In a recent episode of the podcast, Tanner had the privilege of hosting Michael Tremblay, a seasoned MMA fighter, writer, and the co-creator of the Stoa Stoic Meditations app. Our conversation revolved around the intriguing intersection of sport, particularly MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with Stoic philosophy, and how these disciplines can be pivotal in managing emotions like rage and anger.
Michael's journey in martial arts began at a young age, shaping his view of life significantly. He emphasized that martial arts, beyond being a physical discipline, provided him with a moral and ethical framework. This early exposure to an ethos that combined physical rigor with character development laid the groundwork for his later engagement with Stoicism.
One of the most insightful parts of our discussion was the differentiation between two types of anger. The first type is the quick, reactionary anger that can be triggered by minor daily annoyances or frustrations. This is where physical sports like MMA can be particularly effective. Engaging in these intense physical activities provides an outlet for this kind of anger, acting as a reset button to bring us back to a balanced emotional state.
The second type of anger is deeper and more complex, often tied to feelings of betrayal or profound hurt. This kind of anger isn't as easily dissipated through physical exertion. It's more psychological and requires a different approach. Here, Stoicism's teachings become crucial. Stoicism encourages us to view our past actions and experiences, including our regrets, through a lens of understanding and acceptance. It teaches us to differentiate between what is within our control and what isn't, urging us to focus on the present and how we can improve ourselves from this moment forward.
During our conversation, Michael shared his personal experience with this deeper kind of anger. He highlighted how Stoic philosophy helped him navigate these complex emotions. Stoicism doesn't necessarily eliminate feelings of regret or anger but offers a way to frame them constructively. It's about acknowledging the feelings, understanding their root causes, and then using that understanding to move forward in a positive direction.
We also delved into the teachings of Epictetus, one of the pillars of Stoic philosophy. Michael, who completed his PhD focusing on Epictetus, shed light on the philosopher's life and teachings. He discussed the context in which Epictetus taught - his students were young men destined for political or commercial success, not necessarily dedicated philosophers. This backdrop explains some of the urgency and directness in Epictetus's teachings. He was not just imparting philosophical knowledge but was also trying to instill a lifelong commitment to Stoic principles in his students.
The conversation with Michael Tremblay was enlightening, especially in understanding how Stoicism and martial arts can complement each other in managing emotions and developing character. The physical discipline of sports like MMA can help control immediate, reactionary anger, while the mental discipline of Stoicism provides the tools to deal with deeper, more persistent emotional challenges. Both paths, though seemingly different, converge on the same goal - to live a balanced, virtuous life.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that whether through the physical discipline of martial arts or the mental rigor of Stoicism, the journey towards managing our emotions and improving ourselves is ongoing. It's a path that demands persistence, understanding, and, above all, a commitment to looking inward and moving forward.
