I Could Be A Prisoner Of War

James Stockdale (Source: Wikipedia)

As he drifted in a parachute down into enemy territory Commander James Stockdale realized that the best he could hope for was solitary confinement and torture. Contemplating his almost certain imprisonment in a North Vietnamese POW camp he muttered to himself "Five years down there at least, I'm leaving the world of technology and entering the world of Epictetus." He was half right. He was entering a world as brutal as the world of the Roman slave-turned-philosopher Epictetus, but he underestimated the length of imprisonment: it would last almost seven years.

Epictetus is one of those philosophers loved by people who think they hate philosophy. Former slave of an assistant to the despotic Emperor Nero, Epictetus eventually gained his freedom and became a renowned teacher of Stoic philosophy. His short, pungent, observations about the struggles we humans face still appeal to those with an appreciation for gallows humor (Example: "If you want to be crucified, just wait, the cross will come."). Aside from being a great source of dark comedy, however, Epictetus also had a knack for explaining how Stoic ethical theory applied to everyday life.

The central idea Stockdale gleaned from Epictetus was the Stoic idea of "dichotomy of control." In Stockdale's rendering of the idea practicing Stoics kept two "separate files" in their heads. In the first file they put "things in my control" in the second file they put "things outside of my control." According to the Stoic "dichotomy of control" only the things under a person's control are worth worrying about, whereas the the things outside of a person's control are not.

This all sounds great in theory, but Stockdale's story reveals how tough it can be in practice. Throughout his imprisonment he had one goal: don't provide or be propaganda for the Viet Cong. Being put in solitary confinement for years? Outside Stockdale's control, don't worry about it. Cutting his face so that he wouldn't make an attractive media image for the Viet Cong? Inside Stockdale's control, he should do it. Having his leg broken on multiple occasions? Outside Stockdale's control, grit through the pain and don't give information. Trying to break a window without detection so he could kill himself before giving up information about secret US military operations? Inside Stockdale's control, he should do it. 

It seems to me that if Stockdale can apply these principles in such awful conditions, then applying them in the context of Bar prep is far easier. I have one goal: to pass the bar. Showing up to class and watching the lectures while taking notes? In my control, I should worry about it. Reading the mind of the Bar question writers perfectly? Outside of my control, I shouldn't worry about it. Learning from each mistake I make on practice exams so I don't make it again? In my control, I should worry about it. Getting the perfect bar grader who is generous in handing out points? Outside my control, I shouldn't worry about about it.

This is certainly a more attainable goal than surviving seven years of torture without breaking.