Some things are up to us, some things are not up to us.
It’s amazing how simple the sentence sounds, right?
But it’s so true.
If you can live it, if you can accept it, you will have less stress in your life.
In Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, I spoke with Henry Manampiring; author of a book about
Stoicism called ‘Filosofi Teras’, which became a national bestseller and Book of the Year 2019.
This short documentary explores why many Indonesians seem to be interested in an ancient philosophy
from the West.
I met Henry in a restaurant in one of Jakarta's business districts, where we enjoyed some
authentic Padangnese dishes.
But before we even shook hands, our Stoicism was already put to the test.
One of the major obstacles in Jakarta is traffic.
Especially during rush hour, the metropolis turns into one big traffic jam.
Even though I felt some agitation because my taxi arrived too late in order to drive
to my destination with the speed of a snail; I quickly remembered that the traffic nor
the arrival at my destination nor Henry's reaction to me being late is within my control.
Therefore, it is futile to worry about these things.
But, Henry was late as well.
Also because of the traffic, that turned out to be dysregulated because of student protests.
Funnily enough he told me that Stoicism helped him to cope with Jakarta's traffic that he
has to confront on a daily basis.
Jakarta’s traffic is notorious.
I used to get mad, like, literally mad, all the time if I got stuck in traffic.
I’ve become much calmer now.
Traffic no longer bothers me.
Filosofi Teras - the title of Henry's book - is Indonesian for Philosophy of the Porch.
So, my intention was to make the first popular book; very accessible in this language - not
very academic - for general Indonesian laymen to have a taste of the Stoic philosophy.
And the reason why I wrote it is exactly because no such book has existed before.
In the middle of a clinical depression, Henry discovered Stoicism.
When he put this philosophy into practice he managed to overcome his depression.
So, about two years ago I was diagnosed a depressive disorder.
That’s clinical, like, real clinical definition of depression and I was on medication.
And actually during the course of therapy when I discovered Stoicism - first from Massimo
Pigliucci’s book ‘How To Be A Stoic’ - that’s how I feel that the philosophy
helps me greatly, to the point that I recover so fast I can be off medication very quickly.
Even my psychiatrist was surprised.
The popularity of Henry's book intrigued me, mainly because Indonesia's religious circumstances seem
to make it unlikely.
The country is home to the largest Islamic population in the world, that lives alongside
Catholics, Protestants, Hindus, Buddhists & Confucianists.
Religion plays a very important role in Indonesian culture.
Blasphemy is illegal.
I fully realized when I wrote that book whether there will be concern.
Concern is already a very soft word.
There is nothing - at least as far as I could see - there is nothing against the most common
religious teachings.
In fact it has to be compatible because I don’t see any religion that forbids people
to be less angry, to be less violent, to be less stressed, to be less jealous of your
neighbour.
I mean: those things are good, right?
And I guess until now, it’s almost a year, since the book first came out, I haven’t got any protests.
Seriously.
The fact that a book about Stoicism became a national bestseller indicates that many
Indonesians are open minded enough to welcome a Western philosophy that is alien to the
current religious landscape.
I focus especially on the ‘ethics-side’ of the philosophy, which is how we should live.
In particular how you manage negative emotions.
So I think managing negative emotions is a very universal subject.
I think a lot of people want to know more.
And here is a source that is not based on religion so anyone - anyone from any background
- can access it.
A lot of these teachings are a matter of practice.
So yeah, I think that’s why a lot of the readers find it interesting and, more importantly, useful.
Stoicism and religion don't have to exclude each other.
In fact: the Indonesian case proves that Stoic philosophy can even enrich an existing religious experience.
The book actually makes them even appreciate their religion more.
Some of them say: hey this book actually sheds a new light on how I should practise my religion.
Which is very interesting.
Or secondly they say: its alignment exactly reminds me of the basic tenets of my own faith
so there is no conflict there.
In Indonesia's current political climate and the presence of religious tensions, Stoicism
can surely help.
Its teachings can inspire people to be more tolerant and manage anger over unpopular opinions
or belief systems.
And don't forget the mundane aspects of life that all citizens of the global village seem
to wrestle with.
Things like work, unfriendly people, financial problems, relationships and, of course, the
horror of traffic jams.
My hope is that my book will inspire if not other authors to write on the subject or at
least it may encourage publishers to translate popular books in the West, like the works
of Massimo Pigliucci or Donald Robertson, into the Indonesian language.
If that happens then we may see a traction - growth in terms of people being interested.
But otherwise I think it will remain very small.
But, his book Filosofi Teras surely built a bridge between the Indonesian people and
the treasures of Hellenic philosophy.
Thank you for watching.