Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that offers a profound approach to life and how we deal with the circumstances around us. One of the fundamental principles of Stoicism is the “Dichotomy of Control”. In this blog post, we will explore this crucial concept in detail.
What is the Dichotomy of Control?
The Dichotomy of Control, also known as the “Hierarchy of Control” or “Principle of Distinction”, is one of the central pillars of Stoicism. It is based on the idea that there are things we have direct control over and others we have no control over.
To better understand this principle, we will divide life circumstances into two categories: what we can control (Internal) and what we cannot control (External).
Internal Control (What we can control)
- Thoughts: We can choose our thoughts, directing them in a rational and positive way.
- Emotions: We can control our emotional reactions, opting for serenity, courage and virtue.
- Desires and Aversions: We can choose our desires and aversions, avoiding becoming attached to material things or external events.
- Actions: We have control over our actions and behaviors, acting in accordance with virtue and reason.
External Control (What we cannot control)
- External Circumstances: We cannot control natural events, other people's actions or circumstances beyond our control.
- Results: Although we can control our actions, we do not have direct control over the results or reactions of others.
Practical Application of the Dichotomy of Control
The Dichotomy of Control guides us to focus our efforts and concerns on what is under our direct control, that is, our thoughts, emotions, desires and actions. This helps us cultivate serenity, virtue and self-discipline, central aspects of Stoicism.
Advantages of Applying the Control Dichotomy:
- Stress Reduction: By stopping worrying about what we cannot control, we significantly reduce the stress and anxiety in our lives.
- Greater Self-Control: By focusing on internal control, we develop self-control and self-discipline.
- Resilience: The Dichotomy of Control makes us more resistant to adversity, as we learn to calmly accept what we cannot change.
Practical examples
The application of the Control Dichotomy can be illustrated with everyday examples:
Example 1: Congested Traffic
- Internal control: Choosing to remain calm, listen to an educational podcast and accept that traffic is an external circumstance.
- External Control: We can't control traffic, but we can control our reaction to it.
Example 2: Feedback at Work
- Internal control: Accept constructive criticism with gratitude and make improvements to work.
- External Control: We can't control how our boss or coworkers evaluate us, only our response to it.
Conclusion
The Dichotomy of Control is a fundamental concept of Stoicism that teaches us to distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot. By applying this principle in our lives, we can cultivate serenity, virtue and resilience, becoming wiser and able to face challenges with greater clarity and self-control. Remember that the Dichotomy of Control is a valuable tool for living a more meaningful and peaceful life.
This blog post explored in detail the Dichotomy of Control, a central principle of Stoicism that helps us distinguish what we can control from what we cannot, offering practical guidance for applying it in our daily lives.
