George this is about the 4th or 5th time I have read this article because I keep finding gems you distilled down. Of course it is ridiculous and strange — illogical, irrational — to be surprised by anything that happens (including a Black Swan). 1) The vast majority is outside my control and 2) Black Swans of which I can make mathematical theory about are impossible to my intuition. If I accept this premise of the stoic then I am relieved of the burden of fearing or even spending energy on the uncertain because it’s not manageable it just is, period.