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When we think about the Stoics, we often picture them as serene figures, calmly accepting life’s challenges without losing their cool. They preached about kindness, staying above the fray, and trying not to get caught up in disputes or heated arguments. In a world that often feels charged with tension and conflict, their approach seems almost refreshing, like a cool breeze on a sweltering day.

But you know what? Sometimes, you really do need to say something. There are moments when the truth needs to be laid bare, and those moments can be anything but pleasant. The Stoics understood this tension between kindness and honesty, and they drew inspiration from a rather unconventional character: Diogenes of Sinope, famously known as “Diogenes the Dog.”

Diogenes: The Original Truth Teller

Diogenes was notorious for his brashness, his no nonsense approach to life, and his unyielding disdain for societal norms. He was a master at delivering brutal takedowns of hypocrites and the powerful, often using shocking wit and sarcasm. For instance, when someone praised the notion of being civilised, Diogenes might simply respond by leaping into a barrel, showcasing the stark contradiction between human pretensions and basic reality. He didn’t hold back; truth was his guiding principle.

Fast forward some years, and we see how his attitude influenced the Stoic philosophy. Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, took a page from Diogenes’ playbook when he finally decided he had enough of the pompous student Aristo and let him have it after years of polite toleration. Zeno, channeling that quintessential Diogenes vibe, cut through the nonsense and called it like he saw it.

Then there’s Agrippinus, who responded to his own exile with an enviable nonchalance, saying, “Ok, we shall take our lunch in Aricia then.” This speaks volumes about the Stoic mindset, rather than wallowing in self pity or indignation at the unfairness of life, he simply accepted the reality of the situation. It’s this sense of clarity and courage that the Stoics embodied and something we all could use a little more of in our lives.

Epictetus, another great Stoic thinker, faced exile as well. Much like his predecessors, he used humour as a tool to criticise the absurd behaviours and beliefs of his fellow citizens. Instead of tiptoeing around discomfort, he’d often dive right into it, asking his listeners to reconsider their attachments to conventions and societal expectations. This isn’t about being rude or hurtful; it’s about cutting through the fluff and facing the truth, even when it stings.

The Balance of Kindness and Honesty

The Stoics practiced kindness but never at the cost of truth. They didn’t indulge false niceties or comforting lies. In a society rife with political correctness and a penchant for awkward deflection, we might feel pressured to keep our opinions to ourselves, to be overly cautious about what we say. So, let’s reflect, are you letting political correctness cow you into silence? Do you find yourself too deferential or easily swayed by appearances?

The Stoics offer a challenging alternative: to speak truthfully, regardless of how uncomfortable that might make someone feel. Philosophy isn’t always the polite conversation at a dinner party; sometimes it’s the tough talk that gets overlooked. The truth bites, it’s meant to, sometimes. It’s a catalyst for change, for reflection, and against the backdrop of a world filled with pretenders, it provides the clarity we desperately need.

The Stoic Challenge Today

Look around. We live in a society dense with hypocrisy and a culture that often celebrates appearances over substance. Individuals with influence and authority masquerade as wise men, but beneath the surface, there’s a hollow echo of deeper truths waiting to be unearthed. In that context, we need to embody the clarity and courage that the Stoics championed.

Ask yourself: when was the last time you spoke up? When did you last voice discomfort or dissent, rather than letting it simmer beneath the surface? Embracing the Stoic philosophy challenges us to become our own version of Diogenes, a no nonsense, truth telling rebel, more concerned with what’s right than what feels good.

The art of saying what needs to be said doesn’t have to come from a place of anger; it can come from a profound understanding and respect for the complexities of life. Just as the Stoics recognised that some truths are painful, they also knew that acknowledging these truths is often the path to wisdom and growth.

Finding Your Inner Stoic

To speak truthfully, we must continually engage in self reflection. Identifying the moments when we’ve held back can empower us to break free from the shackles of fear, fear of upsetting others or stepping on toes. What situations invite us to unlock that more dogged, honest side of ourselves? Whether it’s expressing concern to a friend or standing up against workplace hypocrisy, taking that leap can feel daunting at first.

It helps to remember that the Stoics weren’t advocating for constant confrontation just for the sake of being abrasive. Instead, they suggested cutting through the chaos of life with a clarity of thought and communication that remains respectful yet unyielding. The ultimate aim is not to hurt, but to enlighten, or even to liberate ourselves and others from falsehoods.

Conclusion

So here’s the deal: while kindness is a beautiful ideal, it should never come at the cost of honesty. The Stoics encourage us to find the balance, acknowledging discomfort, challenging societal norms, and speaking out against hypocrisy with the kind of candid courage Diogenes modelled. Let’s move beyond the veneer of politeness that often masks deeper truths and embrace the courage to share what needs to be said.

In a world hungry for genuine connection, your voice matters. Diogenes knew this, and so did the Stoics. So why not step into that lineage? Challenge yourself to be a bit bolder in your thoughts, and in your words, because the truth, however biting, may just be exactly what the world needs to hear.