There Is No Such Thing As Bad Weather | Stoic Saturdays

During a two-week adventure in Scandinavia with my brother in 2019, we indulged in hiking, local cuisines, foreign beers, and the endless beauty of fjords and mountains. One highlight of the trip was tackling the renowned Trolltunga ("the troll tongue”) hike, a 17-mile round trip starting in the village of Skjeggedal.?

To reach the trailhead, we could either double our hiking distance or take a taxi from the local city of Odda. Opting for convenience, we chose the taxi. Our talkative driver, a lifelong Norwegian, surprisingly admired two Americans: Donald Trump and Bruce Springsteen. As he enthusiastically praised Bruce Springsteen for his music and asked my brother and me questions about America, it began to rain… not what you want for a challenging hike on rough terrain that often takes visitors up to 12 hours to complete.?

As the rain started to pick up, I made a statement about how “today isn’t the best day to have bad weather.” The driver laughed and what he said next was simple yet deeply philosophical. He looked in the rearview mirror and said, “Here in Scandinavia, we have a saying. ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothes.’”

Weathering The Storm

"There is no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothes." At first glance, the Scandinavian saying may seem like a practical piece of advice for dressing appropriately in varying weather conditions. However, when viewed through a Stoic lens, it becomes a powerful metaphor for approaching life's difficulties.

Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus often spoke about the importance of adapting to circumstances and maintaining inner tranquility regardless of external events. They believed that our perceptions and judgments play a critical role in shaping our experiences.?

Stoicism emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we can control – our thoughts, actions, and reactions.? Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher, famously declared, "It is not what happens to you that upsets you, but how you choose to take it."?Similarly, the Scandinavian saying highlights the proactive stance we can take regarding external circumstances, like weather.? We cannot control the rain or the snow, but we can choose to be prepared for it.?

Applying the Concept to Everyday Life

Cultivating Equanimity

The Scandinavian saying reminds us to cultivate equanimity, a key Stoic virtue. Just as we prepare for inclement weather by choosing the right attire, we can prepare for life's challenges by developing resilience and a calm mindset. Instead of resisting or lamenting difficult circumstances, Stoicism encourages us to accept them with grace and adapt accordingly.

Embracing Impermanence

Stoics emphasize the transient nature of external events. Just as weather conditions change, so do the circumstances of our lives. By recognizing the impermanence of both pleasant and challenging situations, we can cultivate a sense of detachment and avoid excessive attachment to outcomes.

Practicing Acceptance

The saying encourages us to practice acceptance of things beyond our control. Stoicism teaches us to focus our energy on what we can influence, such as our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. By accepting external conditions without resistance, we free ourselves from unnecessary suffering and find peace in the midst of adversity.

Developing Resilience

Stoicism advocates for developing resilience in the face of adversity. Similar to wearing appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, we can equip ourselves with mental tools and virtues to navigate life's storms. This includes cultivating virtues such as courage, wisdom, and temperance, which empower us to face challenges with strength and resilience.

Choosing Virtue Over Comfort

Stoicism places great importance on living in accordance with virtue, regardless of external circumstances. The saying reminds us that our choices and actions matter more than external conditions. Just as we may choose discomfort in the short term by dressing appropriately for challenging weather, Stoics advocate for choosing virtue over comfort or convenience in pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The Scandinavian saying reminds us that while we may not be able to control the weather, we can control our response.? By adopting a Stoic perspective and choosing the right "clothes" – both physical and mental – we can cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a positive outlook in the face of life's inevitable challenges.? The wind may howl, and the rain may pour, but within us lies the power to remain calm, collected, and ever-prepared for the next storm. Remember, a well-stocked "Stoic wardrobe" ensures we are prepared to face any weather, metaphorical or literal, with virtue and equanimity.

“It is not in our control to have everything turn out exactly as we want, but it is in our control to control how we respond to what happens.” —Epictetus