I respond to the charge of cultural appropriation leveled at teenager Keziah Daum who wore a traditional Chinese dress to her high school prom. I focus on Stoic themes of cosmopolitanism, humility, and valuing wisdom no matter where it originated to argue, in this case, that the controversy is much ado about nothing.
I identify and explain five Stoic mantas you can use in times of adversity to help you better navigate life and put Stoicism into action: all is well with the commander; adapt to the present; be your own spectator, seek your own applause; let us see who wins; and conquer with a smile.
Stop by my Stoic Solutions Podcast Discord server on April 26 at 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time for a chat on the topic of gratitude. Join others interested in Stoicism for an interactive discussion!
Gregory Sadler joins me for conversation to talk about human nature: what it means to be a human, how we can harness the better parts of ourselves, work to make progress, the social nature of humans, and the importance of friendship amidst our discussion of the Stoic maxim living in accordance with nature.
Although Jordan Peterson does not consider himself a Stoic or mention Stoicism, there are many parallels between messages from Stoic thinkers and Jordan Peterson relating to getting one’s life in order; prevailing amidst suffering; capacity for people to strive towards the good; and questioning public opinion.