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HOW TO MIX STOICALLY | Jeff Hawley stoic - adjective 1 . accepting pains or hardships calmly or without complaint . 2 . not feeling or showing emotion .
We ’ ve all likely heard or even used the term ‘ stoic ’ or ‘ stoically ’ in our everyday language . Perhaps you described your behavior in light of tremendous odds ( or bad luck ) as being ‘ stoic ’ as you calmly took all the knocks that came your way . As readers of my column know , I dig hunting down the roots of words and I especially love it when they have a cool application that might have otherwise gone unnoticed . Well , ‘ stoic ’ doesn ’ t disappoint !
Originally used to describe a school of Hellenistic Philosophy which flourished from the 3rd century BC to roughly the 4th century AD , Stoicism derives from the Stoa Poikile ( a painted mural and porch architectural feature ). One particular Stoa Poikile on the north side of the Agora in Athens was frequented by Zeno of Citium , the founder of the Stoic school , where his followers gathered to discuss the latest philosophy . This time period was a bit of a melting pot of different philosophies and religions and the Bible references Paul ’ s interactions with the Stoics in Acts chapter 17 . Here Luke describes Paul ’ s arrival in Athens around AD 50 and his chats with the Stoics where he quotes Zeno during their exchange . Over time a number of Stoic-flavored ideas were incorporated into Christian thought and nowadays most folks throw the word ‘ stoic ’ around without giving too much thought to its historical beginnings . Aside from the interesting history lesson , I think there are a few very important and helpful bits from the Stoic school that we can bring to bear in best supporting whatever event you are called upon to mix .
While it isn ’ t necessary to know your Stoic hêgemonikon from a hypolêpsis ( the system does get quite deep into the metaphysical
Zeno
weeds at times ), this quote from the opening of Epictetus ’ The Enchiridion clearly states a core Stoic view :
“ Some things are in our control and others are not . Things in our control are opinion , pursuit , desire , aversion , and , in a word , whatever are our own actions . Things not in our control are body , property , reputation , public office , and , in one word , whatever are not our own actions .”
I ’ ll do a bit of live sound MadLibs here for ya and present the Hawley translation :
“ Some things are in our control and others are not . Things in our control are your attitude , your preparation , study of audio basics , etc ., whatever are our own actions . Things not always in our control are the gear we ’ re mixing on , what the band plays , the opinions of the congregation as to the mix , and , in one word ,