Stoicism, Refugees, and Human Family

"No man is tired of receiving what is useful. But it is useful to act according to nature. Do not then be tired of receiving what is useful by doing it to others." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.74

The global refugee crisis is a heartbreaking reality that has been making headlines for years. It's an issue that affects millions of people worldwide and has been a hot topic of debate. Millions of people flee their home countries due to war, persecution, and instability. But how can we apply Stoicism to respond to this humanitarian crisis compassionately and effectively? 

While Stoicism does not provide a definite solution on a socio-political level, it can help look at the situation in a more balanced way. It can give perspective and help to put things into proportion. Furthermore, Stoicism can drive ethical decisions concerning refugees and guide individuals on considering it personally as well as a community.

TL;DR

The issue is complex, with valid concerns and criticisms, but that should not be a reason for not helping those in need. Most refugees are neither criminals nor terrorists and deserve the chance to live safely and in security. With its virtue ethics, Stoicism strongly advocates helping all humans, as they are our kin. 

What is a refugee?

For later purposes, I'd like to have everyone on the same level of knowledge. Therefore a short definition according to UNHCR:

"Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their homes and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country."

An individual who seeks refuge may be referred to as an asylum seeker until they're granted refugee status by a contracting state or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) when they lawfully apply for it.

How to Treat Refugees

Stoicism claims that humans should behave according to reason. Furthermore, Stoics say that we are made for each other and should act kind toward each other. As cosmopolitans, Stoics think of humankind as a single community. So, when we are one world community and here to help each other, then this means that we should treat every human being with respect and dignity no matter what their origin is. Refugees are our neighbors in the cosmopolis, and due to misfortune, they need our help.

But let's explore this in greater depth to enhance our understanding.

Acting according to reason - the Rational and Social Animal

"As to the animals which have no reason, and generally all things and objects, make use of them with a generous and liberal spirit, since you have reason and they have none. But towards human beings, as they have reason, behave in a social spirit." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.23

"To the rational animal the same act is according to nature and according to reason." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.11

What differentiates us from other animals is our faculty of reasoning. As humans, we can use our brains like no other living being on mother earth. Therefore, we should "behave in a social spirit" toward other humans. That's humanity. That's rational. And that's consistent with human nature and the four Stoic virtues.

• Justice: It's just to help others in need, fleeing from war, death, and destruction.
• Temperance: It requires temperance as a society to give something without receiving something at first. On a personal level, it helps us to regulate our first impressions and impulses toward refugees and encourages us to use our capacity for reason. Temperance is the virtue that breaks our emotional automatism and helps us act more carefully.
• Courage: Helping people we don't know and often don't understand due to different languages requires a lot of courage. It is a natural tendency to be cautious of people we do not know, and large refugee waves can lead to a feeling of insecurity as well as uncertainty. These emotions spring out of fear which is deeply rooted in our human nature. That's quite natural, and no one should be ashamed of having such feelings. Luckily there's Stoicism and the virtue of courage to help with that.
• Wisdom: Last but not least, there is wisdom. It helps us to apply the other virtues and to make decisions based on reason and rationality.

Just four things to consider so far. Pretty simple, huh?

Uniting the Human Family: Stoicism and the World Community

"The intelligence of the universe is social." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 5.30

"No man will hinder you from living according to the reason of your own nature: nothing will happen to you contrary to the reason of the universal nature." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.58

"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

Stoics are cosmopolitans and see all humans as a part of a great cosmic community. This means they are not bound to the norms of a single society or time but only by the principle of reason.

Additionally, Hierocles' circles of concern provide valuable insight into how to apply this idea of a cosmopolitan community to practical matters. Let's think of the world as our most extended circle and humanity as a single organism. From this perspective, it is our duty to extend our care outwards from the innermost circles of family and friends to encompass the entire world.

That's a beautiful expansive outlook on life, isn't it?

Conclusion:

We should help refugees and have an established welcome policy in our countries for all people who must flee their home countries. Our duty, as rational beings, is to treat refugees with compassion and empathy, regardless of political or social issues. More than that, the virtue of justice requires helping them. Like us, every human deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Just imagine others would close their doors when you need help. 

Of course, this is an amazingly complex issue that requires thoughtful consideration and practical solutions at all levels. But ultimately, these should be guided by reason and rationality instead of emotional overreactions. Fears and worries should be acknowledged but shouldn't govern our decisions. Those emotions should never be the reason for not helping others in need.

But hey, that's too simple; our political systems are too complicated, and you underestimate the sheer amount of problems and conflicts coming with this attitude. We can't welcome everyone. - That could be a response, so let's take some time and consider possible criticism.

A joyful journey: Stimulating Stoic Thoughts with Criticism

"When any one, then, assents to what is false, be assured that he doth not wilfully assent to it, as false; for, as Plato affirms, the soul is unwillingly deprived of truth;* but what is false appears to him to be true." Epictetus, Discourses 1.28

In order to have a well-rounded understanding, it's important to make room for critical voices regarding the Stoic perspective. Let's dig in.

Too idealistic

Critics might argue that the Stoic way of thinking is too idealistic and not applicable in reality. The political systems are too complex, and the Stoic emphasis on compassion, empathy, as well as rationality makes things even more complicated or is simply not applicable.

Answer:

Maybe, but complexity can't be a reason for not helping people. Especially when complexity is made by humans, we also have the power to reduce complexity. Surely, that's not possible everywhere, but still, it is possible. What's more reasonable and human? Helping people or complaining that complexity is too high? We can prepare today for the next crisis; then, we wouldn't be so surprised next time. That's the way to go.

Money, Money, Money

It's all about money. Isn't it? Many critics will argue that there are too many refugees or we can't afford it. Propagated by the enemies of refugees, people in the host countries often feel unfairly treated. I mean, hey, why give strangers money when I need it too?

Answer:

Is money a reason for letting others down? Is it really an issue, or is money just unequally distributed? Could this imbalance lead to a feeling of unfairness or social injustice? And don't forget refugees don't flee voluntarily (please look at the definition at the beginning). They flee because of war and persecution. As rational and social beings, it is more appropriate to help others than to value money over them. As mentioned above, we can prepare ourselves and create savings for that. If you disagree, what's your opinion on the Stoic virtues?

Crime and Terror

Another criticism of the Stoic perspective on refugee policy is that it fails to consider the potential risks and negative consequences that could arise from welcoming refugees. Quite often, it is argued that allowing a large number of refugees could increase crime and terrorism.

Answer

While these concerns are valid and should be taken seriously, it is important to note that the vast majority of refugees are not terrorists or criminals. Refugees are often some of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society, and they may face discrimination and mistreatment in their countries of origin. So, there are risks, but we also have to trust that our judicial system will handle this small amount of lawbreakers.

Reason, rationality, and compassion - let's make an impact

"Take care that you are not made into a Caesar, that you are not dyed with this dye, for such things happen. Keep yourself then simple, good, pure, serious, free from affectation, a friend of justice, a worshipper of the gods, kind, affectionate, strenuous in all proper acts. Strive to continue to be such as philosophy wished to make you. Revere the gods, and help men. Life is short. There is only one fruit of this terrene life – a pious disposition and social acts." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.30

In the words of Epictetus, "the soul is unwillingly deprived of truth," and it is our duty as rational beings to seek truth and act in the interest of the common good. Let us treat refugees (and their critics) with reason, rationality, and compassion, and let the Stoic virtues guide our decisions. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a better world for all.