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We All Have A Part To Play
A Stoic approach to meaninglessness and angst
Caleb Ontiveros
February 17, 2025
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🏛️ Theory
Today people are free of many constraints of the past. This opens up many paths one can take in life. Indeed, it seems like who you are–your personal identity–is a matter of choice.
For some, this is liberating, but for many, it brings out a sense of anomie and rootlessness. With freedom comes disorder and the lack of belonging.
Someone who could be anyone feels like no one. Every role they take on is temporary. They can discard it at a moment's notice and so it never takes hold.
Ancient role ethics is a solution to this problem. We come into the world, not as atomic units waiting to be defined but as humans, children, and siblings. We develop into citizens, neighbors, coworkers, and parents. Some of these social bonds are completely unchosen. Others we form ourselves. Both define who we are.
It’s a simple recognition that can provide meaning and direction to a life. The appearance of the ability to completely define your own identity is an illusion. Yes, many of our choices do define us, but many of our roles are not chosen. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you have parts to play.
Even deeper, for the Stoics, we’re fundamentally social and rational animals. We can’t change that. If other roles call us to violate that – don’t fulfill them. Our job is to think and live well with others.
That means becoming excellent: humans, children, parents, citizens, coworkers, neighbors, and becoming who you are.
🎯 Action
Consider what roles in your life give it meaning.
🔗 Links
🖋️ Learn more about Stoic role ethics:
🪷 The Chinese philosophy of Confucianism also places a high value on social roles
📰 An interesting article from Leah Greenfield defending a related idea: The West’s Struggle for Mental Health.
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