Ancient Philosopher, Clad in Toga, Uttering Latin Words, Offers Guidance to Navigate the Anxiety of the 2024 Election
US citizens have devised numerous ways to cope with the relentless stress of this year's presidential race, with the rematch between President Biden and former President Trump being considered "the most dreaded election" in recent history. As the two candidates prepare to debate, around six in ten American adults confess they are drained by campaign coverage.
When it comes to dealing with election-related anxiety, turning to the past might be a wise move. The Stoic philosophers of ancient Greece and Rome, often portrayed as boring, bearded White men in togas, offer practical advice for modern voters navigating the grueling process of the 2022 presidential election.
Stoic philosophy, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of living virtuously to achieve happiness, also focuses on confronting one's deepest fears. According to bestselling author Ryan Holiday, Stoicism is a tool for self-mastery, endurance, and wisdom.
The first Stoic school was established by a philosopher named Zeno of Citium around the start of the 3rd century BC. After losing his entire fortune in a shipwreck, Zeno found solace in philosophy and once quipped, "My most profitable journey began on the day I was shipwrecked and lost my entire fortune."
Similarly, we can start our own journey, says Holiday. Both the Stoics and contemporary voters share a common struggle with loss, political instability, and feelings of political powerlessness. He refers to Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic follower who became one of Rome's greatest emperors during a global pandemic that killed at least 10 million people, war, and constant political strife.
"Aurelius lived through a devastating global pandemic that ravaged society," says Holiday, author of "Right Thing, Right Now," the third installment in his bestselling book series on Stoic virtues. "He would have seen the tribalism, the fear, the anger, and the flights of fancy just like we did in the last couple of years."
Holiday and Massimo Pigliucci, author of "How to Be a Stoic: Living a Modern Life with Ancient Wisdom," are two of the most popular modern-day interpreters of Stoicism. In their books, videos, and podcasts, they offer three pieces of Stoic advice for dealing with the anxiety of this year's election.
Don't let the future consumes the present
In the world of politics, it's essential to consider the future. Pollsters predict trends, pundits gauge political gaffes' potential impact, and party leaders assess court decisions. However, excessive worry about the future can contaminate voters. People worry about what will happen to them if the wrong candidate is elected, some imagining nightmare scenarios of the country descending into civil war.
Stoic philosophy teaches people to distinguish between what they can control and what they cannot. Instead of dwelling on foreboding political scenarios that may or may not unfold, focus on the present and what can be controlled.
Holiday explains, "The Stoics say that he who suffers prematurely suffers more than necessary. The idea of waking up every day in misery, anticipating something that may or may not happen, is self-punishment on top of the pain that will come from the actual event."
Pigliucci states that the Stoics managed political turbulence by focusing on their emotions. He cites the Serenity Prayer, which is often recited at 12-step programs, as excellent advice for the upcoming presidential elections. The prayer asks for the strength to accept the things one cannot change, courage to change the things they can, and wisdom to discern the difference.
"It seems like excellent advice for the upcoming presidential elections," Pigliucci says. "Have the courage to do your duty as a citizen, vote, maybe donate money, or volunteer for a campaign. Then accept the outcome, as it will be what it will be."
Don't become too cynical to participate
Some individuals choose to disengage from politics due to cynicism, claiming that their votes won't make a difference. Such citizens are often referred to as "idiotai," a term derived from ancient Athenian language that describes those who refuse to exercise their right to vote.
Many Stoic leaders would never be classified as "idiotai." They were deeply passionate about politics and the pursuit of justice. Don't let cynicism dampen your enthusiasm for participating in the political process, as your vote may have more significance than you think.
Surprisingly contrary to popular belief, Stoics aren't as emotionless as they're often portrayed. The misconception arises from the description: someone unaffected by pain or pleasure, devoid of passion or feeling. However, ancient Stoic leaders would fit right in debating on Sunday morning political talk shows or participating in a Black Lives Matter protest.
Holiday notes that Aurelius, in his influential book "Meditations," frequently discusses justice, mentioning the collective welfare over 80 times. Aurelius believes that the purpose of life is to cultivate good character and act for the collective welfare.
The stereotype of the disengaged Stoic is as incorrect as it gets, according to Holiday. Ancient Stoics were not immune to life's passions; they got married, had families, ran for public office, and fought for causes. During Roman times, they were known as the "Stoic Resistance." At one point, all of them were exiled from Rome for refusing to conform.
Cynicism can disguise cowardice; some cynics are reluctant to take risks associated with involvement. In contrast, Stoic leaders were known for their bravery in challenging political tyrants. Pigliucci recounts a notable anecdote about political courage involving Helvidius Priscus, a Stoic philosopher.
When the Roman emperor Vespasian threatened Priscus with execution for speaking out against political tyranny, Priscus responded with calm resolve, saying:
"You have the power to kill me, and I have the power to die without fear; you have the power to exile me, and I have the power to depart without complaint."
Be Kind, Even toward Political Adversaries
It's easy to succumb to cynicism when it comes to American politics. Candidates lie shamelessly during campaigns, misinformation spreads so rapidly that truth becomes hard to discern, and politicians who once opposed certain candidates now seek their favor.
Our dislike for political opponents can easily turn into hatred, but Holiday encourages us to consider Aurelius' approach to political deceit in his time. Aurelius survived a coup attempt from his closest general and could have retaliated against his traitor with extreme measures. However, he chose mercy.
"In fact, he wept when he was deprived of the chance to show mercy to his former enemy," Holiday writes in an analysis of Aurelius. "The best revenge, Marcus would write, 'is to not be like that.'"
When family or friends insult you or reject you due to political disagreements, it's easy to respond vindictively. But the Stoics offer two words of wisdom, Holiday states: Be kind.
This advice may seem naive in today's heated political climate, but Epictetus said, "Anyone who can make you angry demonstrates their power over you."
"The Stoics said we should view every person we meet as an opportunity for kindness," Holiday writes in his latest book.
Holiday admits that he, too, has had to implement this Stoic guidance in his personal life. His prominence in the Stoicism community, due in part to selling an estimated 6 million books on Stoicism, as well as his YouTube videos, Instagram feed, and Stoic newsletter, has led to personal challenges. He and his family have been subjected to regular harassment for taking stances against book bans, supporting women's rights, and advocating for the removal of Confederate monuments. A friend betrayed him.
A younger Holiday might have sought vengeance for those who have wronged him. Instead, he reflects on the actions of Stoic leaders like Aurelius, drawing parallels between the "dark energy" they encountered in their time and what he sees in contemporary politics.
"There is an energy that exists across all societies, driven by hatred, fear, and a desire to protect what it has and prevent others from gaining a portion of it," Holiday tells CNN. "And that energy was certainly present in Roman times."
But solutions to this dark energy do exist, according to Holiday. The Stoic leaders may seem like distant historical figures, but we can still learn from them, he says. They overcame the same tribalizing forces in politics that we face today. Therefore, we too can overcome them.
John Blake is a CNN senior writer and author of the acclaimed memoir, "More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew."
