Stoicism a Practical Philosophy
Stoics believed that the practice of virtue was the key to achieving eudaimonia: a well-lived life. The first school of Stoicism was founded in the ancient Agora of Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BC. It flourished for over a thousand years in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome.
Stoicism is popular today because it's effective and practical. One of the reasons for that is because of something known as” the dichotomy of control.” The dichotomy of control goes back to the Greek philosopher Epictetus when he said that “some things are within our power, while other things are not. It's the wisdom to accept what you cannot change and to take ownership and responsibility for the things that you can.”
For Stoic’s there are actually a lot more things that are within our power that we pretend are not. Epictetus for example believed that motivation desire and aversion were within our power, whereas things like bodily health and other people's opinions are not. Let's look at 2 examples to explain dichotomy of control, you cannot control the weather sometimes it will rain and sometimes it will be cold, but you can control building or finding a shelter. While you cannot control bad things happening, you can control how your cope and deal with those bad times. Likewise, it's not within your power to control how other people behave, you cannot stop people from sniping, gossiping or being negative, but you can change both how you respond or how much time and attention you give them. So rather it be the stoicism of Epictetus or the Christian Serenity Prayer the core truth is pretty much the same. Change what you can, and accept what you can't and you'll be much happier for it.
Zeno of Citium
Was a Hellenistic philosopher from Citium, Cyprus. He was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy, which he taught in Athens from about 300 BC.
Notable Quotes:
1. Man conquers the world by conquering himself.
2. No loss should be more regrettable to us than losing our time, for it is irretrievable.
3. Steel your sensibilities (don’t be easily offended or shocked), so that life shall hurt you as little as possible.
The three best known Stoics are Marcus Aurelius: a Roman emperor, Epictetus; a former slave who triumphed to become an influential lecturer and friend of the emperor Hadrian, Seneca; a famous playwright and political adviser.
Marcus Aurelius
Was known as the "Philosopher King," the last of Rome's "Five Good Emperors" was also a Stoic philosopher. His writings encouraged using reason and logic to guide one's perception. Virtue and duty received particular emphasis.
Notable Quotes:
1. "You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
2. "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."
3. "Accept the things to which fate binds you and love the people with whom fate brings you together but do so with all your heart."
Epictetus
Was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born into slavery at Hierapolis, Phrygia and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece, where he spent the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses and Enchiridion.
Notable Quotes:
1. Take life as it comes, treat others well, and be mindful of your mortality.
2. Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.
3. There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, dramatist, and satirist.
Seneca is known for his philosophical works, and his plays, which are all tragedies. His prose works include 12 essays and 124 letters dealing with moral issues. These writings constitute one of the most important bodies of primary material for ancient Stoicism.
Notable Quotes:
1. Life is very short for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.”
2. “He who fears death will never do anything worthy of a man who is alive.”
3. “He who is everywhere is nowhere.”
4. “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.”
The Stoics practiced the moderation of four key virtues in their everyday life: wisdom, courage, temperance, justice, they also lived in accordance with nature (accepting our natural limitations – inherent and circumstantial).
Stoic philosophy provides a guide to decision-making, it fosters resilience in the face of setbacks, and promotes a positive and focused mindset. In personal relationships, Stoic principles help individuals navigate conflicts with grace, emphasizing understanding and empathy.
Over time the Stoics gathered an immense body of work, and these thoughts function today as well as then. They still have practical applications in our daily lives. While philosophy seems like a complex, Stoicism is a simple philosophy meant to be lived.