Dodo25
07-03-2010, 12:09 PM
“Contrariwise, in Stoicism, strong emotions are avoided. According to this philosophy, they waste time and effort, for fate is beyond human control. Thanks for your attention.”
With these summarizing words, Jeremy finishes his presentation on ‘Stoic and Epicurean Ethics’. The class applauses, and the bell rings on this first day after vacation.
It was an excellent presentation. Nothing else was expected, for Jeremy is an excellent student. He spoke confidently, no notes, no stumbling, nothing unessential. Even the casual joke about the torture scene in ‘Casino Royale’ was well-placed.
Jeremy walks to his desk, perfectly aware of all his movements and facial expressions. He is wearing his mask of indifference, imagining the appalled looks the others would make - if they knew. He could have easily gotten the day off. Yet this presentation wasn’t just a history grade for him. It was the ultimate opportunity to test his lifelong passion for Stoicism. He could deal with the happenings alone and rationally.
He leaves the room, as a girl approaches him.
“I loved your presentation. What’s your stance? Stoicism or Epicureanism?”
Jeremy made eye-contact. Then it happened. He couldn’t tell why. Was it the surprising display of interest? The friendly smile? The direct confrontation? The cruel irony? Whatever triggered it, a flood of images and realizations rushed through his mind. Mechanical failure. The burning plane on his television screen. The police and the unneeded shrink. Absolute, infinite loss.
An awkward laugh escapes his lips, and with wet eyes, Jeremy utters “Stoicism”.
With these summarizing words, Jeremy finishes his presentation on ‘Stoic and Epicurean Ethics’. The class applauses, and the bell rings on this first day after vacation.
It was an excellent presentation. Nothing else was expected, for Jeremy is an excellent student. He spoke confidently, no notes, no stumbling, nothing unessential. Even the casual joke about the torture scene in ‘Casino Royale’ was well-placed.
Jeremy walks to his desk, perfectly aware of all his movements and facial expressions. He is wearing his mask of indifference, imagining the appalled looks the others would make - if they knew. He could have easily gotten the day off. Yet this presentation wasn’t just a history grade for him. It was the ultimate opportunity to test his lifelong passion for Stoicism. He could deal with the happenings alone and rationally.
He leaves the room, as a girl approaches him.
“I loved your presentation. What’s your stance? Stoicism or Epicureanism?”
Jeremy made eye-contact. Then it happened. He couldn’t tell why. Was it the surprising display of interest? The friendly smile? The direct confrontation? The cruel irony? Whatever triggered it, a flood of images and realizations rushed through his mind. Mechanical failure. The burning plane on his television screen. The police and the unneeded shrink. Absolute, infinite loss.
An awkward laugh escapes his lips, and with wet eyes, Jeremy utters “Stoicism”.