Are we connoisseurs of comfort?

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We should pay attention to academics who seek to understand the nature of resilience and well-being. The psychology professor Joel Owen is one such academic who tests the waters of man's happiness. Is the goal in life always to achieve a good result, an excellent outcome, or a favorable outcome in our experiences? In each situation, circumstance, or life event that is experienced, is there more to life than seeking happiness? Is there something more about the development of a person's character (Owen, 2023)? These inquiries are not new.

The ancient Stoics, who advanced similar lines of thought, are reflective of contemporary psychologists. Epictetus asks a similar question about the means to happiness. If life becomes imbalanced and disorganized, with much fear and distress, and if the things we desire or want go unmet, or if we try to avoid situations and circumstances that are irritating or compromise our comfort even in relationships that are ingenious or pretentious, how can anyone obtain happiness (Hutchins, 1952, p. 198). The sentiments from the point of view of Epictetus, whose spirit and attitude were that a man should mold his character and personality, apply today (Edwards, 1967, p. 1). Does resilience even exist today? Epictetus's statement may shape how we rethink and change our tune about becoming participants in the game of life.

Let's take to heart the analogy of an Olympian. The philosopher says, "You are going, my man, to be enrolled as a combatant in the Olympic games, no frigid and miserable contest" (Hutchins, 1952, p. 197). As Owen (2023) notes, the Stoics and today's psychologists help us draw parallels to the ebb and flow of life, where reappraising thoughts about tough situations and struggles is seen as a challenge to overcome rather than something that will hurt us and help us grow from it. Owen (2023) identifies four elements of action that can help us build resilience, including becoming a student of ancient philosophical ideas and thoughts as an adjunct to daily life, applying these principles, surrounding ourselves with like-minded thinkers, and habitually engaging in self-reflection.

References:

Edwards, P. (1967). Epictetus. In The encyclopedia of philosophy (Vol. 3, p. 1-2). essay, Macmillan Company & the Free Press.

Hutchins, R. M. (1952). The Discourses of Epictetus. In Great Books of the Western World (Vol. 12, pp. 105–252). Encyclopedia Britannica.

Owen, J. (2023). Psychological resilience: Connecting contemporary psychology to ancient practical philosophy. Theory & Psychology, 33(3), 366–385. https://doi.org/10.1177/09593543231153820