The Stoic philosopher puts the principles of Stoicism into practice

 

ChatGPT,
Please explain the following text in language that a twelve year old can understand.

 

"But it is not enough simply to know philosophical principles (to know the arguments that support them, to understand the force of those arguments, and to be able to rehearse them compellingly before others); we must also develop the capacity to put them into practice. The ability to do this perfectly is what distinguishes the Sage from the philosopher. This way of seeing philosophy and how it functions turns it into an art or technique (technê) after the fashion of flute-playing, shoemaking, writing, or carpentry (see Discourses 1.15.2, 2.21.17–18, 3.22.19–20, 4.1.63–118) ... " (Seddon, pp. 113 -- 14).

ChatGPT:

"The text is saying that it's not enough to just know about philosophical ideas and arguments. You have to actually practice and use them in your life. This is what makes a wise person different from just someone who knows a lot about philosophy. It's like being able to play a flute or make shoes - you have to know how to do it and actually do it well.

"For example, let's say you know that your happiness and well-being depend on how you think and act. You know that having the right mindset and using your thoughts in a good way is important. But just knowing this is not enough. You have to actually put it into practice by paying attention to your thoughts and only agreeing with the ones that are helpful and true.

"So, someone who follows the philosophy of Stoicism, for instance, should always be aware of what they are agreeing with in their mind. They should be able to recognize when they are faced with a situation or a thought and ask themselves, "What's happening here? Is this something I can control? If not, it doesn't really matter to me. How should I respond in a way that aligns with being a good person and following nature?"

"It's like having a conversation with yourself to figure out how you should react to things. If you notice that you're feeling a strong emotion, you stop and think about it. You realize that it's because you've agreed with a thought or impression that isn't accurate. So, the best thing to do is to go back to that thought and judge it correctly. If it's about something outside of your control, you remind yourself that it doesn't really affect you. And you continue this dialogue with yourself.

"The idea is to be mindful of your thoughts and reactions, and to make sure they are in line with being a good person and living in harmony with nature."

Keith Seddon (2005). Epictetus' Handbook and the Tablet of Cebes

"Everything on the Stoic view comes down to assent to impressions" -- Grant C. Sterling.