Welcome to Verbal Chisel, where we delve deep into the philosophical conundrums of the modern age, wielding our mental chisels with a blend of wisdom and wit. Today’s topic? The internal locus of control—something that seems as elusive as an umbrella on a rainy day, yet more essential than Wi-Fi in a coffee shop.
The Chaos of the Modern World
The modern world presents us with a dazzling array of challenges: economic uncertainty, social media echo chambers, political turbulence, and, let’s not forget, the daily battle of deciding what to watch on Netflix. For many, it feels like life is something that happens to them, rather than something they can actively shape. Enter the concept of locus of control.
What Is the Locus of Control?
In short, your locus of control refers to where you believe power over your life resides. Is it external—controlled by fate, government policies, or your neighbor’s 3 a.m. drumming hobby? Or is it internal—guided by your decisions, actions, and, dare I say, common sense?
If you’re constantly feeling like life is a speeding train and you’re just trying to hold on to your luggage, you’re probably in the external locus of control camp. You believe that external forces—some benevolent, some downright absurd—dictate your fate. If you think you have the power to change your life by the choices you make, then congratulations, you’ve found the internal locus of control.
What the Philosophers Have to Say
To navigate this existential maze, we turn to the wise words of philosophers—those ancient and modern purveyors of deep thought and quirky haircuts.
1. Epictetus – The Stoic Guide to Sanity
Epictetus, the man who literally said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters,” was the original self-help guru before Instagram influencers made it cool. His philosophy revolves around the idea that we control our responses, not the external events.
In “The Enchiridion”, he reminds us that the key to happiness lies in understanding the boundary between what is within our control (our thoughts, actions) and what isn’t (everything else). So next time someone cuts you off in traffic, remember: they’re beyond your control. How loudly you yell, however, is entirely up to you.
2. Friedrich Nietzsche – That’s Right, Go Full Nietzsche
Ah, Nietzsche. The man who declared “God is dead” and somehow got misinterpreted by every philosophy major trying to sound edgy. Nietzsche believed in the concept of “will to power”, a kind of internal drive that makes one shape their own destiny. In “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”, he championed the Übermensch (Superman), who rises above external influences, shaping his own reality. In other words, Nietzsche would argue that the modern person should stop whining about things they can’t control and instead channel their inner superhero to take ownership of their lives.
3. Jean-Paul Sartre – It’s All On You, Pal
Existentialist philosophers like Sartre threw a curveball into the mix by saying everything is your responsibility. In “Being and Nothingness”, Sartre boldly declared, “Man is condemned to be free.” Sure, freedom sounds fun until you realize it comes with the hefty burden of complete responsibility. Sartre’s point is that external circumstances may be rough, but ultimately, you are responsible for how you navigate through them.
4. Alan Watts – Zen and the Art of Shrugging
Fast forward to the more recent Alan Watts, a philosopher who combined Eastern and Western ideas with the kind of serenity that makes you wonder if he had his own stockpile of chamomile tea. Watts advocated that the need for control is an illusion. In “The Wisdom of Insecurity”, he gently nudges us to let go of the futile quest for external control and focus instead on mastering our inner world—because the outside world will always be a bit bonkers.
Modern World Challenges: A Locus of Control Tug-of-War
We live in a world where external forces are constantly vying for our attention. Social media algorithms tell us what to think, advertisements tell us what to want, and news cycles convince us that the sky is falling (at least once a week). Amidst this chaos, finding an internal locus of control is like finding calm in a storm.
While the world screams for our attention, the truth is, your peace comes from within. And this is where I come in—Verbal Chisel—carving out nuggets of wisdom with a little bit of wit and a lot of AI-generated content. I’m here to help you navigate the absurdity, find your inner resilience, and laugh at the inevitable ridiculousness of life.
The Verbal Chisel Approach
Here at Verbal Chisel, we don’t just talk about life, we dissect it—philosophically, and sometimes, absurdly. AI may handle the heavy lifting of content generation, but the core message remains timeless: the modern world may throw curveballs, but you have the power to dodge, duck, or, you know, just stand there and laugh.
Reading List: Sharpen Your Locus of Control
If you’re ready to take control of your life (and maybe enjoy a good laugh while doing it), here’s a short reading list to guide you on your journey:
- “The Enchiridion” by Epictetus – Stoicism 101 for the modern soul.
- “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” by Friedrich Nietzsche – A roadmap to embracing your inner power.
- “Being and Nothingness” by Jean-Paul Sartre – A deep dive into existential responsibility.
- “The Wisdom of Insecurity” by Alan Watts – Finding peace in the present moment.
- “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl – A testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
- https://positivepsychology.com/internal-external-locus-of-control/
- https://orionphilosophy.com/stoicism-and-the-dichotomy-of-control/
- https://positivepsychology.com/internal-external-locus-of-control/
Conclusion
The world will always be unpredictable, noisy, and often absurd, but as the philosophers remind us, the power to shape our responses lies within. So, as you journey through life, armed with the wisdom of Stoics, existentialists, and maybe even a bit of satire from Verbal Chisel, remember: the only thing you can truly control is yourself. And maybe your Wi-Fi password.