Facing Tragedy

The stoics would have us forgo anger; they ask us to rid it from our person and continue through life a more rational person because of its loss. However, when tragedy strikes as it has in Haiti, when hundreds of thousands have perished, our instincts would drive us to shock, tears and ultimately anger. It seems unnatural not to react with outrage and seek to blame someone. As humans we have been programmed (either socially or biologically, it does not matter to make the distinction at this point) to react when harm is done needlessly to other human being. To stand and "think", to stand and "not feel" impresses upon others one's lack of concern and even lack of humanity.

However, the stoics want us to do just that: stand and not feel; stand and reason. Reason ourselves to where? I am not sure and perhaps this is the question this blog will answer. As an amateur stoic, I am meant to extract the anger from my being and face this tragedy with cool contemplation and acceptance. It is out of my control. What remains in my control is my intention to donate, my intention help others, my intention to offer support to those who are struggling with the events. The earthquake in Haiti has resulted in massive deaths and continued suffering for the survivors. I hear about rescuers finding children trapped in collapsed debris and of being able to see a foot or hand of a corpse protruding from the remains of a home.

And I have to now accept the challenge of reacting to this situation without anger. What is left? How am I, a young stoic, meant to react? I am trapped in Wisconsin and stone cold broke. Not only was the earthquake out of my control, but assisting also remains out of my control. I am inclined to think that the stoics wish to eliminate anger so as to produce more effective action. And in this case, for those who are able, this would hold ground. Stop being angry and do something about it. However, the stoics do not give a lick about execution; they love good intentions. Riddle me this: What is a good intention in the case of a Hellenistic philosopher without means to help? Seneca wants me to strengthen my reason and develop only good intentions without caring about the outcome because it is out of my control.

I am not drawing this blog to a proper close for two reasons. first, I am too tired to think of better constructed conclusion. But more so second, there is no conclusion. It will be my job to discover the conclusion over the coming week and hope that it is attainable.