Stockdale: A Modern Incarnation Of Stoicism

Both the intelligentsia and common folk view James Stockdale as Stoicism's greatest modern incarnation.

The vice admiral, now 75, was caught like a deer in the media headlights seven years ago when Ross Perot made him his vice presidential running mate. But overshadowed was Stockdale's keen mind and extraordinary war record..

One of his college professors had told him Prussian military leader Frederick the Great never went into battle without his copy of Epictetus' "Discourses." In Vietnam, Stockdale kept a copy with him. When shot down and captured in 1965, he whispered to himself: "Five years down there, at least. I'm leaving the world of technology and entering the world of Epictetus."

Actually, it would be more than seven years, much of the time in solitary confinement.

Stockdale believed it was critical to the survival of his men that they maintain a certain integrity. So, despite torture and isolation, there were some things the prisoners tried never to do, such as bow in public or negotiate only for their own personal well-being. The experience made Stockdale realize that "the thing that brings down a man is not pain, but shame."

Stockdale was later awarded the Medal of Honor.

Author Tom Wolfe said that if he were to write another volume of "The Right Stuff," Stockdale would be at the pinnacle of the pyramid of flying men.

"It would be wonderful to be strong enough to live by that code," Wolfe said, "and to feel as if you are always free as long as you are aware there are certain powers that are beyond your control." - James Rainey