What is Omission in Stoicism?
Stoic philosophy is one of the oldest and most influential philosophical currents in history. Originating in Ancient Greece, it developed and spread throughout the Roman Empire, exerting a profound influence on Western culture and thought. One of the main characteristics of Stoicism is the emphasis on virtue and ethics, seeking to achieve wisdom and tranquility through controlling emotions and accepting destiny. Within this philosophy, omission plays a fundamental role, being considered a virtue to be cultivated. In this glossary, we will explore the concept of omission in Stoicism, its implications, and how to apply it in our everyday lives.
The Importance of Omission in Stoicism
In Stoicism, omission is seen as a virtue that allows us to deal appropriately with situations and events that are beyond our control. The Stoics believed that much of the problems and suffering we face in life are caused by our own emotional reaction to these events, rather than the events themselves. By practicing omission, we are able to free ourselves from these negative emotional reactions and find inner serenity. Omission helps us accept what we cannot change and focus our energy and attention on what really matters: our actions and attitudes.
Omission as Acceptance of Fate
One of the main ideas of Stoicism is acceptance of fate. The Stoics believed that everything that happens in the universe is determined by a natural order, which they called “logos”. This order is perfect and wise, and everything that happens is in accordance with it. By practicing omission, we are accepting this natural order and recognizing that we have no control over many aspects of life. Instead of resisting fate and fighting what we cannot change, inaction allows us to flow with life and find peace and harmony.
Omission as Control of Emotions
Another important aspect of omission in Stoicism is the control of emotions. The Stoics believed that emotions are caused by our judgments and evaluations about events, rather than the events themselves. By practicing omission, we are able to control our judgments and evaluations, and thus control our emotions. This does not mean that we should repress or deny our emotions, but rather that we should recognize that they are products of our thoughts and that we can choose how to react to them. Omission helps us cultivate inner serenity and find emotional balance.
Omission as a Focus on What We Can Control
In Stoicism, omission is also related to the concept of “sphere of control”. The Stoics believed that there are things that are within our control and things that are beyond our control. When practicing omission, we are directing our attention and energy to what is within our control: our actions, attitudes and thoughts. By doing this, we free ourselves from worry and anxiety about what we cannot control, and focus on what really matters. Inaction helps us to be more effective in our actions and find a sense of purpose and meaning.
The Application of Omission in Everyday Life
Omission in Stoicism is not just an abstract theory, but rather a practice that can be applied to our everyday lives. Here are some ways to apply omission in everyday life:
1. Recognize what is beyond your control
The first step to practicing omission is recognizing what is beyond your control. This includes external events such as the weather, the economy, and the actions of others, as well as your own emotions and thoughts. By recognizing what is beyond your control, you can direct your attention and energy to what is within your control.
2. Accept what cannot be changed
Once you have recognized what is beyond your control, it is important to accept what cannot be changed. This does not mean that you should resign or give up, but rather that you should recognize that some things are beyond your power to change. By accepting what cannot be changed, you can find inner peace and serenity.
3. Focus on what you can control
By accepting what cannot be changed, you can direct your attention and energy to what is within your control. This includes your actions, attitudes and thoughts. By focusing on what you can control, you become more effective in your actions and find a sense of purpose and meaning.
4. Practice emotional self-control
Emotional self-control is an essential skill for practicing omission. This involves recognizing that your emotions are a product of your thoughts and that you can choose how to react to them. By practicing emotional self-control, you can cultivate inner serenity and find emotional balance.
5. Cultivate gratitude and acceptance
Gratitude and acceptance are fundamental attitudes in Stoicism. By cultivating gratitude, you recognize the good things in your life and appreciate what you have. By cultivating acceptance, you recognize that not everything will be as you want and learn to deal with adversity. Gratitude and acceptance help you cultivate inner serenity and find contentment.
Conclusion
Inaction in Stoicism is a virtue that helps us deal with situations and events that are beyond our control. By practicing omission, we are able to accept fate, control our emotions, focus on what we can control, and find inner peace and serenity. By applying default in our everyday lives, we can cultivate gratitude, acceptance, and emotional self-control. Omission is a powerful practice that helps us live wiser and more peacefully.
