The Dichotomy of Control in Stoicism
Viewed this way, wisdom is the highest good while ignorance is evil.
Actions follow a pattern, sometimes occurring in milliseconds. The sequence is as follows: one gets a thought, an impulse to act arises, and then one formulates a complex plan to get what one desires.
This process can be habitual, arising from the subconscious after extended periods of repetition. Or one can take the reins and put it under conscious control until a desired action becomes automatic as in the former.
Stoics say this process is man's forté, the only thing under his complete control:
1. Thoughts / Value judgements - These depend on what you've decided matters most. What you end up assigning the labels good and bad. Some opinions may be unconscious so it’s good to test their truth. For example money, status, or sex.
2. Impulse - This depends on the above and it’s the feeling prompting one into action.
3. Will (Action) - It’s where one makes p…
