Cosmopolitanism in Stoic Philosophy: The Path to a More Connected Life
Are you longing for a way to feel more purposeful and in sync with humanity? Do you wonder how cosmopolitanism can help you with that? Join me in exploring how a cosmopolitan worldview can help on the journey toward happiness and contentment.
"...let us blush to have exchanged habits with wild beasts. It is a crime to injure one's country: so it is, therefore, to injure any of our countrymen, for he is a part of our country; if the whole be sacred, the parts must be sacred too. Therefore it is also a crime to injure any man: for he is your fellow-citizen in a larger state. What, if the hands were to wish to hurt the feet? or the eyes to hurt the hands? As all the limbs act in unison, because it is the interest of the whole body to keep each one of them safe, so men should spare one another, because they are born for society. The bond of society, however, cannot exist unless it guards and loves all its members." Seneca, Of Anger, 31
TL;DR
Cultivating a cosmopolitan worldview can help us on our journey toward happiness. By embracing our global citizenship, we can tap into a sense of belonging on a larger scale while also addressing some of the world's most pressing issues. Through this perspective, we can create meaningful connections with others and work together to build a better future for everyone. It's not just an ideal of Stoicism, but something we can practice day by day.
What is Cosmopolitanism in Stoicism?
"If our intellectual part is common, the reason also, in respect of which we are rational beings, is common. If this is so, the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do, is also common. If this is so, there is a common law also. If this is so, we are fellow-citizens. If this is so, we are members of some political community. If this is so, the world is in a manner a political state. For of what other common political community will anyone say that the whole human race are members? And from there, from this common political community, come also our very intellectual faculty and reasoning faculty and our capacity for law or else from where do they come?" Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.4
In general, cosmopolitanism is the idea that all people are members of one world community. We share the same capacity for reasoning among all human beings and thus should acknowledge each other's rights. Stoics argue that we are not only citizens of a specific country or state but citizens of the cosmos. Those who live in the cosmic city are called cosmopolitans. And, like it or not, as we live on the same planet and universe with the same basic capacities, we're all connected.
As all humans belong to the same community, we should act in the interest of everyone, not only those who belong to our own nation or city. Stoics are, therefore, not bound to the norms of one country but consider all decisions with a much broader perspective - always having all humankind in mind and trying to see the full picture instead of just one country.
"Frequently consider the connection of all things in the universe and their relation to one another. For in a manner all things are implicated with one another, and all in this way are friendly to one another. For one thing comes in order after another, and this is by virtue of the active movement and mutual conspiration and the unity of the substance." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.38
The fact that we are interconnected is becoming increasingly apparent through globalization. Humanity wouldn't be the same without the division of labor, for example (at a country and at a global level). Unfortunately, we often don't realize it because we never see the people who produce everything we consume. Instead, we just see a product but never the people behind it. We simply disregard their needs and the fact that those people also have lives, dreams, and desires. It is the responsibility of everyone to take part in this exchange and to contribute positively to our global citizenry.
By doing so, we can ensure that justice and equal rights are done globally.
Is cosmopolitanism realistic?
"Whether the universe is [a random collision of] atoms, or nature [as an ordered system], let this be established first: that I am a part of the whole which is governed by nature; next, I am in a manner intimately related to the parts which are of the same kind as myself. For remembering this, inasmuch as I am a part, I shall be discontented with none of the things which are assigned to me out of the whole; for nothing is injurious to the part if it is for the advantage of the whole. For the whole contains nothing which is not for its advantage. And all natures indeed have this common principle, but the nature of the universe has this principle besides, that it cannot be compelled even by any external cause to generate anything harmful to itself. By remembering, then, that I am a part of such a whole, I shall be content with everything that happens. And inasmuch as I am in a manner intimately related to the parts which are of the same kind with myself, I shall do nothing unsocial, but I shall rather direct myself to the things which are of the same kind with myself, and I shall turn all my efforts to the common interest, and divert them from the contrary. Now, if these things are done so, life must flow on happily, just as you may observe that the life of a citizen is happy, who continues a course of action which is advantageous to his fellow citizens, and is content with whatever the state may assign to him." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.6
Okay, cosmopolitanism is an excellent idea, but is it realistic? Actually, it is impossible to change our current political system. Some too many powerful people have no interest in changing anything. But is that really true? Can't we change anything? Are we really just the victims of the current circumstances?
I don't think so. While it might look like that, we just have to consider the past. After World War II, the United Nations was built to bring all nations around the same table for discussions. A couple of European states were laying the foundation of what later became the EU (both still need improvement, but that's part of the process). Something unimaginable before. A few decades earlier, Europe was governed by monarchs, and no one at this time could have imagined that it could be different. But things changed because people wanted change.
Another argument against a cosmopolitan worldview is often fear that a world-state can quickly become a despotic police state. But those states do exist nowadays as well. So maybe the current system isn't that perfect. And in fact, we "just" have to ensure putting enough control instances in place to avoid a despotic state. Many countries do have this already. Why, then, is it impossible at a global level? What is made by humans can be changed by humans. In fact, it's not even necessary to make everything new or form a global government. Why not consider cosmopolitan ethics in every decision, searching for solutions for the common good and thinking beyond nations (yes, we can keep our beloved countries if we want). Why not search for the right balance on mother earth within our current political system? All roads lead to Rome.
Is it realistic? Yes, definitely. Is it easy? Definitely not.
Benefits of Adopting Stoic Cosmopolitanism
So why should you become a citizen of the world and cultivate such a mindset?
- Connectedness: When you see yourself as a citizen of the world, it can help bring a sense of connectedness and belonging to the global community. Recognizing our shared humanity makes the world seem a little less daunting and foreign, helping you feel you're part of something bigger.
- Gain Wisdom: Considering yourself as a citizen of the cosmopolis can help broaden your perspective and strengthen your self-reflection ability. By that, you become more likely to consider different points of view while expanding your understanding and compassion for other people's cultures and social backgrounds. Expanding your understanding beyond your own viewpoint and interests can lead to a wealth of knowledge gained from the experiences of others. You begin to see the world as it truly is rather than relying on your own limited perspectives.
- Greater empathy: Stoics believe that treating all people with kindness and compassion leads to happiness and a flourishing human life. Being a cosmopolitan can help you develop a more profound sense of empathy as you learn to understand and appreciate people from all walks of life.
- Enhanced well-being: Besides the wealth of wisdom, you'll be more likely to train the other three Stoic virtues (temperance, justice, courage). When you empathize and see things from another's perspective, you become more likely to make just decisions for the benefit of everyone. You train temperance by renouncing certain things for the community's use. Finally, you practice courage by staying true to the Stoic and cosmopolitan values and principles, even when faced with pushback or other adversities. Applying the Stoic virtues will enhance your overall well-being.
Stoic cosmopolitanism is not just an idea or ideal - it's something that can be practiced in your daily life. It encourages us to think beyond our limitations and recognize humankind's interconnectedness. It reminds us that we're part of something bigger. We nourish a sense of happiness and contentment when looking at things from this perspective. And this feeling will grow over time.
"If what philosophers say of the kinship between God and men be true, what has any one to do, but, like Socrates, when he is asked what countryman he is, never to say that he is a citizen of Athens, or of Corinth, but of the universe? For why, if you limit yourself to Athens, do you not farther limit yourself to that mere corner of Athens where your body was brought forth?" Epictetus, Discourses 1.9.1
Become a citizen of the world, break down barriers, build bridges, and foster greater understanding and empathy. Your fellow citizens are waiting for you.
The only limit is your imagination.
