Stoicism provides a set of principles that people can follow to live a fulfilling life. This can sometimes lead to them experiencing a sense of flourishing, happiness or peace called eudaimonia.
Stoicism is not about accepting what happens in life with a sense of resignation or a shrug. It is the opposite. It is about taking responsibility, focusing on what you can control and growing through adversity.
It was founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens around 300 BC. It was then developed by many people in Greece and Rome. These included Musonius Rufus, Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.
Stoicism puts the emphasis on translating its philosophy into action. This involves following the four virtues of Wisdom, Courage, Temperance and Justice.
Many people have explored how these can be expressed in the modern world. The following section is an except from an article written by Tobias Beaver for the Orion Philosophy website.
A Guide To The 4 Stoic Virtues
To look at the Stoic virtues it’s helpful to look at Stoicism as of philosophy of two halves.
A philosophical worldview the helps us to use logic and reason to perceive the world differently and with greater clarity.
A set of ethical virtues that instruct us on how to live well – not just for ourselves, but as part of a greater human community.
The virtues are the compass that keeps us aligned. They ensure that Stoic principles aren’t just strategies for self-improvement, but a framework for becoming a better human being.
The Ancient Stoics believed that virtue is the highest good, the only true measure of a live well-lived. Everything else – success, wealth, reputation – is secondary.
Stoicism stresses the concepts of taking responsibility, choice and aiming to live a good life. Whilst we do not always control events, we do choose how we respond to them. Marcus Aurelius in quoted as saying:
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”
Stoicism says that we can grow by managing adversity. This is an approach advocated by Epictetus. Here is how the Good Reads website described him and the writings contained in the book The Art Of Living.
Epictetus was born a slave about A.D. 55 in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. He dedicated his life to outlining the simple way to happiness, fulfilment and tranquillity, no matter what one’s circumstances happen to be.
He observed that everyday life, no matter what our personal circumstances are, is fraught with difficulty. Still, the life of virtue is within the reach of everyone. He described this in the following way.
Stoicism emphasises the importance of being kind and the concept of connectedness. This involves living in harmony with nature and with other people. Living a good life can contribute to the greater good.
Marcus Aurelius said that we are born to serve each other. But the emphasis is on ‘the work not just the words’. Translating this approach into action can encourage both present and future generations.
Many people follow the Stoic approach even though they may never have studied it deeply. They follow the principles to help both themselves and other people to live fulfilling lives.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of this approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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