He was sent to prison. But the observation ‘he has suffered evil,’ is an addition coming from you.
– Epictetus, Discourses, 3.8.5b-6a
The book notes this classic bit of Stoic wisdom: an event is objective. How we describe it and what meaning we give it is on us.
This makes me think of the massive layoffs happening across the gaming industry right now. It is a tumultuous time and has undoubtedly caused great pain, strife, and agony for many. There is no doubt that for many of those affected it is a calamity, an unfairness stricken upon them, a “suffered evil” in the words of Epictetus here. All of this may be true and valid thinking.
But there will be some who use this as an opportunity for change. Maybe they will found a different game studio, try a different role or industry, or take a much deserved break. I firmly believe that the skills learned in the games industry can make a huge impact if applied more broadly in other industries, and I have no doubt for some this will be an inciting incident that will propel them to new heights they would not have imagined otherwise.
The book’s passage concludes, “acceptance isn’t passive. It is the first step in an active process toward self-improvement.” How you define your setbacks will also define you.
Will you be the phoenix or the ashes?
Cash Flow 