This is a popular quote by Epictetus, one of the greatest philosophers to ever live.
If you’ve watched my last video on Stoicism, which I highly recommend you do before you watch
this one, you would understand that at its core it’s the ability to endure pain or hardship,
and the mastering of one’s emotions. When I think of a character who is a great example of this,
I think of Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender. This wise, open-minded, humorous,
humble old man is what many would consider to be, not only one of the most fascinating characters
in the show, but one of the greatest characters in animation. Sure he’s a fictional character,
but his advice is so real and authentic he might as well be based on a real spiritual guru.
I’m personally awed by his expertise in the arts of trust, and patience. In this video,
I will be analyzing his mindset as to how he approaches difficult challenges.
Just like the quote to start this video, he understands that there are some things in life
he can’t control, but he also believes that he’s fully responsible for the parts he can control.
Now, executing this idea in real life situations requires understanding of one’s own strengths,
and weaknesses. One also has to be wise enough to know when to act, and when to be quiet. Though,
be careful not to mistake this for laziness. This isn’t laziness, this is strategy. And sure, this
strategy doesn’t always work, but he perfectly balances the importance of not taking life too
seriously, and treating certain situations with the attention, and seriousness that they require.
It is through this balance that he’s able to get the best of both worlds in his adventures.
There’s one scene where he tells his nephew, Zuko, that there is nothing wrong with a life of peace
and prosperity.
To many, serving tea for a living, and residing in a nice apartment is cool and all, but perhaps not completely satisfying.
However, Iroh is able to truly appreciate the beauty in what many would consider to be small blessings.
We all want money, power, success, and status, and those things are great, don’t get me wrong, but they mean nothing if we
have to sacrifice our happiness to achieve and maintain them. Iroh understands this.
In his words, “Perfection and power are overrated. [It’s wiser] to choose happiness and love.”
Of course, pursuing happiness sounds smart on paper, but in reality the road isn’t easy. Life
throws us challenges and obstacles, and to remain humble, to remain grateful despite that is a test
to anyone’s character. In my opinion, Iroh’s most respectable quality is how he is able to
overcome adversity. When something bad happens to him he’s able to stay calm no matter what. This
isn’t toxic positivity I’m talking about here. This calmness is authentic, and faith-driven. He
doesn’t force this stoic behavior on himself. He doesn’t suppress or ignore his emotions. In fact,
there are moments in the show when we see him tear up, and in one scene he completely breaks down
having to reflect on the day his son passed away. I cannot stress enough that stoicism isn’t about
faking that everything is alright. It's more about how you respond to the many hurdles life throws at
you. Are you going to figure out how to jump over the hurdle, or are you going to quit the race?
After Iroh’s nephew, Zuko, betrays him, he gets thrown in prison. More than being in prison
itself, he’s devastated that a member of his own family would stab him in the back the way he did,
even after everything he did for him. He’s been nothing but patient,
and a loyal friend to Zuko up until this point,
and in the moment it would seem as though his efforts to be good have gone to waste. Most
people would fall into a victim mentality if this happened to them. How can you blame them? However, Iroh doesn’t do that.
Even after being undeservedly thrown in prison, he stays calm about the situation,
and comes up with a plan to escape. Similar to how he lived his whole life,
he uses everything around him to his advantage. He exploits his prison food to bulk up, and
utilizes the equipment in his cell to get his body in shape. The moment he feels the time is right,
he busts himself out.
This comeback story is the epitome of persistence, patience, and confidence.
Of course, this is a cartoon. I’m not saying it’s wise to try and break out of prison. What’s important here is his spirit to never give up.
In these situations it’s easy to lose faith, or trust that things will ultimately work out.
I can recall one scene where Iroh, and Aang are walking through a cave. Iroh
uses a unique metaphor about the beauty of difficulties in life.
Iroh is someone who refuses to fall into despair. He seems to always find a way to give himself,
and others hope in dark situations. Notice how when he’s in prison, he doesn’t suffer.
He pretends that he does, as part of his genius plan, but when nobody is
looking he’s got a cocky smirk on his face, almost as if he appreciates the challenge.
Even when pretty much everything is taken away from him, he finds a way to enjoy his time there.
He doesn’t let this situation take his peace, and happiness away. Because he has already found it
within himself. He understands that everything he needs to break free is already inside of him.
So why should he worry? He’s got this. He knows everyone is a fool for doubting his potential.
He knows that he is the one who is going to get the last laugh. This conviction
makes him an unstoppable character, and when you’re trying to pursue something meaningful,
the real obstacle is controlling your state of mind, not the physical world.
Seneca, an ancient philosopher, once said,
“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
Simply put, if we shine light on an unpleasant situation, we can find the value in it… possibly
even see it as a golden opportunity. This is the mindset of Uncle Iroh, a master stoic.