the meaning behind “Stoic Polymath studios”: What’s in a Name, Part 1

Stoic Polymath Studios originated in my mind as what I would want go by if I ever became talented enough at miniature painting to have an actual “studio.” I was inspired by other painters I’ve learned from like Cutthroatcure, Brush for Hire, Brandon Paints, or Synchroneyess Miniature Painting. I thought about this for about a year, and over time the idea grew from just being an online gallery of artistic work to a comprehensive creative space where I could explore all my interests. It would include a blog and an opportunity to market myself as both a professional and scholar as I try to publish more.

But what do you call a site like this? Just going with “johnathanproctor.com” did not feel adequate; and with a somewhat unique spelling to my name, it also seemed like a recipe for disaster. I wanted something more expressive. Over time—influenced partially on what names were available across multiple social media platforms—I came to land on Stoic Polymath Studios. Each word in this name connects to me in a meaningful way…

“Stoic”

Somewhere in early 2023, I listened to a Hidden Brain podcast entitled “Minimizing Pain, Maximizing Joy” which featured author William Irvine discussing elements of his recent book The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer and More Resilient. Intrigued by the episode, I bought the book and was introduced to the idea of having a philosophy of life. I devoured the book. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression throughout my life, and I found that the tenets of Stoic philosophy resonated with me more than anything else I had ever come across. Many of the concepts were similar to things I had been exposed to in the past, but the books on Stoic philosophy somehow made them more clear. It might have been the time and space that a book often has to truly explain something, let you digest it, and then re-read it later on to extract more. As I tried to apply Stoic thinking to my life, the impact was amazing.

In the Spring of 2023, I was in the last six months of my research fellowship at the National Intelligence University. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I desperately wanted to be able to stay there as a faculty member. However through the many complexities of government hiring and personnel regulations, that simply was not going to be the case. I had applied to positions with no luck, automatically rejected by the system despite assurances that I would be eligible to apply. I talked to University leadership and to the ODNI HR representative there. It got me nowhere, and fighting against the system felt hopeless and depressing. Eventually, I came to apply two core Stoic principles to my thinking, and they changed everything.

First, I considered the dichotomy of control (or what William Irvine breaks out into the trichotomy of control). Some things are within our power to control, some thing we have some power to influence, and some things are completely outside of our control. Anger and fighting against those things that simply are outside of our control is all wasted energy and negative emotion. The hiring practices and policies of ODNI were outside of my control, and fighting against it as much as I might want to would not change that. I later learned that I was facing what Massimo Pigliucci explains as an un-preferred indifferent. I preferred a different system, but the system that existed was completely indifferent to that. I came to understand that I needed to accept this and focus on what was within my control.

Second, I considered the “last day” principle. There will be a last day and a last time for everything we do. There will be a last day we occupy a job, embrace a loved one, play a favorite game, or anything else. Death is the guarantor of this principle. So I came to recognize that, even if I was able to be hired on at NIU and work there for years, there would still be a last day that I would come onto the campus and work there. Through factors completely outside of my control, I simply knew exactly when my assignment ended and when my last day would be. The one thing completely within my control was how I treated each and every day of the time left to me. I could get as much out of the next six months as I possibly could. I could relish in the solitude to pursue deep thinking. I could embrace the ability to work more often at home (an extremely rare perk in my field). I could take advantage of every lecture, special event, and opportunity afforded me while I had it. Most importantly, I could focus my attention on creating the best possible research monograph possible. My outlook during the next six months was radically changed. I was so much happier than I had been. I felt less depressed about things. I found a renewed drive in my work and engagements. I cherished the ability to teach at a graduate level while I could. Applying Stoic thinking to my life had been more effective in dismissing negative emotion and finding happiness than any counselor I had met with or drug that could be prescribed.

In the two years since that time, I have continued to read and study Stoic philosophy. I find myself now just about ready to move beyond the seminar books that guide you through the Stoics and begin getting into the primary sources. A copy of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations sits on my book shelf ready for attention. More importantly, I have continued apply stoic philosophy in my life to approach and navigate problems . In the spirit of Irvine’s book The Stoic Challenge, “setbacks” are now opportunities, blessed upon me to help me practice applying. I am able to find joy in more moments. I cherish moments with my children more deeply, knowing that they will not always be this age. It is by no means perfect. I still find myself getting angry at things completely beyond my control—especially when commuting in the greater D.C. area! I still deal with anxiety and depression. I still react with negative emotions to setbacks. Nevertheless, I have found myself better able to deal with these challenges. I can also see Stoic principles in so many places or recognize when others could benefit from them. When I hear motivational speakers or listen to other Hidden Brain podcasts, I can see where Stoicism is present even if it is not an explicit or acknowledge source.

I may not yet be a true Stoic, but Stoic tranquility is an ever present goal for me. I am working through developing a true philosophy of life, and when I think about the answer to that ever possible interview question of “so where do you see yourself in five years,” I can say confidently that my answer will include “living a life in accordance with my values.” Stoic philosophy, writings, and principles will be a significant part of what I want to write about. I have found that being a Stoic requires constant practice and application. I can’t just read a book and be done with it. I need to reflect, think, and write things down. My sincere hope is that, over time, my journey might be of benefit to somebody else.