The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers

by Eric Weiner

Let’s examine how a faulty emotion is born. It starts with a reflexive reaction (called “pre-emotions” or “proto-passions”) to an external event (an “impression” in Stoic-speak). We stub our toe, then scream. We get stuck in traffic, then curse. This is natural. We are human after all. That initial shock is not an emotion but a reflex, like blushing when you’re embarrassed. It becomes an emotion when you “assent” to it, the Stoics say. When you assent, you elevate its status from reflex to passion. All of this happens quickly, in a flash, but none of it happens without our permission. Every time we choose to honor, and amplify, these negative proto-passions we are choosing unhappiness. Why in the world, ask the Stoics, would you want to do that? We must sever the link between impression and assent. This is where the Socratic pause—the “Mighty Pause,” I call it—comes in handy. Says Epictetus: “Be not swept off your feet by the vividness of the impression, but say, ‘Impression, wait for me a little. Let me see what you are and what you represent. Let me try you.’ ” Only when we realize our reaction to hardship is not automatic but a choice can we begin to make better choices.