Discipline is a concept that has intrigued thinkers for millennia. Often intertwined with notions of self-control, perseverance, and personal growth, it’s a subject that evokes a myriad of responses across different philosophical traditions. From ancient scriptures to modern self-help books, the quest for mastering one’s impulses and actions has been a consistent theme. How does one cultivate this treasured attribute, and why is it considered so crucial? In this Mantra101 blog post, we will explore how some of the different approaches and interpretations that various philosophies hold toward the idea of discipline. First, I will give a brief description on the mentioned philosophies, and then I will discuss their different responses to Discipline.

1. Stoicism

Originating from ancient Greece, Stoicism teaches that virtue, such as wisdom, is happiness and that our judgment should be based on behavior, rather than words. It holds that we don’t have control over external events, but we do control our responses: thus, we should accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately.

The Stoics valued discipline immensely. For them, discipline wasn’t just about adhering to a regimen, but a way to live in accordance with nature. For example, Marcus Aurelius believed that by practicing discipline, one could maintain tranquility, make rational decisions, and be indifferent to external events, focusing instead on one’s own virtue and character. I would personally recommend that students adopt this approach to discipline, as I have found that this philosophy works best in an academic environment, where a student’s life is dictated much by their own actions as well as the actions of others.

2. Confucianism

Rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, Confucianism is based on the teachings of Confucius (naturally). It emphasizes morality at both the personal and governmental levels, stressing the importance of family, respect for elders, and the cultivation of character. Rituals, relationships, and righteousness are central themes of this antique philosophy.

Confucianism sees discipline as a cornerstone of a harmonious society, emphasizing the importance of rituals, routines, and education as forms of discipline. According to the Confucianist, following these prescribed practices, individuals can cultivate virtue, bringing about social order and personal growth.

3. Existentialism

Originating in the 20th century, existentialism is a more recent philosophy. Existentialism posits that individuals are free and responsible agents who must create their own essence through choices; it emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, responsibility, and subjective meaning, often against the backdrop of an indifferent or even absurd universe. Existentialists argue that the goal of existence is to find one’s “essence”, or purpose in life: contrary to other beings, whose essence (purpose, function) is defined prior to their existence (ex. a knife is created to cut), humans are born without a predetermined purpose and must define it for themselves.

Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche offer a more individualistic perspective on discipline. While the concept is not outrightly rejected, these thinkers, who stress personal freedom and authenticity, would define discipline as a vehicle, rather than a virtue. Discipline is still valued in existentialism, insofar as it is a chosen commitment and aligns with an individual’s true self or existential project. For example, if Person A is an intrinsically motivated human being who strives to achieve their best life through a strict and structured way of living, the existentialist would embrace Person A’s discipline. However, let’s say that Person B is an intrinsically lazy and unmotivated individual, who is reduced to living a sedentary and unproductive life. Person B’s close friend, or family member (it doesn’t really matter), then enforces a strict routine with the aim at transforming Person B’s life to Person A’s. Yet, since Person B doesn’t enforce this change through their own commitment, Person B is not achieving their own essence or individual freedom through this process, even though it seemingly is improving their life.