[Practical Stoicism #26] Rationality in times of panic
When there's a pandemic, we see how fragile human health is, and how everything is interconnected. We *are* nature; we're part of a superorganism called humanity.
Dear fellow Stoics and friends of Stoicism,
I hope you're doing well and keeping safe. Let's use and spread rationality in these emotionally loaded times.
There is no need for me to give much commentary on the current outbreak of COVID-19. I'm no medical expert and just know enough about exponential functions that I feel woefully inadequate to share my perspective on the crisis. Regardless, I hope every one of you is safe and keep using your rationality in all of your choices.
In the current situation, it's not just that we have to think of ourselves. When there's a pandemic, we see how fragile human health is, and everything is interconnected. We are nature; we're part of a superorganism called humanity.
In today's newsletter, I link to some materials that have helped me stay sane and contemplate how I can and should interact with others. As Stoics, we should use foresightedness and prepare for the worst. But, if preparing for the worst results in panic buying, we are not considering others. Emptying shelves is not an example of practicing the virtue of justice.
Be rational when interacting with others. Practice social distancing. If not for yourself, then at least for others. Use rationality when buying things, and look out for those without supplies. Consider sharing some of your stuff if you can miss it. We'll probably be in this for a while, so let's take this as an opportunity to practice all four Stoic virtues equally.
If you feel lonely now that you have to work from home, reach out to me. Being an introvert, this is finally a situation where this trait is preferred. It's a time for contemplation and thoughtful discussion. I'm here if you want to talk, simply hit reply.
Ramses
Why you should define your fears instead of your goals
Tim Ferriss | 13m 21s
I've linked to Tim's TED talk in a previous newsletter. Now that fear fuels many, it's an excellent video to watch again and contemplate. The Stoic exercise premeditatio malorum is precisely the tool we need in this situation. What is the worst that can happen? And how should you act if that actually happens? That's the core question that needs answering in this exercise.
An Introduction to Meditation
Ram Dass | 3,071 words | 12 min read
Now that many are likely to be in (self-)imposed quarantine, why not consider picking up a meditation practice? Meditation is not for everybody, but it certainly helps to become accustomed to silence and your thoughts. If you're going to be isolated, you're in the perfect circumstances to meditate in silence and gain long-lasting benefits.
This article is an excerpt from Ram Dass' book Polishing the Mirror: How to Live from Your Spiritual Heart and is an excellent guide to help you get started with meditation. You can swap the Meditation on the Guru exercise for the Modeling the Sage exercise, and do mantra meditation using a Stoic axiom (I like to use Marcus Aurelius' "The universe is change; life is opinion").
Coronavirus Sanity Guide
My friend Simona pointed me to this super useful resource page by the Ten Percent Happier team. Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, they've made many valuable resources publicly available; guided meditations, talks, podcast episodes, and articles. If you need some extra help to get started with meditation, the Ten Percent Happier app is a great way to start in small and easy steps.