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What is Dichotomy of Control in Stoicism?

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Michael K.
What is Dichotomy of Control in Stoicism?

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“It is not in our control to have everything turn out exactly as we want, but it is in our control to control how we respond to what happens.” Epictetus

One of the most important Stoic Philosophies is understanding what you can and can’t control in life.

The dichotomy of control is a fundamental concept in the philosophy of Stoicism, which emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between what we can and cannot control in our lives. According to this principle, there are two categories of events: those that are within our control to influence and those that are not.

We have control over our thoughts, emotions, and actions. We can choose how we perceive and respond to the world around us, and we can strive to make the best decisions based on our values and principles.

Some recommended reading:
What is the Dichotomy of Control in Stoicism?

The Dichotomy of Control

Some things are what? What does the beginning of the Enchiridion mean?

The Enchiridion By Epictetus

What Many People Misunderstand about the Stoic Dichotomy of Control by Michael Tremblay

Some questions to contemplate:
Are we able to control our thoughts and emotions?

Why can we not control external events?

How do I put the dichotomy into practice?

Look forward to seeing everyone there and hopefully an interesting discussion to be had.

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