Philosophy

Capitalism Is Officially Pimping Out Stoicism

Bro’s have infiltrated

Photo by Jodie Cook on Unsplash

Stoicism has undergone a significant renaissance in the last 5 years. Quotes from thousands of years ago by Seneca and Marcus Aurelius have officially entered the public ether. I can see why…this over-practical philosophy which takes on anxiety and destiny suspiciously fits with our times.

But it’s not all good. Capitalists have officially absorbed Stoicism by commodifying it for its own agenda. Here’s an example.

Memento Mori

Recently, Gary Vaynerchuk, a prominent financial influencer, spoke about “Memento Mori” (Remember Death), one of the main tenets of Stoicism, and even held up his official Memento Mori coin to remember that death is always near.

In this case, it may be the deepest perversion of Stoicism that I’ve yet to see.

Here, “Memento Mori” is being confused with “Carpe diem” or “Seize the day” when in fact they are opposites.

“Memento Mori” does not remind one of death as a motivator to hustle, grind, and stay so busy acquiring as much as you can while you’re alive.

“Memento Mori” is about taking the time to slow down and enjoy life, not fill it with endless pursuit and desire for wealth…