The World a Mess, but What "Can" We Do?
Ever feel like the world is broken? Like everything’s unfair, and most people are just full of it—lying, cheating, and pretending? You’re not alone. Growing up, we’re told to trust, to believe in goodness, but then reality hits: deception is everywhere, and it’s easy to feel like there’s no point in trying. So, what do we do? How do we keep going when it seems like there’s no hope?
Here’s the thing: maybe the answer isn’t about fixing the world. Maybe it’s about finding a way to live with purpose, even in the mess. Let’s explore how ancient wisdom—specifically, Stoicism—can help us do that. It’s not a magic fix, and it’s not for everyone, but it’s a toolkit that’s helped people for centuries. Maybe it can help you too.
The world just is
The world just is. People lie, systems fail, and life isn’t fair. But labeling it as “bad” doesn’t help. It just makes us feel stuck. Instead, what if we focus on how we respond to it?
Stoicism teaches us to look at what we can control and accept what we can’t. It’s not about ignoring the problems—it’s about finding peace and meaning despite them.
Stoicism 101: Five Principles to Survive the Chaos
Stoicism isn’t about being cold or pretending everything’s okay. It’s about facing reality and finding strength within yourself. Here are five Stoic ideas to help you deal with life’s mess:
Control What You Can, Accept What You Can’t
- What it means: Some things are up to you—like your thoughts, choices, and actions. Other things—like what people say or do—aren’t. Focus on what you can change and let go of the rest.
- Example: You can’t make someone tell the truth, but you can be honest yourself. You can’t stop a bad day, but you can decide how to handle it.
- Why it matters: Worrying about stuff you can’t control wastes energy. Sticking to what you can do brings calm.
This is tough. We all want to fix everything. But try this: next time someone annoys you, ask, “Can I change this?” If not, let it go. It’s a small step to feeling less stressed.
Virtue is the Only True Good
- What it means: Things like money, popularity, or even health don’t make life good or bad. What matters is your character—being honest, kind, strong, and fair.
- Example: Helping a friend feels better than buying something new. Being real is worth more than looking cool online.
- Why it matters: Stuff outside you can disappear. Your character stays with you and gives you pride.
We’re told happiness comes from winning or getting likes. But those fade. Being a good person lasts. Try focusing on one kind act today instead of chasing something temporary.
Master Your Emotions Through Reason
- What it means: Feeling angry or scared comes from how you think about things. Look at the situation clearly, and you can calm down.
- Example: Someone ignores your text. Instead of freaking out, think: “Maybe they’re busy.” It’s not always about you.
- Why it matters: Emotions hit hard, but they don’t have to control you. Thinking straight keeps you steady.
This isn’t instant. Next time you’re upset, pause. Ask: “Is this worth my energy?” If it’s not, shift your focus. It’s about managing, not hiding, how you feel.
Memento Mori (Remember You Will Die)
- What it means: Life doesn’t last forever. Knowing that helps you care about what’s real, not petty stuff.
- Example: Skip arguing over small things. Spend time with people you like or do something that matters to you.
- Why it matters: Time’s short. Don’t waste it on nonsense—live with purpose.
It sounds heavy, but it’s freeing. If today was your last, would you stress about that dumb comment online? Probably not. Use that to refocus on what counts.
Live in Harmony with Nature
- What it means: Life has ups and downs. Accept that instead of fighting it, and you’ll feel more at peace.
- Example: You can’t stop bad news, but you can choose how to deal with it. People mess up—don’t expect perfection.
- Why it matters: Pushing against what’s natural makes you miserable. Going with it builds strength.
This means seeing life as it is, not as you wish it was. Bad stuff happens. You can’t change that, but you can change how you react. That’s power.
Finding Meaning When Hope Feels Lost
How do we keep going when everything seems pointless? Stoicism doesn’t say, “It’ll all be fine.” It says, “You can be fine anyway.” Meaning isn’t out there in the world—it’s in you.
- Grow yourself: You can’t fix everything, but you can improve how you act and think.
- Start small: Be honest today. Help someone. That’s purpose right there.
- Accept the mess: Life’s not perfect, and that’s okay. Keep moving anyway.
Try this: write down one thing you did well today and one thing to work on. It keeps you focused on you, not the chaos.
Real Talk: This Isn’t Simple
Stoicism sounds good, but it’s hard. Letting go of what you can’t control? Tough when you’re mad. Staying calm? Easier said than done. Thinking about death? That can freak you out.
It’s fine to mess up. It’s fine to wonder if this even works. Stoicism isn’t the only answer—maybe it’s not your answer. But it’s a way to try, to shift from feeling helpless to feeling in charge of something.
So, What’s Next?
The world won’t suddenly get fair. People won’t stop lying. But you don’t have to let it ruin you. You can choose what you focus on.
So, ask yourself: What can I control today? Maybe it’s being kind, staying chill, or just getting through. Start there.
We don’t have all the answers. Nobody does. But by focusing on what you can do, being real, and accepting the mess, you might find a bit of peace.
