Life will not always sail in calm waters there will always be challenges on our journey. Recently, during our commencement exercises, some parents expressed their concerns about the ventilation of the events and the number of graduates in the ceremony which results in a not-so-good experience for them. These sentiments remind us that even on joyous occasions, there can be moments of dissatisfaction or disagreement.

In this context, taking responsibility means owning up to our actions. Stoics encourage us to engage in introspection and self-reflection instead of blaming external events or other people. We can learn from our mistakes, acknowledge our shortcomings, and strive to make better choices by being aware of them. Stoicism teaches us that genuine freedom arises from taking responsibility for our actions and accepting the outcomes that follow.

Acceptance and emotional equanimity are also key aspects of Stoicism. Stoics urge individuals to embrace events as they unfold, accepting both positive and negative outcomes with equanimity. Acceptance doesn't imply passive resignation but rather an acknowledgement of the limits of our control. Stoics emphasize that although we cannot control external events, we have control over our attitudes and responses to them. By taking responsibility for our emotional reactions, we can cultivate inner peace and navigate life's challenges with resilience.

For Stoics, responsibility goes beyond accepting consequences for our actions; it becomes an opportunity for personal growth and the development of moral character. Taking responsibility aligns us with virtue, which the Stoics regarded as the highest good. Virtue encompasses qualities such as wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. Through responsibility, we can nurture these virtues and strive to lead a virtuous life.

Stoic philosophy offers practical techniques to incorporate responsibility into our daily lives. These techniques include:

• Introspection: Engage in self-reflection to understand your actions and their consequences.

• Acceptance: Embrace events as they unfold, recognizing the limits of your control.

• Emotional regulation: Take responsibility for your emotional reactions and strive for equanimity.

• Continuous learning: Acknowledge mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

• Virtuous action: Align your actions with virtues like wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance.

Reflecting on the sentiments expressed by parents during the commencement exercises, we can see how Stoicism provides a profound perspective on owning up to the responsibility. It reminds us that by recognizing the limits of our control and accepting responsibility for our actions, we empower ourselves to lead more fulfilling lives. Stoicism teaches us that through responsibility, we have the power to cultivate virtue, achieve personal growth, and shape our character.

In the context of the commencement exercises, embracing responsibility in a Stoic manner would involve acknowledging the concerns raised by parents and considering how we can address them within the boundaries of what is within our control. It may involve improving communication and transparency regarding event ventilation or finding ways to make future ceremonies more inclusive and accommodating. By embracing responsibility and taking proactive steps, we can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth, learning, and fostering a sense of community.

In a world where personal accountability often gets overlooked or overshadowed, Stoicism offers a timeless philosophy that encourages us to take ownership of our actions and embrace responsibility.