Stockdale on Stoicism II: Master of My Fate
About this book
This is the second in a series of Occasional Papers published by the Center for the Study of Professional Military Ethics. It shares with the first occasional paper a common author-Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale-and a common theme-the influence of Stoic philosophy on Admiral Stockdale's life and career.As you read these two papers, you will realize that Admiral Stockdale's own description of himself (in the title of one of his books) rings He is a "philosophical fighter pilot."In this second paper, Admiral Stockdale takes us deeply, perhaps uncomfortably deeply, into the Hanoi prison where he was held captive for seven and one-half years. This is Stoicism in practice, not just in theory. It is living philosophy, not just teaching it. This is applied ethics, not merely ethics in theory.Early in 2001, the Naval Academy Alumni Association announced that Admiral Stockdale had been selected to receive the Association 's Distinguished Graduate Award. This prestigious award is given to a living graduate who has demonstrated a strong interest in supporting the Navy and the Naval Academy, has provided a lifetime of service to the nation, and has madesignificant contributions to the nation through public service.