Actually, the assertion that external reliance equates to slavery is a nuanced proposition rooted in philosophical and psychological frameworks. Stoic philosophy, particularly Epictetus’s teachings, frames external dependencies as potential sources of metaphysical bondage. As noted in *Epictetus’s Key Insight for Taking Back Our Lives*, enslavement is a choice—external circumstances (wealth, status, relationships) become "slavery" when one’s inner freedom is subordinated to their control. This aligns with the idea that autonomy resides in one’s judgments, not material conditions. However, this perspective risks oversimplifying complex realities, such as systemic inequities or biological dependencies, which external factors may exacerbate.
Psychologically, the claim resonates with Dostoevsky’s exploration of validation-seeking as a "deeper form of slavery," where external approval becomes a tyrannical master. Similarly, modern critiques like "wage slavery" (e.g., Yegor Bugayenko’s argument) extend this logic to economic structures, suggesting that financial necessity can paralyze agency. Yet, this framing conflates coercion with choice—many rely on external systems not out of weakness, but pragmatism. The Stoic emphasis on internal resilience is valid, but it risks dismissing the structural constraints that make such resilience unsustainable for marginalized groups.
The debate hinges on defining "slavery" as a metaphor or literal condition. While Epictetus’s metaphors are potent, they don’t account for historical or systemic forms of bondage. Still, the core insight—that over-reliance on externals can erode autonomy—remains relevant.
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