Part 5/9:
To challenge misconceptions around Stoicism, it’s important to understand that experiencing emotions is not at odds with Stoic ideals. The Stoics argued for emotional engagement—not emotional absence. In Seneca's letters to Lucilius, he emphasizes that the wise person is not free from pain; rather, they possess the strength to withstand it without becoming unmoored from their values and principles. This adaptability does not equate to emotional numbness but instead signifies the capacity to process feelings while remaining true to one’s moral compass.