This episode of "Practical Stoicism" delves into the concept of Oikeiôsis, focusing on how to identify the aspects of life one should actively concern themselves with. I emphasize the distinction between caring about something and actively concerning oneself with it. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, the episode unfolds in four steps:
#1 - Realize that you're human: Acknowledging that my most proximal concerns must be for ourselves and other humans. The Stoic perspective asserts that our ethical concerns must follow this order: self > family > friends > community > humanity > non-human animals > biosphere
#2 - Identify your strengths, weaknesses: Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses to make informed choices about where to direct our concerns. This involves assessing whether we are financially, physically, or mentally equipped to engage in specific actions.
#3 - Identify the roles you cannot unchoose: Recognizing roles and responsibilities that are inherent, non-negotiable, or arise from our choices. Balancing these roles with new concerns to ensure harmony and avoid abandoning essential responsibilities.
#4 - Choose what you want: Empowered to freely choose concerns based on personal desires, keeping in mind the logical and rational defense developed through previous steps. This step ensures that our choices align with our strengths, limitations, and existing roles.
The episode concludes with the freedom to choose without shame, armed with a rational understanding of personal limitations and priorities. The host encourages listeners to share their chosen concerns on Spotify, fostering a community of inspiration and diverse perspectives.
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How To Choose Our Concerns | Practical Stoicism podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast
