For centuries, humanity has dug and searched for the answer to a simple question: What is happiness? You would think, after so long, that humans would have understood this definition. After generations and generations of research, surely we should have an answer by now: a calculated algorithm, a simple, step-by-step process that we can look at and say, "This is the path to true happiness." » Unfortunately, this is not the case. Philosophers still think and disagree about where true and lasting happiness can be found. Two major theories seek to resolve this problem: stoicism and skepticism. Although stoicism has value, true lasting happiness is more attainable through the practice of skepticism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Skepticism is found to be more realistic than Stoicism, accounts for differences of opinion within all of humanity, and allows its adherents to experience emotions more fully. Stoicism is a school of philosophy explained in the “Handbook of Epictetus”. Stoicism is a way of looking at life, based on the idea that happiness comes through freedom from suffering. According to Epictetus, we can free ourselves from suffering by dividing reality into two parts: things that can be controlled and things that cannot be controlled. The things I can control are only those that are completely mine, like my thoughts, desires, and emotions. Everything else in the world does not belong to me and therefore cannot be controlled. According to the Stoics, if it is not mine, then it is God's, and God will act and pass judgment as He sees fit. “Never say, “I lost it,” but rather, “I gave it back.” “…How does the way the donor requested the return concern you? As long as he gives it, take care of it as something that does not belong to you. » Stoicism challenges its followers to view their earthly possessions and goods as gifts that they borrow. If I know the donation is not mine, then I can accept it when it is taken away from me. This acceptance and indifference towards the outside world will lead to total liberation from all suffering. By taking control of my thoughts and desires and aligning them with nature, I will never be upset, angry or disappointed by what happens to me, because I understand that these things are beyond my control. According to Stoic ideals, suffering occurs when a person's thoughts come into conflict with nature. If I am able to closely follow these ideals, the Stoics claim that I will live a life of perfect peace and serenity. Skepticism is another school of philosophy explored by Hume in his essay “The Skeptic”. » Hume asserts that too many philosophers attempt to find a principle underlying all things, and argues that nature is far too diverse to be categorized into a single characteristic. Skepticism is based on the idea that there are no intrinsic values. “No object is, in itself, desirable or odious, precious or contemptible, except that objects acquire these qualities from the particular character and constitution of the mind which examines them.” The values ​​of any object are not intrinsic to the object itself, but rather to the projected feelings of people. These values ​​are subjective and relative to each person, because what one person may like may be strongly disliked by another. Skeptics believe that life is heavily controlled by fortune, or luck. A person randomly receivesa life and a set of characteristics, and from that moment on, her life will unfold according to the life she has. The greatest luck comes to those who prove themselves to be virtuous, when doing good things comes naturally to them. Accepting that value is relative and beauty is in the eye of the beholder is what skeptics believe will lead to true happiness in life. Skepticism privileges the different opinions, beliefs, and experiences of all people in a more absolute way than stoicism. Skepticism is based on the great diversity of the world, and humanity is one of the most diverse things in it. Music that I love and think is amazing sounds like nails on a chalkboard to any of my peers. The delicacies that make Kuwaitis salivate do not seem appetizing at all to me. Skepticism embraces the fact that there are no absolutes in the world. Even powerful things like good and evil are relative to the perceiver. Things that are perceived by the general public as horrible and bad are not that way for everyone. For Hitler, he was implementing a necessary plan to gain power. For members of Al-Qaeda, they are waging a just war against the enemies of their God. In the modern world, there are countless theories, beliefs and opinions. It is the reality of the world that abstract concepts such as good, evil, beauty and hatred are not inherent, and we project values ​​onto concepts and things as we see fit. Accepting this notion makes it more inclusive, and therefore a better path to happiness. Skepticism embraces this notion, and its inclusion of all humanity makes it more appropriate in the modern world. Additionally, skepticism promotes the idea of ​​refusing to believe until there is proper evidence. Where stoicism teaches acceptance and gentleness, skepticism says to accept desire and emotion, but only after careful consideration. Hume criticizes the Stoics for being too eager to find a principle underlying all things and argues that nature is too diverse. Skepticism looks at the world and recognizes that although everyone sees an object differently, it is important to see the object as it really is and not get confused with the perceptions of others. In my psychology class, we are currently studying the concept of reason and thought. We discussed at length the idea of ​​pre-reflective thinking and how it is harmful to society. Pre-reflective thinking comes from people who do not seek to find evidence to support their beliefs; they do not distinguish their thoughts from knowledge and assumptions. This unfavorable state of mind seems to be what Hume warns his readers against in “The Skeptic.” " "When a philosopher has once seized upon a favorite principle, which perhaps explains many natural effects, he extends the same principle to the whole of creation and reduces all phenomena to it, although by the most violent and the most absurd". These philosophers have fallen victim to pre-reflective thinking and wrongly assume that certain aspects of the world correspond to their principles, when this is not true. The opposite of pre-reflective thinking is reflective thinking. Thinking Reflexive thinking occurs when a person is able to distinguish opinion from judgment and consider evidence from a variety of sources. This reflective thinking is the epitome of skepticism. Skeptics urge their followers to consider all possible options and recognize. that judgment is subjective to the perceiver. This reflective thinking shows how questioning the world around you can actually lead a person to true happiness. When a person is selective in their judgment and examines an idea.