Consistency, Outrage, and the Mirror
Selective Outrage in Modern Politics
Political conversations today are often filled with cries of “tyranny,” “censorship,” and slogans like “No Kings.” These are important concerns—freedom, fairness, and rule of law should always be defended. Yet, it’s difficult to take these claims seriously when they appear to be applied unevenly. What one side labels authoritarianism, the other side often excuses or even embraces when it benefits them. This selective outrage undermines genuine vigilance against abuse of power and leaves society polarized and mistrustful.
When Memory and Loyalty Blur the Truth
History is a tricky thing. Policies like COVID lockdowns, restrictions on speech, and heart-wrenching stories of people dying isolated from loved ones were largely accepted or minimally challenged by those now leading the charge against similar actions. This inconsistency doesn’t just reflect political bias—it reveals how deeply loyalty to “one’s side” can cloud judgment. Human nature inclines us to protect group identity, but in doing so, we risk sacrificing intellectual honesty and allowing double standards to flourish.
Stoic Wisdom for Chaotic Times
Epictetus provides a timeless perspective:
“It is the act of an ill-instructed man to blame others for his own bad condition; he who begins to learn blames himself; he who is well instructed neither blames others nor himself.”
This quote invites a move away from finger-pointing and tribal blame games. The Stoic path is self-examination, recognizing that while external events can be unfair, how we respond is within our control. Selectively blaming “the other side” reflects a shallow engagement with reality rather than a search for truth.
Power vs. Principle
Outrage that only emerges when the opposing party gains influence is not a principled defense of justice—it’s a struggle for power. True commitment to values requires applying them consistently, even when inconvenient. Hypocrisy—calling out misconduct only when politically advantageous—erodes trust more than any disagreement ever could. Stoicism calls us to hold ourselves and others to steady standards, not swing with the political winds.
What Is Within Our Control?
Epictetus also instructs:
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
Words are easy; consistent action is difficult. In an era of viral outrage and political posturing, the challenge is to live according to principles rather than just vocalizing them. This means acknowledging mistakes, listening to opposing views, and maintaining integrity even when it costs popularity or power. The Stoic focus on what is within our control—our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors—offers a pathway out of the chaos.
The Path Forward: Courage and Consistency
This reflection is not an endorsement of any individual leader or ideology. It is a call for elevated discourse and honest self-awareness. If each side truly believes in the values they champion, they must be ready to hold their own camps accountable. The Stoics themselves were not perfect, but they strove for clarity, virtue, and reasoned judgment. Embracing these virtues today means resisting the easy trap of partisanship and selective outrage. It means cultivating courage to face uncomfortable truths, and the humility to grow beyond tribalism.
