Spun by Absurdity

[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.

With this in mind, I view many events through the proverbial lens of REBT. Herein, I’ll provide a psychoeducational lesson that involves thinking and believing which is rational (in accordance with both logic and reason), or not (i.e., irrational), as it regards REBT.

Here, “logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable, and “reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. For instance, a modus ponens syllogism uses the following logical form: If p, then q; p; therefore, q.

Before I provide an example, it may be useful to know that one source states, “A theory is, in general, any hypothesis or set of ideas about something, formed in any number of ways through any sort of reasoning for any sort of reason.” Colloquially, a “theory” alludes to a mere belief.

If every theory in which I believe possibly could be true or real (p), then every theory in which I believe empirically must be true or real (q). Every theory in which I believe possibly could be true or real (p). Therefore, every theory in which I believe empirically must be true or real (q).

This proposition follows logical form; yet I argue that it isn’t reasonable, because what could be isn’t necessarily what is. Thus, I consider this syllogistic belief as that relating to irrationality. Nevertheless, I have little doubt that at least one person on this planet disagrees with my outlook.

Noteworthy, my worldview is subjective (characteristic of or belonging to reality as perceived rather than as independent of mind). Thus, not everyone agrees with what everybody else deems as rational or not. Irrespective of advocacy for equality, not everyone maintains the same views.

For clarity, the American Psychological Association defines subjective as “taking place or existing only within the mind,” and defines objective as “having verifiable existence in the external world, independently of any opinion or judgment.”

Also, a rational perspective for one person may not be considered rational by members of a group. For example, people dedicating themselves to the practice of science may fervently disagree with referring to a mere belief as a “theory.” I agree! Yet, this is my subjective view.

For the purpose of the current blogpost, the word “spun” is the past tense and past participle of the word “spin”—to draw out and twist fiber into yarn or thread (e.g., spinning the metaphorical thread of human life), and also to feel as if in a whirl (e.g., my head is spinning).

To some people, the “thread of human life” isn’t merely metaphorical, it’s virtually literal (i.e., religious or spiritual perspectives). I maintain that such views are a matter of “absurdity,” as in the quality or state of being absurd—ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous.

There are many instances of ancient and modern Stoics spinning absurd claims. Nevertheless, it’s within your spheres of control and influence not to be spun by absurdity. For example, consider that authors of The Daily Stoic quote Stoic philosopher Seneca who stated (page 337):

If the breaking day sees someone proud,

The ending day sees them brought low.

No one should put too much trust in triumph,

No one should give up hope of trials improving.

Clotho mixes one with the other and stops

Fortune from resting, spinning every fate around.

No one has had so much divine favor

That they could guarantee themselves tomorrow.

God keeps our lives hurtling on,

Spinning in a whirlwind.

Clotho? Fortune? God? Are these the elements in which you believe that somehow shape the metaphorical pattern of your life? If so, then suppose things don’t go your way. Is Clotho, Fortune, or God to blame? Now, consider that authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 337):

The novelist Cormac McCarthy was living in a motel room when he heard a knock at the door. It was a messenger—he’d been awarded the MacArthur “genius” grant and $250,000. Unexpected events can be good as well as bad.

Who could dream of such an unexpected twist? Who but Clotho, one of the three Greek goddesses of fate, who “spins” the thread of human life? To the ancients, she was the one who decided the course of the events of our lives—some good, some bad.

As the playwright Aeschylus wrote, “When the gods send evil, one cannot escape it.” The same was true for great destiny and good fortune.

Are you easily persuaded by irrational and absurd appeals to unfalsifiability (not capable of being proved false), such as whether or not “gods” weave the metaphorical fabric of your life? If so, then you may appreciate that authors of The Daily Stoic conclude (page 337):

Their resigned attitude might seem strange to us today, but they understood who was really in control (not them, not us!). No amount of prosperity, no amount of difficulty, is certain or forever.

A triumph becomes a trial, a trial becomes a triumph. Life can change in an instant. Remember, today, how often it does.

Although regarding a separate matter, I appreciate Gad Saad’s statement about such absurd claims, as the marketing professor once stated “that’s not a realistic, adult position to take. That makes you a three-year-old living in Unicornia, utopia. That’s not how an adult thinks.”

I imagine that many people are spun by absurdity when irrationally believing that they have no control or influence in life—that “gods” or other such forces are solely in charge of one’s own experience. If you don’t want to be caught up in that metaphorical thread, then think rationally!

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

Photo credit, Designed by Magnific, fair use

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