The Misuse of Stoicism: How a Ancient Philosophy is Being Hijacked by the Far-Right and Oligarchs
In recent years, Stoicism has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many people turning to its teachings as a means of coping with the stresses of modern life. However, beneath the surface of this trend lies a disturbing reality: Stoicism is being co-opted by far-right ideologies and oligarchs to promote their own interests and agendas. This phenomenon has been dubbed “Vulgar Stoicism” by philosopher Markus Uehleke, who argues that it flatters the ego while reinforcing the status quo.
One of the primary ways in which Stoicism is being misused is through the concept of “Life Hack Stoicism.” This approach reduces the complex and nuanced teachings of Stoicism to simplistic self-help formulas, often with the goal of increasing productivity and wealth. However, this ignores the ethical and moral aspects of Stoicism, which emphasize the importance of living in accordance with reason and virtue. Instead, Life Hack Stoicism promotes a superficial understanding of the philosophy, one that is focused on personal gain rather than the greater good.
Another way in which Stoicism is being hijacked is through “Corporate Stoicism.” This approach uses Stoic teachings to promote the interests of corporations and oligarchs, often by encouraging employees to accept harsh working conditions and low wages. By promoting a culture of individual responsibility and self-reliance, Corporate Stoicism distracts from the systemic issues that underlie many social and economic problems. It also ignores the fact that Stoicism was originally a philosophy of resistance against oppressive systems, not a tool for maintaining the status quo.
The far-right has also latched onto Stoicism, using it to promote a toxic form of masculinity that emphasizes dominance and control. This “Alpha-Male Stoicism” is often combined with a pseudo-intellectual veneer, as seen in the online personas of individuals like Andrew Tate. However, this approach is a gross distortion of the original teachings of Stoicism, which emphasize the importance of reason, compassion, and self-control.
The consequences of this misuse of Stoicism are far-reaching. By promoting a superficial and individualistic understanding of the philosophy, Vulgar Stoicism reinforces the existing power structures and ignores the systemic injustices that underlie many social and economic problems. It also distracts from the fact that Stoicism was originally a philosophy of resistance against oppressive systems, not a tool for maintaining the status quo.
To reclaim Stoicism from these distortions, it is essential to return to the original teachings of the philosophy. This means emphasizing the importance of reason, compassion, and self-control, as well as the need to challenge systemic injustices and promote social change. By doing so, we can create a more authentic and nuanced understanding of Stoicism, one that is focused on the greater good rather than personal gain or ideological agendas. Ultimately, the true value of Stoicism lies in its ability to inspire individuals to live in accordance with reason and virtue, and to promote a more just and equitable society for all.
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