We All Have A Part To Play
A Stoic approach to meaninglessness and angst
In partnership with
Welcome to The Stoa Letter, the newsletter on Stoic theory and practice.
The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers
If you're frustrated by one-sided reporting, our 5-minute newsletter is the missing piece. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you comprehensive, unbiased news—free from political agendas. Stay informed with factual coverage on the topics that matter.
🏛️ Theory
Today people are free of many constraints of the past. This opens up many paths one can take in life. Indeed, it seems like who you are–your personal identity–is a matter of choice.
For some, this is liberating, but for many, it brings out a sense of anomie and rootlessness. With freedom comes disorder and the lack of belonging.
Someone who could be anyone feels like no one. Every role they take on is temporary. They can discard it at a moment's notice and so it never takes hold.
Ancient role ethics is a solution to this problem. We come into the world, not as atomic units waiting to be defined but as humans, children, and siblings. We develop into citizens, neighbors, coworkers, and parents. Some of these social bonds are completely unchosen. Others we form ourselves. Both define who we are.
It’s a simple recognition that can provide meaning and direction to a life. The appearance of the ability to completely define your own identity is an illusion. Yes, many of our choices do define us, but many of our roles are not chosen. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you have parts to play.
Even deeper, for the Stoics, we’re fundamentally social and rational animals. We can’t change that. If other roles call us to violate that – don’t fulfill them. Our job is to think and live well with others.
That means becoming excellent: humans, children, parents, citizens, coworkers, neighbors, and becoming who you are.
🎯 Action
Consider what roles in your life give it meaning.
🔗 Links
🖋️ Learn more about Stoic role ethics:
Presence in ancient philosophy
www.stoaletter.com/p/stoicism-confucianism
🪷 The Chinese philosophy of Confucianism also places a high value on social roles
Presence in ancient philosophy
www.stoaletter.com/p/stoicism-confucianism
📰 An interesting article from Leah Greenfield defending a related idea: The West’s Struggle for Mental Health.
What did you think about today's letter?
🏆️ Share The Stoa Letter
If you find what we’re doing useful, please share it. Just have people sign up with your link below.
Share The Stoa Letter
{{rp_personalized_text}}
Or copy and paste this link to others: {{rp_refer_url_no_params}}
Get hundreds of Stoic meditations and lessons with the Stoa app (free download)