Conclusion

Sanity is the antithesis of insanity/madness/psychosis. Existential threats like the possibility of nuclear holocaust, global climate change, global pandemics, and financial collapse are realities that require concerted rational response but may stoke fears that are met with irrational denial. Existential threats overwhelm the ability to reason calmly. In face of existential challenges, we must learn how to balance reason and emotion and not become overwhelmed and paralyzed nor underwhelmed in denial. The Pursuit of Happiness – Stoic philosophy and pursuit of happiness is a practice, not a feeling. The human task is as it has always been to balance reason and emotion. The pursuit of virtue, whether philosophically or psychotherapeutically, aims to tranquilize the emotions. Psychotherapy offers the hope of freedom of choice; philosophy strives for self-awareness.