In These Short Selections We Get a Glimpse of Stoic

question 3

True/False

In these short selections we get a glimpse of stoic philosophy from three of its greatest proponents-Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, who gets the longest excerpt here. Marcus Aurelius urges that our every act should be done deliberately and attentively, following the dictates of reason and avoiding the distracting disorder of the passions. Seneca endorses suicide as a legitimate option in life because "mere living is not a good, but living well . . . [T]he wise man will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can." Epictetus distinguishes between those things in life that are up to us (intentions, desires, etc.) and those things that are not up to us (our bodies, property, reputation, etc.). If we confuse these two, we will be troubled and impeded. But if we keep them straight, we will be free of burdens, harm, and grief. "Don't seek for things to happen as you wish," he says, "but wish for things to happen as they do, and you will get on well."
-Epictetus claims that someone with the position and character of a philosopher expects all help and harm to come from himself.

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Definitions:

Superego

The conscience of personality; the source of feelings of guilt, shame, and inhibition.

Neonates

Newborn infants, especially those less than four weeks old.

Cephalocaudal Growth

A pattern of growth in humans and animals, where development and growth proceed from the head downward through the body.

Extremities

Refers to the outermost parts of the body, including hands, feet, legs, and arms.