How Not to Be Pathetic | Stoic Philosophy & Emotions

The Stoics pursued a mental state called ‘apatheia’ (from which the English word ‘apathy’ derived). They saw this mental state as a condition for living according to nature; the latter is a Stoic’s ultimate goal and virtue. However, the word ‘apathy’ in contemporary language has a different meaning than the Greek ‘apatheia,’ as ‘apathy’ has a pretty negative charge, pointing to a state of emotional numbness.

The Stoic meaning of ‘apatheia’ is different, as it refers to a mind that isn’t disturbed by the passions (or “patheia”), not the absence of emotions altogether. So, being ‘apathetic’ in the Stoic sense means ‘being undisturbed by the passions’ or ‘equanimity,’ a pleasurable state in which we feel emotionally calm and content. But what about the opposite, namely, being ‘pathetic?’ This video explores the roots of patheticness, the harmful consequences, and how we can avoid being pathetic through the lens of Stoic philosophy.

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00:00 - Intro
01:24 - What makes us pathetic?
06:10 - Pathos expained
10:43 - How to stop being pathetic?