How much are we actually in control of the events around us?
When discussing Epictetus on Monday, we discussed the concept of the
relationship between free will and determinism. According to Epictetus, we
should avoid having an attachment to things since they interferes with our
happiness. It took me a while to fully grasp and agree with this concept
however, after reflecting on the events of my life (and my response to them), I
completely agree with Epictetus. What is the point of being bothered by something
that is beyond our control? There is no purpose, at all, in worrying about
things. The only goal worrying about something achieves is it ruins our
happiness. If we want to experience happiness, we have to ensure that our
emotions does not dominate our response to a situation.
An example that can be used is being stuck in traffic. We
don’t have any control of the traffic; although it would be fantastic if we
have powers to control the traffic similar to Bruce Nolan like seen here. Nonetheless, we have two
choices in emotion in which we can exhibit. One, we can become bothered and
furious, all while having an increase in blood pressure. Or, we can be calm in
the situation and listen to our favorite tunes on the radio. Another example that
can be used is anxiety. I, personally, get extremely anxious whenever I have to
present in front of a class. There can be a few days, or even a week, until the
presentation and I worry so much about the presentation to the point where I am
unable to think rationally. The thought of having to complete a presentation
dominates my mind so much in which that is almost the only thing I can thing
about. Now looking back, it is irrational that I let a little thing affect me
so much. What was the point of being so anxious about it? I had to do the
presentation, I have no other choice or else I would not receive a grade for
it. Instead of living in the moment leading up to the presentation, I allowed
my emotions (anxiety) about it to dominate my happiness.
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