Call it radical acceptance, stoicism, or cynicism, I'm not fully sure what any of it means in a modern sense. Fortunately, I don't think most others do either. I recommend just using whatever works.
I think I was a little too cynical earlier in life, but you're right: it keeps you from being disappointed. But that armor is heavy, too.
These days, stoicism and radical acceptance have helped me navigate the world as it is, not as I want it to be. A few lessons from Buddhism and Abrahamic religions slides in there too, rounding out the idea that I can't control everything, but the things I can control, I should try to influence in some positive way.
Basically, I am the Serenity Prayer writ large, but agnostic/atheistic. Weird spot to be in!
Happy new year!
I think I was a little too cynical earlier in life, but you're right: it keeps you from being disappointed. But that armor is heavy, too.
These days, stoicism and radical acceptance have helped me navigate the world as it is, not as I want it to be. A few lessons from Buddhism and Abrahamic religions slides in there too, rounding out the idea that I can't control everything, but the things I can control, I should try to influence in some positive way.
Basically, I am the Serenity Prayer writ large, but agnostic/atheistic. Weird spot to be in!