of opposing tyranny? Like for instance, resistance movements or spies in WW2 that feigned loyalty/compliance, silence, and service to the Axis while doing what they can to undermine their tyranny under their noses, only taking more public action when a good opportunity arises*? Is it always necessary shine a purple in the toga to still wear it (ignoring whether it actually is possible or not to hide it, I am not a tailor)?
*Like the Liberation of Paris, where the uprising only occurred when news of approaching allied troops reached their leadership.
Willy, I don't think Epictetus means it literally that the purple has to be seen. It's a metaphor for leading by example, so all the cases you mention do qualify, in my opinion.
hah! exactly!