The Key to Maintaining Proper Life Structure PT.1
Discipline is a powerful idea that has fascinated people for thousands of years. It’s often linked with self-control, the ability to keep going when things get tough, and the journey of improving oneself. From ancient religious texts to modern self-help guides, the challenge of mastering our own desires and actions is a theme that appears again and again. But how do we actually build this valuable quality? And why is it considered so important in the first place?
In this post, we will explore how different schools of thought from around the world view the idea of discipline. You'll see that there isn't just one "right" way to understand it. First, I will give you a simple description of each philosophy, and then we'll dive into their unique perspectives on discipline.
1. Stoicism: Discipline as Inner Peace
What is Stoicism?
Stoicism began in ancient Greece. Its core teaching is that true happiness comes from being a virtuous person-acting with wisdom, courage, and justice. Stoics believe that we can't control what happens to us in life. A traffic jam, a rainy day, or a rude comment from someone else are all outside of our power. However, we have complete control over how we respond to these events. The goal of a Stoic is to meet everything in life with a calm and rational mind, without being swept away by negative emotions.
The Stoic View on Discipline:
For the Stoics, discipline was not just about following a strict schedule. It was a tool to live in harmony with the world and to protect your inner peace. They believed that by disciplining your thoughts and judgments, you could avoid being upset by things you can't change.
A great example is the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He used Stoic discipline to remain calm and make wise decisions while leading an empire through wars and crises. He believed that by focusing on your own character and virtue-things you can control-you could find stability in a chaotic world.
Why This Matters for Students:
I personally believe students can greatly benefit from this approach. School life is a mix of things you control, like your study habits, and things you don't, like a surprise pop quiz or a difficult group project partner. Stoic discipline teaches you to focus your energy on your own actions and efforts, and to accept external challenges calmly without letting them ruin your day or your focus.
2. Confucianism: Discipline for a Harmonious Society
What is Confucianism?
Based on the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, this philosophy is all about creating a moral and harmonious society. It places a huge emphasis on ethics, respect for family and elders, and becoming a better person. Key ingredients for this are rituals (proper ways of doing things), strong relationships, and a sense of what is right and wrong.
The Confucian View on Discipline:
In Confucianism, discipline is the glue that holds society together. It’s not just a personal trait but a social duty. This kind of discipline is developed through daily routines, educational practices, and following social rituals-like how you respectfully greet a teacher or participate in a family ceremony.
The idea is that by consistently practicing these disciplined actions, you aren't just going through the motions. You are actually training your character, building virtue, and learning your role in the larger community. When everyone cultivates this personal discipline, it leads to a peaceful, orderly, and respectful society where everyone knows how to act for the common good.
3. Existentialism: Discipline as a Personal Choice
What is Existentialism?
Existentialism is a more modern philosophy that became famous in the 20th century. It suggests that we are all "free" and responsible for creating our own lives. There is no pre-set purpose or "essence" for a human being. Unlike a knife, which is designed to cut (that's its essence), a human is born without a manual. We exist first, and then it's completely up to us to define who we are and what our life means through the choices we make.
The Existentialist View on Discipline:
Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche have a very unique take on discipline. They don't automatically see it as a good thing. For them, discipline only has value if it is a freely chosen commitment that helps you become your "true self."
Let's look at an example with two people:
Person A is deeply motivated and has chosen a life goal-perhaps to become a great musician. They willingly adopt a strict routine of practicing for hours every day. For Person A, this discipline is an authentic expression of their freedom and their chosen "project" in life. An existentialist would applaud this.
Person B, however, is naturally more relaxed and isn't driven by big ambitions. They are perfectly content with a quieter, less structured life. Now, imagine a well-meaning friend forces Person B to follow the same strict routine as Person A, hoping it will "improve" them.
Even though this routine might look productive from the outside, the existentialist would have a problem with it. Why? Because Person B didn't choose it for themselves. This enforced discipline is not an expression of Person B's freedom or authentic self. In fact, it might be preventing them from discovering what they truly want. For the existentialist, true discipline must come from within; it's a tool you use to build the life you have chosen, not a cage you are locked into by others.
Conclusion
As you can see, discipline isn't a one-size-fits-all idea. The Stoics see it as a shield for your inner peace, the Confucians see it as a brick in the foundation of society, and the Existentialists see it as a hammer you must choose to wield yourself to build a life of meaning. Understanding these different perspectives can help us reflect on our own relationship with discipline and how we can best cultivate it in our own lives.