As the Ancient Stoics Taught Us: Everything Will Be Okay

We live in truly unprecedented times.

Since the 19th century, the global average life expectancy has more than doubled. In the past, it was very common for parents in Europe, for instance, to lose 3 or 4 children. Today, child mortality rates have declined to 3.8%. Though we still face political and ideological rift that undoubtedly plagues certain communities more than others, on average, the world is far more peaceful today than it used to be. The world’s major populations are no longer at war. For the most part, as many prominent intellectuals have asserted, we live in the best, most peaceful time in human history.

Or…lived.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has changed the equation — in many ways. The current state of the world is telling of the fact that what will or will not happen over our lifespans can be influenced by a variety of factors that are entirely out of our control.

Understandably, the world is now in a state of flux.

Over the next few weeks, perhaps months, anxiety levels globally will soar. According to the WHO, 1 in 13 (reported) people already experience anxiety.The looming reality of illness, death, impending unemployment and overall uncertainty will certainly plague us. It will also demand that we look to improve our inner world…