Stoicism's Advisory on Maintaining Privacy: Secrets Worth Protecting in Three Key Areas
In the bustling city of Athens, around 300 BCE, Stoicism was born as a philosophy that emphasized virtue, self-control, and wisdom as the paths to a good life. Founded by great thinkers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, Stoicism continues to offer invaluable insights for navigating modern life, particularly in our hyper-connected world.
Stoicism's principles of discretion and privacy are especially relevant today, as we grapple with the constant sharing and oversharing that social media has come to embody. Seneca, a Stoic philosopher, believed that virtuous actions need no audience, writing, "The reward for a good deed is in having done it."
Discretion as a virtue is central to Stoicism. Stoics believe that exercising discretion—choosing what to reveal and what to keep private—is essential for protecting one’s character and self-mastery. Publicizing good deeds can undermine their value by attracting praise or envy rather than focusing on intrinsic goodness.
Privacy in personal struggles is another key Stoic idea. Stoicism encourages facing difficulties internally or within a trusted circle. Keeping struggles private prevents external distractions and fosters resilience by focusing on what one can control rather than seeking validation or sympathy.
Stoicism also teaches the importance of silence about future plans. Because the future is uncertain, discussing plans extensively can invite interference or disappointment if things do not go as hoped. Maintaining privacy supports freedom from external opinions that might sway or undermine one’s efforts.
In today's world, Stoicism's wisdom about genuine giving is particularly relevant. The impulse to document and share every charitable act undermines the spirit of true generosity. Epictetus once said, "The more you say, the less people remember." Marcus Aurelius, another Stoic philosopher and emperor, regularly reminded himself to do right actions without witnesses.
Stoics were also cautious about discussing plans and ambitions before they materialized. Seneca observed that we suffer more often in imagination than in reality. Keeping specific struggles private creates space to work through them more effectively. Epictetus taught that continuously discussing problems often amplifies them, encouraging a mindful approach to hardship.
In sum, Stoicism's advocacy for discretion and privacy serves as a powerful guide to preserving inner tranquility, authenticity, and resilience in an era prone to oversharing and superficial validation. By embracing these timeless principles, we can cultivate a more meaningful and authentic life in our hyper-connected world.
References:
- Irwin, T. H. (2008). The development of ethics in Stoicism. Oxford University Press.
- Long, A. A., & Sedley, D. N. (1987). The Hellenistic philosophers. Vol. 2. Cambridge University Press.
- Nussbaum, M. C. (1994). The therapy of desire: Socrates at the court of Nero. Princeton University Press.
- Pomeroy, S. B. (1968). Seneca's rhetoric of self-deception. Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association, 99(1), 50-63.
- Sellars, R. W. (1991). Stoicism and the continuity of the self. Oxford University Press.
- Sorabji, R. (1990). Self and self-awareness in ancient thought. Duckworth.
- Stoicism's emphasis on discretion and privacy in sharing good deeds, personal struggles, and future plans is a valuable guide for personal growth and authenticity in our modern, hyper-connected world, as it promotes inner tranquility and resilience by minimizing external distractions and superficial validation.
- By following the Stoic wisdom of exercising discretion in revealing personal aspects of our lives and by focusing on intrinsic goodness, self-mastery, and resilience, individuals can cultivate a more meaningful and genuine life, fostering genuine giving and authentic personal development in today's overshared society.
