Dual Options in Play Current Situation
In the heart of the Roman Republic, two great figures, Cicero and Cato, stood against the tide as Caesar's power began to rise. The Republic, a symbol of their shared values, was already on its decline, yet these men refused to go quietly.
Cicero and Cato, along with Marcus Licinius Crassus, were the significant political players who opposed Caesar as he undermined the Republic. However, Caesar's power was too strong, leaving the two with an impossible choice: accept the bridle (humiliating compliance) or resist against overwhelming odds.
Cicero chose the former, going along with Caesar's takeover. Cato, on the other hand, chose the latter. His resistance, even at the cost of his own life, made a lasting statement. Cato's courage and conviction have been immortalised, inspiring future generations, including the Founding Fathers of the United States, to build a new nation on ideals of freedom and principle.
The choice for a Stoic, as Plutarch once wrote, is between letting the flame burn out or keeping the fire alive. This sentiment is echoed in the lyrics of the Mt. Joy song, which compares the Romans' choice to the choice between letting the flame burn out or keeping the fire alive.
A Stoic fights to preserve what matters most. They do not go quietly along, but actively speak out against corruption and injustices. They act with courage and conviction, not just for themselves, but for principles and future generations.
In a recent interview on the Podcast, Mt. Joy's Matt Quinn discussed performance anxiety, handling success, maintaining artistic integrity, and the influence of Stoic principles on songwriting and life challenges. The books "Courage Is Calling" and "Right Thing, Right Now" offer timeless wisdom on standing for one's principles, providing guidance for those who seek to embody the Stoic spirit.
Whether in the ancient Roman Republic or in modern times, the Republic, whether literal or metaphorical, is important to a Stoic. They understand that what one stands for and believes in is worth fighting for, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The flame may burn low, but a Stoic knows that it can always be rekindled, keeping the fire of resistance and hope alive.
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