Stoicism

* James Rainey’s well-written piece on the renewed interest in stoic philosophy (March 11) understandably emphasized the idea that we can control our destinies by mastering our reactions to what life gives to us.

Another central tenet of this philosophy merits our attention as well: the stoic conception that duties (and, by extension, moral values) “are universally measured by relations.” That is, according to Epictetus, we acquire duties or moral obligations by virtue of the relations in which we find ourselves (e.g., being a son or daughter) or enter into (becoming a wife or husband). Some relationships and their attendant duties persist (i.e., one cannot undo the relation of parent-child); others can be more transient (e.g., employer-employee). But the idea is relationships are central to human existence, and we ought not to take them lightly.

As we worry about a diminishing sense of social responsibility and seek to buffer our human communities against forces that place them increasingly at risk, we would do well to heed this part of Epictetus’ message.

PHILIP A. GLOTZBACH

Redlands