Apatheia, in ancient Stoic philosophy, is a mental state free from emotional disturbance caused often by fears and desires, and therefore capable of reason and clear judgment. It isn't apathy or indifference, with which the word "Stoic" is too often associated. It is rather characteristic of an ideal mental condition in which decisions are intelligently made, according to nature. Care and concern therefore are typical of apatheia-- one is concerned to make the appropriate decision and takes care to do so.
The ancients knew apatheia was difficult to achieve, and so recommended that the aspiring Stoic engage in what Pierre Hadot called "spiritual exercises." He believed that what are known as the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are examples of the Emperor performing such exercises, calling to mind Stoic maxims and applying them to day to day life.
I think it's clear that obtaining apatheia requires considerable and discipline and effort. I also think we'd benefit enormously if mistakes of us obtained it. I wonder, though, if it can be achieved in today's world.
It seems to me we're perpetually disturbed in these sad times, and that our society and technology fosters disturbance. We thrive on outrage. Traditional and social media encourage it and spread it. Our so-called leaders seem incapable of rational thought, though it's possible they've simply abandoned it, or no longer believe it's of any use in persuading or leading a populace which itself appears unable to exercise judgment, merely want to be told what to do and are incensed if what they're told to do doesn't work.
Is it possible that AI may turn out to be our salvation? We seemingly no longer want to take the time to think; perhaps we no longer can think, not in any real sense--not as needed to resolve problems. I suspect we'd be more than happy to let AI do it for us.
Perhaps we've reached the point where only AI is capable of achieving apatheia, as it would be less subject to emotional dusturbance.
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