"If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind has assented to the provocation."
-Epictetus
I've had a few "interesting" interactions in the last few days that perfectly demonstrate this quote in action. I have made comments both on this site and elsewhere that certain communities have deemed hate-filled, antagonistic, callous, cruel, bigoted, etc.. While simply stating that some behavior is celebrated in a single instance but reviled in any other, I have provoked a technicolor brigade. While noting that hypocrisy is limited to no color or creed, I have further instigated this rainbow rabble. The list and examples go on to the point that I have simply chosen not to be drawn into the chaos and conflict that they so desperately thrive upon.
"Ranks of the insane" and all that.
The most egregious example amounted to "everything neutral and thought-provoking you stated does not align with my desires, so you must be a threat to me and I'm going to act a menace over it." To the person in question, thank you for placing the words in my mouth and having both sides of the conversation on my behalf, but you should perhaps read the source material and become familiar with the character before writing them into your script. Thanks. :)
Now, this is a long and rather roundabout way to illustrate how simple words can provoke extreme reactions in others. To the point of harassment, threats of violence, and colorful misinterpretations of statements and opinions. These people have felt the call to anger and irrationality, had their jimmies rustled, and leaned into the urge to lash out. They allowed themselves to be provoked... ironically, by themselves.
"We suffer more in our imagination," as shared in a previous entry.
June is Men's Mental Health Month, and there are a lot of unwell men out there who allow themselves to run roughshod on social norms, bully others with the backing of mob mentality, and inflate their own sense of self-worth. How fitting it is that June is also "Pride" Month.
Take note of the quotation, friends. "Pride" does not simply mean the activist movement, though the two clearly overlap in this instance. I'm not a spiritual or a religious man, but too much pride (in any form) can lead to one's ruin. Most often, from within.
Do not let your Pride allow you to be provoked; don't let it forever bind you to the very people, things, and emotions that will ultimately hold you back.
This marks 20 entries in Sunday Stoicism, and I appreciate those of you who have taken the time to read, even if you don't comment directly on the entries. It means the world to me that my little passion project for my own mindfulness has helped you or given you something to think about between more important tasks. I wish you all the best.
Be safe. Be healthy. Be mindful.
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29 Jun 2025 11:49 CEST
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