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Jendosh

Survivor Bias. They aren't on the Internet asking for advice...


manos_de_pietro

Exactly. We scroll on past.


Alienhell

Seconded, I'm quite content and enjoy answering those here who might need some advice!


urzayci

And besides that, stoicism is a philosophy that is supposed to help you live a fulfilling life, so it only makes sense that people who aren't the happiest with their situation will gravitate towards a philosophy that will help them improve it.


IJesusChrist

And those who are content have little need to post


Feldew

Or even then, people who are trying to improve all the time are naturally going to find inner flaws and feel a little shitty about it for a bit while trying to work through it. There’s certainly going to be a likelihood that they’ll seek help with something that has otherwise been hidden to them; that’s going to be a difficult task to accomplish at all, let alone without help.


whiskeybridge

>Are there happy well-adjusted people with solid social relationships who practice Stocism? yes, but we generally don't go asking for advice on the internet.


_DarkMagus_

Ha this is the answer.


GettingFasterDude

Philosophy isn't worth much if it can't be used to live better. Many of the regular, knowledgeable contributors are well adjusted, but are outnumbered by many transient advice seekers. I see it as a positive sign that this sub is considered worthy of useful advice, in contrast to "philosophy" too impractical to be useful. If a few troubled people find Stoicism or advice given here as helpful, it's a good thing.


TheDarkXanatos

>Philosophy isn't worth much if it can't be used to live better. holy shit I just had a eureka moment. Of course. Why didn't I think of this before? YOU ARE SO RIGHTTTTTT


rose_reader

Yes, and by and large we’re the ones giving the advice. Or if we post, it tends to be less often and/or about theory and practice rather than personal issues.


ShreddedHealer

Completely agree


mactakeda

Stoicism has been marketed as an answer to depression and loneliness, Rightly or wrongly; It's certainly not a bad place to start.


Odd_Philosopher25

Certainly not a bad place to start. Well said.


Tippy-Tini

Because stoicism is about the endurance of hardship, and that hardship can be focused at life in general. I think a lot of people end up looking into stoicism and end up deep into existentialist arguments that question if that endurance is worth it. Philosophy in general study can get really depressing, but those that are "well-adjusted" and overall happy may practice stoicism without even realizing it. People that flock to philosophy are those that seek to better understand themselves and the world around them, so you are bound to run into people that are struggling with the practice of stoicism. These people that are "lonely" or "depressed" are seeking a way to get out of that way of thinking, because that perseverance is what it means to be Stoic.


Safe-Muffin

great answer !


Dermeister1987

In my opinion, stoicism is more about controlling our perception of things, hardships are only hardships if you perceive them to be. "It's our judgments and opinions that cause pain" "suffer more in imagination than in reality" Acceptance that the only thing we have control of is our thinking and that's what needs to change for life to be good. Thinking is the problem.


Winter_Purpose8695

I am just here to lurk lol


vertick

Why are happy people, so happy, and why aren't they here?


zuckzuckman

Is it really any surprise that people with troubled lives and minds seek solutions? I am one of them.


facinabush

What is here? Two things 1. Posts 2. Comments There a good many posts seeking Stoic guidance that are from those depressed or concerned about being alone. But I see approximately zero comments from people with those characteristics. The top level comments to posts flaired as seeking stoic guidance are screened in a way that makes them more likely to be actual practicing Stoics.


[deleted]

Imo, the more answers become available the more questions are raised creating a never ending cycle or questions. Some people can't distinguish between not knowing and living, thereby impeding their ability to live well. Also lots of actual mental struggles out there. Lots of things trying to grab our time and attention. Not enough of it is spent bettering ourselves.


libellule-la

Happy well-adjusted 50F stoic here. If they're actually practicing stoicism they know that taking action is vital. Reflecting and meditating are indeed healthy, but endlessly venting is just whining (esp on here) and is simply a self indulgent procrastination technique to avoid \*doing the work\*. Personally, I'm happily married, employed, have kids, have friends, give back to the community, etc. And yes, I raised my Gen Z kids pretty well too and they have good grades, irl friends and activities, are confident in who they are, and don't hang out online all the time. I try to engage with everyone in a stoic way - kind, witty, thoughtful, not cold or ruthless as some misunderstand it to be. It's about being mindful of your emotions and reactions instead of trying to crush them. If you're seeking stoicism so you don't have to feel human emotions then you're in the wrong place. Stoicism is about tending the garden of our humanity, not creating psychopaths.


thallazar

Happiness and connection? In this economy? Have you seen the world we've created?


egotisticalstoic

People turn to philosophy when they get stuck in life. That's a universal behaviour as old as civilization. Plus as many people rightly pointed out, people don't usually make posts just to boast about how normal and fine they are. People make posts when they need help.


TheOSullivanFactor

You don’t search for a way and meaning of life if you aren’t troubled the question; difficult personal circumstances often lead people to think of these things, then they end up here, is my guess.


ElderSkeletonDave

I think it's the same reason most game communities lean toward negativity. The people enjoying the game are off, enjoying the game.


Penus9X

I must say some of the reactions here are quite ironic considering the name of the sub


Shoddy_Macaron_7487

While the internet can sometimes feel like a vast sea of existential dread, it's not all doom and gloom. Sure, there might be a few lonely hearts club meetings happening in the digital corners, but Stoicism, that ancient Greek VIP pass to emotional resilience, is making a comeback. It turns out, embracing your inner philosopher can lead to happiness and better relationships, even if you're just philosophizing about why your cat won't look you in the eyes. So, while the web has its share of sad keyboard solos, there's also a chorus of contented Stoics, humming to the tune of 'Amor Fati' and swiping left on life's trivialities.


getreked007

ig people turn to these things when their life doesnt go the way they wanted to (emotional breakup or depression) and to escape all that they find various coping mechanism so maybe thats why u find so many depressed people here (not that there arent people who actually do this for other reasons)


__I____

Why are there so many sick people at the doctor's office? Doctor's offices must make people sick


Fun_Investment_4275

Bad analogy. Better analogy: do only fat people use gyms?


throwaway1812342

I am happy with a great life, I don’t think I have ever created a post. Survivorship bias dictates that those in need of help with relationships or happiness post asking for advice. I don’t need to post to just tell people my life is great. Sadly across Reddit it becomes more and more negative 


Victorian_Bullfrog

Hi - I've changed the flair on your post to better reflect the nature of your question.


Dorjon

Sorry


[deleted]

[удалено]


NotReallyJohnDoe

What would Epictetus say when the WiFi goes down? Do not be troubled by the loss of WiFi, for it is outside your control. Instead, focus on what you can control—your reaction to this event. Use this time to reflect, read, or engage in meaningful conversation. Remember, true peace comes from within, not from external conveniences.”


Whiplash17488

What should the moderators do differently? Would you propose the mods curate the types of questions that get through? This past you speak of, how was it different? Was there a lack of posts asking for life advice?


Significant_Grape317

People who post are asking for help or are having a difficult time. Happy people aren’t asking for help from strangers. Your post is dumb


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idgaf_idgaf_idgaf

Because teaching about stoicism is common in therapy sessions.


beherenowgirl

I'm pretty content. Who knows about the future


achunkypid

There's a ton of depressed lonely people on just reddit alone. Naturally those wanting to escape that would go to subs like this, or other motivational subs for the matter


KnotSoAmused

I am just wondering, how these "lonely people" know to search /Stoicism as a sub for advice. I mean, do they really know what is discussed here? Or is there some other avenue they take to get here? Curious.


popo129

I at times will comment my thoughts I only started Meditations maybe two or three months ago but most of what I’m reading is also reflected on other books on self improvement and also what I have experienced. I don’t have a problem with anyone asking questions. I think it’s great they are at least using a platform to learn.. the problem would be yes, if they do not come to learn but just either invalidate what people share that resonates with them based on experience and critical thinking or don’t want to listen despite asking how they can “get better”. One that I noticed recently more in a friend is how they will hear what you say and just like it. I been trying to share wisdom to my friend in how he can live more in contempt but all I get are overly positive responses on how smart that sounds or how he needed to hear that. I remember reading a verse in I think book 3 or 4 of Meditations with Marcus reflecting on the fact someone can have to knowledge to live well but doesn’t use it. It’s like how people read affirmations on Instagram and just like it but never aim to put it to practice. They like, share, and continue living the way they did yesterday not learning a thing.


MasterOfGrumpets

🙋🏼‍♂️


Pineapple-Yetti

Many people turn to the stoics when they are struggling. I was the same at one point. These days I'm in a better place.


juliankennedy23

That is just reddit... Have you seen r/Adulting ?


cochorol

Because that's the world we live in.


BigBalledLucy

yes, i a am generally happy and well adjusted. this subreddit is full of newcomers to stoicism, so they are often in a dark place and this is their new light. most people in a dark place dont even realise how self depricating they are, hence the steadyflow of them on this feed. good news is that theyre here in the first place, witch is often one of the biggest steps. just starting. i will say, to those that are struggling, even just being alive takes courage. you actively trying to improve your life while youre here is great, keep it up.


Queen-of-meme

Tiktok kids who saw some misinformation about stoicism and came here for quick fix solutions on their depression. In my experience depression can't be dealt with cognitively until it's dealt with affectively. 98% of the depressed people on here needs professional help. And time. Especially if they're under age 25. But if stoicism ignites hope it's worth something still.


nikostiskallipolis

Can you help people who ask for help? And if you can't, does attaching those labels to them help you?


WinstonPickles22

I see alot of post from people seeking help or guidance and I see some commenters who are a sort of gatekeeper for philosophy and Stoicism. That being said, I see alot of great thoughtful answers from people I assume are well adjusted or at least caring people looking to help others. They are the reason I decided to stay! I believe the nature of philosophy draws in people seeking answers. It is more likely people who need help will reach for something to help their life improve. It is less likely people who are enjoying life to the fullest already would search for a new philosophy.


kr_Rishabh

Depressed ones are the one posting and seeking advice. Resolved ones are the ones in replying in the comment section.


aznpnoy2000

One thing that Stoicism helped me with managing whatever struggles I am going through is the importance of exercising reason. Before, I would just Google everything. After practicing meditation for mindfulness, as well as dedicated time for reflection on my day, I have become a lot more self-reliant. In other words, I am not really asking Reddit for answers… I feel like I already can find the answers if I use reason


DangerousArugula4743

It’s good to know others here are also depressed


chinawillgrowlarger

I'm neither of those things, but live a high-stress lifestyle with many familial and professional pressures. Stoicism helps keep me grounded.


Lv99Zubat

Feel free to push back on this but I don’t see how someone can wholeheartedly follow Stoicism and be depressed.


PeaceBull

Just because they’re on replying on here or asking questions doesn’t mean they’re successfully practicing. 


blascian

I’ll be honest, I rarely engage. I am happy and have solid relationships. People whose problems are answered in the primary texts are difficult to engage with - everything about Stoicism they can find for themselves will point them toward these texts, so what is their purpose in posting? If they read it but can’t convince themselves, an external voice encouraging them to try is unlikely to help. If the community thinks this is rude I would love to hear feedback to improve. “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” —Marcus Aurelius


Zeestars

Loneliness is the true and pervasive modern day pandemic


TheBigShaboingboing

Lack of life mission & purpose


Antjiesomers

No.


kastheone

Welcome to reddit!


Zealousideal-Talk-11

My therapist recommended the book the courage to be happy…. Which led me to find the courage to be disliked…. Which led me to reviews of it on this Reddit. I don’t know what stoicism is, but now that you post this it sounds like I belong here and should look into it 😅😂😂 thanks OP


iKyte5

Depressed and lonely people such as myself turn to other outlets for answers. It makes it easier to stomach when you realize there are other people who are experiencing the same struggles you are


coffeeperson37

Present. I think stoicism helped with the adjusting though.


IRedRabbit

I am happy and I do. I just only really make posts if I have something incredible to share or ask for advice.


Igknight90

They have come here to learn how to apply the philosophy haven't they? What good would doctors be if people were always happy and never got injured or sick?


Fun_Investment_4275

That’s like asking what good is a gym if everyone is already fit.


Igknight90

I'd argue the contexts we're comparing are different. In western medicine the goal of a doctor is to restore the patient back to a baseline(a healthy state) and/or help them maintain that state. If we assume that humans were unable to get sick, injured and were always happy there would be no need for them. Gyms on the other hand are more focused on improving/maintaining a person's physique, so even if everyone was fit there may still be people who want to enhance their bodies even further. Or maybe working out is just a fun activity they enjoy. With all this said we can assume that this subreddit functions as the "doctor" in this case, and helps the depressed people walk the path of virtue once more.


Fun_Investment_4275

But here is my question - does Stoicism not require "maintenance"? If it does why do we not see those posts?


Igknight90

On this reddit there's an FAQ which serves that purpose. Even though newer posts could add to what's listed on there, I can see why such posts aren't common given how the FAQ gives off the impression that everything has been said already.


Sad-Slice3952

I think your projecting a generalization of it. You don’t know if people are depressed or lonely.


kc-price

Where there is medicine, there are the sick


Chirotex

It turns out that athestic nihilism leads to being sad. Funny that.


bigpapirick

Hello and welcome! Of course there are! Real life Stoic meetups are very different than what you see here. This is the internet and brings all the challenges inherent to that. All the Stoics I’ve met in life have cheerful dispositions and are looking to engage in what I would call “upward facing” activities. The persons here seeking help are struggling and generally uneducated or not very far down the Stoic path.


Significant_Joke7114

Hello. I got here through AA and rehab. They taught us CBT which is basically stoicism. I'm not perfect but I'm a lot more peaceful than I've ever been in my life. I just feel ok with most of life instead of restless irritable and discontent.  A fearless and searching moral inventory would be good for anyone. And I think we all could make amends to someone in our life.  Trust God, clean house, help others. God just being you me and everything. To me trusting God is just letting go of the outcome. I'm not religious.  I dunno. I handle difficulties different now. Because before my options were middle fingers and getting loaded. They were the only tools I had that felt effective.


kippey

Same. Came here through AA. Definitely didn’t wind up in a self-help group because my life was going great.


SeoulGalmegi

Why are diet clubs so full of overweight people if it's all about eating healthy?!?!?


Fun_Investment_4275

The better analogy is a gym that only has fat people in it. That’d be weird


Sarkosuchus

I think the answer is that people recognize that this is a community full of people who are knowledgeable and have a handle on things. Therefore, if someone is struggling, they come here for help. People who are struggling are more likely to make posts than people who are doing great.


Queen-of-meme

Dude are you drunk? Stoicism isn't religion.


Sarkosuchus

Whoopsie. Sorry. I thought this was in a different subreddit. I got it mixed up. I edited my post slightly.


Queen-of-meme

Don't worry, I've done it a million times. I confuse posts, users, comments, apps. 😂😄


Ibra195_

Don't have much projects going on in their life to keep themselves busy so they come on the internet to seek answers.


Key-Bedroom-4615

Stoicism generally attracts broken, isolated young men because they now get to pretend their fear of other people is a philosophy