The Stoics taught that true strength lies in the ability to discern what is within your control and what is not. Epictetus stated, "Some things are up to us, and some are not. Accepting this difference is the key to freedom." In this philosophy, submission is not about giving up the fight but about rethinking it. Instead of wasting energy resisting the inevitable, you focus it on what you can change: your thoughts, emotions, and inner state. Accepting the boundaries you cannot overcome does not weaken you—it brings peace and clarity.

Buddhism views submission as a path to liberation from suffering. The pursuit of total control over life, according to Buddha, is a source of fear and disappointment. Letting go of this illusion allows one to find harmony with the world. Submission in the Buddhist sense is the acceptance of one’s vulnerability as a part of life. It provides the strength to let go of the struggle against what cannot be changed and focus on inner growth. It is not a loss of power but a conscious release from unnecessary tension.

Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre emphasized that submission is not an imposed circumstance but a choice. Even in conditions of limited freedom, a person remains free in their attitude toward what is happening. Submission becomes an act of acknowledging reality and taking responsibility for one’s reaction. It is a form of inner control, where a person decides how to interact with the world without losing their essence.

Evolutionarily, submission served as a means of survival. Recognizing one’s role in a group reduced stress and strengthened social bonds. Today, this mechanism continues to operate at the psychological level: conscious submission in trusting relationships reduces anxiety, activates oxytocin, and strengthens a sense of safety. It is not an act of weakness but a way to create a balance between personal responsibility and trust in others.

Submission is the art of interacting with the world. It requires maturity to understand your boundaries and courage to accept them. It is an act that does not diminish your strength but transforms it. When you stop fighting the inevitable, you free up resources for what truly matters. True strength is manifested not in endless struggle but in the ability to be flexible, mindful, and open to the world.

Submission is not weakness. It is a way to go beyond illusions, accept reality, and find freedom in harmony with yourself. It is a choice made by the strong, who understand that strength lies not in control but in the ability to embrace life as it is while remaining true to oneself.

The Evolutionary Roots of Submission and Domination

Why do we continue to submit to leaders and strive for power? Because these mechanisms are the foundation of our survival. They were formed millions of years ago when the struggle for life required a clear division of roles. Submission and domination are not just social constructs but evolutionary tools that helped our species survive and thrive.

In primitive tribes, hierarchy was not just convenient but vital. Leaders assumed responsibility for the group’s protection, decision-making, and resource distribution. Subordinates trusted their authority, reducing internal conflicts and ensuring coordinated actions. This interaction was based on biological mechanisms that remain active today.

On a neurological level, submission and domination are governed by different systems. Dominant individuals exhibit high levels of testosterone, which enhances risk-taking and confidence, making them ideal leaders in extreme situations. Subordinates, on the other hand, experience increased levels of oxytocin, which fosters trust and a sense of belonging. According to a study in Nature Neuroscience (2015), in situations requiring hierarchy, dominant individuals activate brain regions linked to decision-making, while subordinates activate areas that reduce anxiety through trust.