.
.
.
By implementing the advice of another Stoic philosopher,
the second-century slave-turned-teacher Epictetus, who admonished his
students in this way: ‘Remember that it is we who torment, we who make
difficulties for ourselves – that is, our opinions do. What, for
instance, does it mean to be insulted? Stand by a rock and insult it,
and what have you accomplished? If someone responds to insult like a
rock, what has the abuser gained with his invective?’
Indeed. Of course, to develop the attitude of a rock
toward insults takes time and practice, but I’m getting better at it.
So what did I do in response to the above-mentioned rant? I behaved like
a rock. I simply ignored it, focusing my energy instead on answering
genuine questions from others, doing my best to engage them in
constructive conversations. As a result, said prominent author, I’m
told, is livid with rage, while I retained my serenity.