Cutting of the Gordian Knot: How Will You Do It?

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Photo credit, artist: Jean-Simon Berthélemy, fair use

Suppose you’re faced with tasks where are complicated or complex. “Complicated” matters may have many parts, yet can be problem-solved by focusing on knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in alignment with logical and reasonable rules (i.e., predictable and justifiable).

Alternatively, “complex” matters may have many interconnected parts with uncertain and emergent behaviors which require adaptive learning rather than a simple solution. How will you face your complicated or complex tasks? Regarding this matter, one source illustrates:

The cutting of the Gordian Knot is an Ancient Greek legend associated with Alexander the Great in Gordium in Phrygia, regarding a complex knot that tied an oxcart. Reputedly, whoever could untie it would be destined to rule all of Asia.

In 333 BC, Alexander was challenged to untie the knot. Instead of untangling it laboriously as everyone expected, he dramatically cut through it with his sword. This is used as a metaphor for inventing an unexpected method to solve a seemingly intractable problem.

Turn him to any cause of policy,

The Gordian Knot of it he will unloose,

Familiar as his garter

— Shakespeare, Henry V, Act 1 Scene 1. 45–47

Alexander’s nonstandard approach to resolving the Gordian Knot is precisely how I aim to address problems associated with mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”). When thinking about this matter, I’m reminded of a book that I’ve been reading.

As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

I invite you to think about your tasks which are complicated or complex. Now, imagine that you were an ancient Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. How much more complicated or complex might your duties be? Such was the case for Marcus Aurelius who stated (page 205):

Never shirk the proper dispatch of your duty, no matter if you are freezing or hot, groggy or well-rested, vilified or praised, not even if dying or pressed by other demands. Even dying is one of the important assignments of life and, in this as in all else, make the most of your resources to do well the duty at hand.

Cutting of the Gordian Knot, regarding death, is a mental health practice that resolves much of the complicatedness and complexity of irrational beliefs surrounding death. Aurelius was apparently aware of this. So, too, are authors of The Daily Stoic who state (page 205):

Marcus Aurelius had many responsibilities, as those who hold executive power do. He judged cases, heard appeals, sent troops into battle, appointed administrators, approved budgets. A lot rode on his choices and actions. Should he do this or that?

What about this concern or that concern? When would he get to enjoy himself? The simple reminder above was a way to cut through the Gordian knot of incentives, complaints, fears, and competing interests.

Suppose you’re faced with tasks which are complicated or complex. How will you do it? Cutting the Gordian Knot, as ostensibly expressed by Aurelius, you could “make the most of your resources to do well the duty at hand.” This approach applies to both life and death.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

Daily Stoic. (n.d.). Translating the Stoics: An interview with “The Daily Stoic” co-author Stephen Hanselman. Retrieved from https://dailystoic.com/stephen-hanselman-interview/

Holiday, R. and Hanselman, S. (2016). The daily stoic: 366 meditations on wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living. Penguin Random House LLC. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-daily-stoic-366-meditations-on-wisdom-perseverance-and-the-art-of-living-d61378067.html

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