Value Systems
These varied works are made to provide contrasting perspectives to traditions from great societies which have addressed growth in ways which can be applied practically today. They are the basis for much of our modern global society.
Western Society (Stoicism)
At the core of Stoicism is the belief that humans can attain happiness and live a good life by focusing on the things within their control—namely, their thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Stoics advocate for practicing self-control, cultivating moral virtue, and aligning one’s will with the natural order of the universe.
Dichotomy of Control
Stoics distinguish between things that are within our control (our thoughts, actions, and attitudes) and things that are not (external events and circumstances). They encourage individuals to focus their energy on what they can control and not be disturbed by external factors.
Virtue Ethics
Stoicism places great importance on living a virtuous life, which involves cultivating qualities such as wisdom, justice, courage, and self-discipline. Virtue is seen as the highest good and the key to human flourishing.
Acceptance of Fate
Stoics believe in accepting and embracing the inevitability of change, impermanence, and the uncertainty of life. They advocate for embracing the present moment and adapting to whatever circumstances arise.
Emotional Resilience
Stoics promote emotional resilience and advocate for controlling one’s reactions and judgments. They encourage individuals to cultivate equanimity, maintain a calm and rational mindset, and avoid being overwhelmed by emotions.
Indigenous Perspectives
Indigenous perspectives on personal growth typically take a holistic approach, addressing mental, physical, communal, intergenerational, natural, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Balance and harmony among these dimensions are often essential components of individual growth and flourishing and are often accomplished through strengthening one’s connection with one’s ancestors, natural landscape, and cultural traditions.
Indigenous communities often have a shared history of traumas resulting from colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural genocide. Because of this shared history, Indigenous perspectives on growth often involve processes of healing, resilience, and reclaiming cultural identity in the face of these challenges.
North America
Cree
As per Cree Elder Florence Allen, when individuals lose their connection with nature, they become susceptible to illness. Essentially, healing involves utilizing natural ingredients, with the body metaphorically described as having tiny gaps. When healers aid in recovery, their objective is to identify these gaps and replenish them with medicines sourced from the land (Reconciliation Education).
In today’s modern society, healers may need to utilize more intricate compounds like Chemotherapy or Adderall to fill these gaps, where the natural origins of such medicines may not be immediately evident.
Nevertheless, the concept of viewing the healing process, resilience, and the quest for new treatments for illnesses as an extension of humanity’s relationship with the natural world can serve as a source of inspiration and direction for many.
Latin America
Persian Society
Sufism (Persia)
Sufism is a mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam. Sufi, صوفی, works are written in the form of poetry, and the pedagogical verses are designed to grow the student into an enlightened adult (master). It is by nature fluid and esoteric, difficult to pin down. Progress is grown from one’s relationship with God’s intentions, far from what a Western individualist tradition would intend.
Sufism is extremely cohesive and is not meant to be interpreted through literal, analytical, traditions of interpretation. Progress is made to be felt and transformed, rather than acted out.
Recommended Works
- The Conference of the Birds by Fariduddin Attar
- Takes you through wisdom by state. You seek guidance and start at the beginning, working your way through. The first book prepares you for the consequent chapters; supposedly the real teaching does not actually start until the second book.
- The Masnavi by Rumi
- Swallowing the Sun by Rumi
Qasida
A strict literary tradition with roots in Arab society. The pedagogical texts often have clear messages and structure. They are less esoteric than, for example, Sufi works and can be analyzed through analytical traditions.
Recommended Works
- Gulstaan by S’aadi Shirazi
- Takes you through wisdom by topic
References
- Reconciliation Education (2024). Colonial Lens. Four Seasons of Reconciliation: Additional Modules. [Training Video]
** Sections of this page have been rephrased with assistance from, but not authored by, ChatGPT.