A step-by-step guide to making correct use of impressions generated by ChatGPT, based on a message from Grant C. Sterling to the International Stoic Forum (see below).
• Accept Lack of Direct Control Over Impressions: Acknowledge that the original impressions themselves are not fully under your direct control. You cannot always prevent them from arising, as they are influenced by external stimuli and your character. However, understand that you have indirect control over the impact they have on your life.
• Pause and Reflect: When an impression arises, take a moment to pause and consciously decide whether to assent to it or refuse it. Examine the impression critically and ask yourself if it aligns with reality and rationality.
• Identify Value Component: Determine whether the impression has a value component, meaning it presents something as good or bad. Recognize that externals, including events and circumstances, have no inherent value in themselves.
• Refuse Value Judgments: Refrain from assenting to impressions that assign moral value to external events. Remind yourself that value judgments are products of false beliefs and attachments to externals.
• Formulate True Propositions: If you reject an impression with a value component, consciously formulate an alternative idea that aligns with Stoic principles. For example, remind yourself that your own actions and virtue are within your control, but external events are not.
• Preparation and Anticipation: In advance, consciously formulate true propositions about the lack of value in externals. Prepare yourself to face challenging situations by reminding yourself that your virtue and inner actions are what truly matter.
• Recognize Virtuous Actions: When you act in accordance with Stoic virtues, assent to the proposition that you have done a good thing. Embrace the feeling of joy or contentment that arises from virtuous actions.
• Building Virtuous Character: Understand that by consistently refusing to assent to false value impressions and cultivating virtuous actions, you can gradually reshape your character. Over time, you will be less prone to receiving false impressions about externals, leading to a state of eudaimonia (flourishing and well-being).
• Detach from External Occurrences: Embrace the Stoic belief that virtue is the only genuine good, and externals are neither good nor evil. Practice non-attachment to external events, accepting that you cannot control them. Emotions arise from false beliefs about externals, so strive to minimize distress caused by external occurrences.
• Reflect and Review: Regularly reflect on your actions and responses to impressions. Review whether you have acted in accordance with Stoic principles and identify areas for improvement. Be patient with yourself and understand that developing virtuous character is a lifelong journey.
By incorporating these Stoic practices into your daily life, you can cultivate wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance in response to impressions. This approach enables you to navigate life with resilience, inner peace, and a focus on what truly matters—your own thoughts, actions, and virtues—regardless of external circumstances.
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