Epictetus’ Enchiridion (Handbook) is a cornerstone of Stoic thought, offering a succinct guide to ethical living. Massimo Pigliucci’s A Field Guide to a Happy Life reimagines this classic for the modern world, updating its language, examples, and even its metaphysical underpinnings to align with contemporary scientific understanding. This adaptation, dubbed Stoicism 2.0, retains the core ethical principles while acknowledging the cosmos not as divinely ordered, but as devoid of inherent purpose.
Why Update Stoicism?
The beauty of Stoicism lies in its practicality. It is not a rigid dogma but a living philosophy designed to evolve alongside our understanding of the world. Early Roman Stoics like Seneca embraced this adaptability:
“Will I not walk in the footsteps of my predecessors? I will indeed use the ancient road—but if I find another route that is more direct and has fewer ups and downs, I will stake out that one. Those who advance these doctrines before us are not our masters but our guides. The truth lies open to all; it has not yet been taken over. Much is left also for those yet to come.”
Pigliucci’s updates address the scientifically outdated metaphysics of the Enchiridion while preserving its timeless ethical wisdom, making Stoicism relevant to a modern audience.
The Unchanging Core: The Dichotomy of Control
Despite the metaphysical adjustments, the heart of Stoicism remains the same: the dichotomy of control. Pigliucci emphasizes that this principle is the bedrock upon which all Stoic practices are built. Everything boils down to recognizing what we can control – our thoughts, judgments, desires, goals, and actions – and what we cannot – everything else.
By focusing our energy on the former, on cultivating virtue and developing our character, we can achieve a tranquil and fulfilling life, regardless of external circumstances or our understanding of the universe (provided we accept some degree of free will). As philosopher John Sellers aptly stated:
“Whether one believes in a benevolent deity, pantheistic order or atomic chaos, it remains entirely up to us whether we choose to see an event as a disaster or an opportunity.”
The Archer Analogy: Mastering What You Can
Cicero’s analogy of the archer perfectly illustrates the practical application of the dichotomy of control. The archer meticulously prepares their bow, selects their arrows, practices diligently, and chooses the precise moment to release the arrow. These actions are within their control.
However, the archer cannot control the wind, the movement of the target, or any unforeseen circumstances that might affect the arrow’s trajectory. The Stoic archer focuses on perfecting their technique, accepting that the outcome is not entirely within their power. As Pigliucci writes:
“Consider carefully what is and is not under the archer’s control. She is in complete charge of selecting and taking care of the bow and the arrows; of practicing shooting at a target; of selecting the precise moment in which to let the arrow go. After that, however, nothing is under her control: the target, an enemy soldier, say, may become aware of the arrow and move out of range; or a sudden gust of wind may ruin the most perfect shot.”
Similarly, we can aim for external goals, but the Stoic approach is to internalize the goal, focusing on becoming the best version of ourselves. A promotion, for example, becomes a “preferred indifferent” – something desirable but not essential to our happiness. The true goal is to cultivate the qualities that make us worthy of the promotion.
Embracing Tranquility and Paradoxical Success
By understanding and practicing the dichotomy of control, we can cultivate a greater sense of tranquility. Paradoxically, this mindset also increases our chances of achieving our desired outcomes. By detaching emotionally from the results and focusing on the things within our direct control, we free ourselves to act with greater clarity and effectiveness.
Which Book to Choose: Enchiridion or A Field Guide to a Happy Life?
The Enchiridion remains a remarkably accessible text, despite its age. Its concise and straightforward style makes it easy to grasp Epictetus’s core ideas. Even with its outdated metaphysics, readers can readily adapt the principles to a modern worldview.
However, Pigliucci’s A Field Guide to a Happy Life offers a valuable update, translating Stoic wisdom into contemporary language and addressing modern concerns. Ultimately, the best approach may be to read both. Begin with the Enchiridion to gain a direct understanding of the original teachings, then explore Pigliucci’s Field Guide to discover how Stoicism can be applied to the challenges of the 21st century. By comparing the two, you can determine which aspects of Stoicism resonate most with you and tailor your practice accordingly. Both books are relatively short and can be read in just a few sittings, making them a worthwhile investment in your journey toward a happier and more fulfilling life.
