Everybody seems to be worried these days. In fact, politicians are locking down the economy because they are worried about people getting sick. The people are so worried that they are avoiding any interaction with other human beings. Mad Magazine had the right idea. So did the Stoics. What the hell are we worried about? The Stoics deal with disastrous stuff by ignoring it and expecting it. Amor Fati contemplates understanding that fate dictates what will happen, and we should expect the worst. If the worst doesn’t happen, we have nothing to worry about. If it does, accept it and move on. If you can’t move on, you are dead anyway. Monty Python also covers the topic with the crucifixion scene in “Life of Brian”. I use the song as my ringtone so that I will constantly be reminded of it. “Always look on the bright side of life”. Some thought a movie that poked fun at organized religion was sacrilegious. But, think about human tragedy, and then tell me whether it does any good to be miserable all the time? Why are you worrying about stuff over which you have no control?
The Daily Stoic quotes a World War I soldier with a perfect real world example of the power of Amor Fati. Accept whatever fate brings you. It could always be worse. And, if it kills you, you no longer have any worries. This is a practical real world philosophy that can help you see the futility of worry and anxiety.
“If you are a soldier, you are either:
(1) at home or (2) at the Front.
If (1), you needn’t worry.
If (2), you are either (1) out of the danger zone or (2) in it.
If (1), you needn’t worry.
If (2), you are either (1) not hit, or (2) hit.
If (1), you needn’t worry.
If (2) you are either (1) trivial or (2) dangerous.
If (1), you needn’t worry.
If (2), you either (1) live or (2) die.
If you live, you needn’t worry: and – If you die, YOU CAN’T WORRY!!
So why worry?”