WORDS: Ataraxia

This is an interesting word. On the one hand, it has a positive meaning because for philosophy it has to do with serenity; while in medicine it’s a physical state determined by the lack of response to external stimuli, that is, a symptom of a serious illness such as a stroke or a very strong blow to the head. Today we will talk about its first meaning.

To begin with, due to its Greek root this term comes from the expression “absence of annoyance”. It’s a condition that, according to the Epicureans, Stoics and Skeptics, is achieved when we manage to reduce everything that can distance us from mental balance, and, therefore, allows us to face adversity with better skills.

Ataraxia has nothing to do with temperament but with a context of tranquility without unbridled passions or fears that could disturb us. According to the philosophical trends that developed this subject, only in this way can happiness be achieved.

I know, it sounds like living in a bubble, almost impossible, a utopia. However, we can analyze and recognize that of all the issues that we have in mind and condition our thinking and behavior, there are many that escape us, such as material things, or what concerns only third parties; when spirituality, certainly, only requires ourselves.

Thus, ataraxia would be to control all that and impulsive emotions such as anger to keep us calm. Sometimes it’s confused with a lax state of mind under which one has no feelings; however, for Greek philosophy it’s nothing more than a goal to live fully: to get rid of all the negative and restless.

I don't know if anyone manages to experience ataraxia, what’s called ataraxia, at least for short periods; but I do know people who seems to be " unaffected", as if they really lived in a separate world and nothing could hurt them, as if nothing mattered, furthermore, they seem to be more than calm, happy.

That being said, it would be very good, at least from time to time, to try not to care about or be affected by others or by external things or by the lack of some elements we believe necessary, if in reality it does not directly affect our well-being. It may be considered as disinterest, indifference, lack of motivation, conformism, passivity or apathy, but it does not necessarily have to be like that, and it should not be trivialized that others try to find that emotional disposition to find balance in their lives.