Why kindness is true strength: A lesson from Socrates
We live in a world that often seems loud, fast-paced and ruthless. Those who assert themselves are considered strong. Those who give in or remain friendly are often ridiculed as ‘too soft’.
But have you ever wondered why it's so easy to get angry? Yelling at someone who cuts us off in traffic is a reflex. It happens automatically.
Kindness, on the other hand? Kindness is a choice. And this is where philosophy comes in.
The invisible battle
There is a quote often attributed to Socrates (or Plato) that captures the essence of modern Stoicism:
"Be nicer than necessary to everyone you meet. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle."
This sentence completely changes your perspective.
- The rude waiter? Maybe he just got some bad news from his family.
- The colleague who ignores you? Maybe he's struggling with fears he doesn't show anyone.
- The tailgater on the motorway? Maybe he's just panicking.
We only see the façade. We see the action, but never the background.
Why ‘real men’ are stoics
Stoicism is often misunderstood as ‘insensitivity’. The opposite is true. Being a stoic does not mean being a stone. It means being in control of your reactions.
When you respond to unkindness with unkindness, you allow the other person to dictate your mood. You relinquish control.
But when you are kinder than necessary, you retain the power. You actively choose to show empathy, even when the situation does not call for it. This requires discipline, character and inner peace. These are the attributes of true strength.
Your T-shirt as a reminder
Our shop is not just about clothing. It's about a mindset. When you wear the ‘Real Men Are Stoic’ shirt, it's more than just fabric. It's a reminder to yourself and a signal to those around you.
It reminds you to pause for a moment in stressful situations and ask yourself: Am I being reactive or am I being strong?
Be the person who breaks the cycle of bad moods. Be the rock in the surf. Be kinder than necessary.