Following Examples

[DISCLAIMER]

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.

The authors quote ancient Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca who stated, “Let us also produce some bold act of our own—and join the ranks of the most emulated [that to which one strives to equal or excel]” (page 150). Regarding this quote, I’m reminded of a statue from 1997.

When assigned to the United States (U.S.) Marine Corps military police (MP) detachment (det) in Fort McClellan, located adjacent to the city of Anniston, Alabama, there was a statute in front of the Marine barracks. The name of the statue and its lore currently escape me.

In any event, members of the MP det were tasked with keeping the statue relatively clean. Unlike the U.S. Army—whose base upon which Marines were stationed—MP students were apparently more prideful of our appearance than were the soldiers with whom we served.

Thus, deference to statue was commanded of us from higher-ups. Regarding a similar perspective, authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 150):

It was common in Greek and Roman times, just as it is now, for politicians to pander [to say, do, or provide what someone (such as an audience) wants or demands even though it is not good, proper, reasonable, etc.] to their audience. They would lavish effusive praise on the crowd, on their country, on inspiring military victories of the past.

How many times have you heard a political candidate say, “This is the greatest country in the history of the world”? As orator Demosthenes pointed out, we’ll gladly sit for hours to hear a speaker who stands in front of some famous or sacred landmark, “praising [our] ancestors, describing their exploits and enumerating their trophies.”

The statue of a Marine aboard Fort McClellan wasn’t particularly special. Nonetheless, what it generally represented was a form of pandering to future MPs. The deference we paid to the otherwise unremarkable monument was meant to exalt the exploits of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Never mind whether or not such feats were morally and ethically good, members of the MP det blindly followed orders as instructed. Is there any wonder as to why the military enlists people whose brains aren’t fully developed? Noteworthy, authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 150):

But what does this flattery accomplish? Nothing. Worse, the admiration of shiny accolades distracts us from their true purpose. Also, as Demosthenes explains, it betrays the very ancestors who inspire us. He concluded his speech to the Athenian people with words that Seneca would later echo and still resounds centuries later.

“Reflect, then,” he said, “that your ancestors set up those trophies, not that you may gaze at them in wonder, but that you may also imitate the virtues of the men who set them up.” The same goes for the quotes in this book and for other inspiring words you might hear. Don’t just admire them. Use them. Follow their example.

When following examples of those we commemorate (to call to remembrance) through erected statues, cited quotes, and otherwise, would it perhaps be of some use to first maintain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding about what these matters of commemoration represent?

For example, other than knowing that it existed, I have no memory of what the statue in front of the MP det barracks actually commemorated. It was demanded that Marines pay respect to the inanimate object that plausibly stood for something or other regarding Marine superiority.

However, when blindly following examples which are peddled to the masses, it may be of some use to know what such examples represent – especially when one is expected to kill or be killed on behalf of what something represents. Unhelpfully, I didn’t understand this view in 1997.

When joining the ranks of the most emulated, per Seneca’s view, could it be of some use to at minimal know what the “most emulated” actually stood for? Without critical thinking, for what won’t a person fall?

I suppose that a 21-year-old MP who ignorantly followed orders would’ve gladly jumped on a live grenade if the situation presented itself back in ’97. Yet, that same individual at the age of 49 would tell you to GTFOH with that nonsense! That behavior is an example I refuse to follow.

How about you? Will you kill or be killed regarding to blind allegiance to an idea without at least questioning what it is you stand for, let alone what a notion represents? If so, the military could use more bullet sponges. If not, then I invite you to think critically of the examples you follow.

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

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