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Reimagining Contempt – The Spartan Way – Life Stories 241

We’re proud of your unshakable determination and relentless pursuit of your goals. Today, you’ve set aside time to nourish your mind, which is a rare and remarkable feat. Over the next 10 minutes, we’ll dive deep into the concept of contempt—often misunderstood, but immensely powerful when viewed through the right lens

Today, we’re diving into an emotion often regarded as negative: contempt. In the modern world, contempt is seen as cold, distant, and morally superior—a sentiment many of us are taught to avoid. After all, we live in a society that values democracy, respect, and equality. But what if we told you that contempt, when understood properly, could be a tool for growth? That it could be a powerful social lever to elevate not only yourself but also those around you?

Contempt, when wielded correctly, has shaped entire civilizations, and one of the greatest examples of this is found in the Spartan way of life.

Contempt: More than Just Disgust

Let’s clarify a key distinction: contempt is not the same as disgust. While disgust is a visceral, sensory reaction to something repulsive (a bad smell or an unpleasant sight), contempt is rooted in the mind. It’s an emotion that rises from a sense of moral or intellectual superiority, often in response to someone else’s unethical behavior or incompetence.

Renowned psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman studied this distinction through facial expressions, discovering that while disgust is tied to our senses, contempt is tied to our thoughts. Contempt is the feeling that says, “I’m better than this behavior” or “I would never stoop to that level.” It’s a moral high ground, and it often fuels social interactions and even hierarchies.

The Spartan Use of Contempt

Nowhere was this more evident than in the ancient state of Sparta. Sparta’s society thrived on a unique combination of equality among citizens, military fitness, and austerity. Contempt played a key role in shaping these virtues.

Legend has it that Spartan lawgiver Lycurgus built his society on these three pillars, with contempt for excess and cowardice serving as the cornerstone. Spartans were known for their disdain of luxury and their rejection of anything that softened their resolve. This contempt wasn’t arbitrary—it was a powerful tool for building resilience and discipline. By despising comfort, they strengthened their character, and by holding cowardice in contempt, they ensured their military dominance.

In fact, Spartan mothers were famous for telling their sons, “Return with your shield or on it.” Retreat was never an option, and returning from battle without your shield was seen as the ultimate act of cowardice. A Spartan who abandoned their shield had abandoned their comrades. Contempt for such behavior wasn’t just personal—it was woven into the very fabric of Spartan society.

Mastering Contempt as a Social Lever

Spartan society teaches us that contempt, when properly directed, can be a powerful motivator for personal and social improvement. But it’s important to note that this isn’t about looking down on others for superficial reasons. True contempt, the kind that builds strength, is aimed at cowardice, laziness, and moral failings. It’s the kind of contempt that pushes people to rise above their weaknesses.

When we feel contempt for our own indulgences—whether it’s our procrastination, our desire for comfort, or our reluctance to face difficult truths—we open the door to growth. Contempt, in this sense, can help us transcend the limitations we impose on ourselves.

Contempt in Stoic Philosophy

The Stoics took this idea even further. They believed that mastering contempt for external things—whether it be wealth, fame, or even physical pain—was the key to true freedom. Seneca, one of the greatest Stoic philosophers, famously wrote that we must despise pain, for it is nothing more than a temporary sensation, one that can’t touch the core of who we are.

By shifting our contempt from people to things that are beyond our control—such as pain or the fear of failure—we rise above them. Contempt becomes a tool for strengthening our mind and spirit, allowing us to live with greater freedom and peace.

The Power of Contempt for Personal Growth

So, how can you use contempt as a tool for your own growth? Start by turning it inward, but not destructively. Focus your contempt on the things that hold you back—the excuses, the distractions, the fears. Despise the habits that don’t serve you, and use that contempt to fuel your progress.

Contempt, when understood in this way, is not about belittling others. It’s about demanding more from yourself and from the world around you. It’s about striving for excellence and rejecting mediocrity. The Spartans knew this well, and it’s why they became one of the most feared and respected societies in history.

Wrapping It Up

As we close out today’s session, let’s take a few deep breaths together. Inhale deeply… hold it… and exhale, letting go of any tension. One more time—inhale… hold… and exhale. Feel that power within you. Reflect on what contempt can teach you today, not as a negative force, but as a driver for your own growth and success.

Has today’s session reframed your understanding of contempt? Spend some time pondering how you can use this powerful emotion to rise above your own limitations. Until next time, keep pushing forward, and remember, keep on rising.

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