Think like a Stoic

1. Stoicism: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living

Stoicism is a philosophy of personal betterment that puts an emphasis on living reasonably and pro-socially and provides emotional ballast against the vicissitudes of fortune and pain alike.

Practical Philosophy. Stoicism, originating in ancient Greece and Rome, offers a practical guide to navigating life's challenges. It emphasizes reason, virtue, and social responsibility as the keys to a fulfilling existence. Unlike purely theoretical philosophies, Stoicism provides actionable principles for everyday living.

Core Tenets:

• Living according to nature: Aligning actions with reason and social duty.
• Focusing on what you can control: Accepting what you cannot change.
• Practicing virtue: Developing wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.

Relevance Today. In today's fast-paced and uncertain world, Stoicism provides a framework for managing stress, making better decisions, and cultivating inner peace. Its timeless principles offer a powerful antidote to the anxieties and distractions of modern life.

2. Virtue as the Path to a Worthwhile Life

Virtue ethics, by contrast, focuses on our character. It asks, “How can I become a better person?”

Character over Actions. Stoicism, as a form of virtue ethics, prioritizes the development of character over the evaluation of individual actions. The goal is to cultivate inner excellence rather than simply adhering to a set of rules. This approach emphasizes personal growth and moral development.

Four Cardinal Virtues:

• Practical Wisdom: The ability to discern right from wrong.
• Courage: The strength to act virtuously, even in the face of adversity.
• Justice: Treating others fairly and with respect.
• Temperance: Exercising moderation and self-control.

Eudaimonia. By consistently practicing these virtues, Stoics aim to achieve eudaimonia, a state of flourishing or a life worth living. This is not simply happiness but a deep sense of fulfillment derived from living in accordance with one's values.

3. The Dichotomy of Control: Mastering What You Can

If you take the dichotomy of control to heart, you’ll change your entire outlook on life.

Internal vs. External. A central tenet of Stoicism is the distinction between what is within our control (our thoughts, judgments, and actions) and what is not (external events, other people's opinions). This "dichotomy of control" provides a framework for managing expectations and reducing anxiety.

Focus on Agency. By focusing our energy on what we can control, we cultivate a sense of agency and resilience. This involves accepting the inevitable setbacks and uncertainties of life without becoming overwhelmed by them.

Cicero's Archer. The Roman writer Cicero explained the Stoic position by considering an archer who is trying to hit a target. The archer can control their practice, equipment, and focus, but not the wind or the target's movement. Success or failure does not define the archer, only the attempt.

4. Logic, Physics, and Ethics: The Stoic Curriculum

Good reasoning allows us to grasp the way the world is and leads us to navigate life in the best possible way.

Interconnected Disciplines. The Stoic curriculum is divided into three interconnected parts: logic, physics, and ethics. Logic provides the tools for sound reasoning, physics offers an understanding of how the world works, and ethics guides us in living a virtuous life. These disciplines are mutually reinforcing.

Ancient Definitions:

• Logic: Encompasses reasoning, rhetoric, and epistemology.
• Physics: Includes natural sciences, metaphysics, and theology.
• Ethics: Focuses on how to live one's life, encompassing goals and relationships.

Practical Application. By studying these disciplines, Stoics aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of themselves and the world around them, enabling them to make better decisions and live more fulfilling lives.

5. Desire, Action, and Assent: The Three Disciplines

The discipline of desire aims at reorienting our priorities, making us reflect on what is truly important and what only appears to be so.

Training Regimes. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus devised three disciplines, or training regimes, to guide Stoic practice: desire, action, and assent. These disciplines provide a structured approach to personal development and ethical living.

Three Disciplines:

• Desire: Reorienting priorities to focus on what is truly important.
• Action: Behaving ethically and constructively in interactions with others.
• Assent: Sharpening judgment to make sound decisions.

Interconnectedness. These disciplines are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. By mastering them, Stoics aim to cultivate inner tranquility, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.

6. Seneca: Managing Emotions and Time

Check off, I say, and review the days of your life. … Everyone hurries his life on and suffers from a yearning for the future and a weariness of the present.

Seneca's Wisdom. Seneca, a Roman statesman, playwright, and philosopher, offers practical advice on managing emotions and time. His letters to Lucilius provide insights into Stoic philosophy and its application to everyday life.

Key Themes:

• Time Management: Using time wisely and avoiding distractions.
• Role Models: Choosing virtuous individuals to emulate.
• Cosmopolitanism: Recognizing our shared humanity and global citizenship.
• Acceptance of Aging and Death: Facing mortality with equanimity.
• Anger Management: Controlling disruptive emotions through reason.

Practical Application. Seneca's teachings provide a framework for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life by prioritizing virtue, managing emotions, and making the most of our limited time.

7. Epictetus: Reason, Role Ethics, and Freedom

What decides whether a sum of money is good? The money is not going to tell you; it must be the faculty that makes use of such impressions—reason.

Former Slave. Epictetus, a former slave turned philosopher, emphasizes the importance of reason, role ethics, and freedom. His teachings, recorded by his student Arrian, offer practical guidance on living a virtuous life.

Key Concepts:

• Reason: Using logic and critical thinking to make sound judgments.
• Role Ethics: Fulfilling our duties in various roles (e.g., parent, friend, citizen).
• Freedom: Achieving inner freedom by controlling our desires and aversions.

Practical Application. Epictetus's teachings provide a framework for cultivating inner strength, managing adversity, and living in accordance with our values.

8. Marcus Aurelius: Gratitude, Adversity, and Duty

When you wake, say to yourself: “Today I shall encounter meddling, ingratitude, violence, cunning, jealousy, self-seeking...

Emperor-Philosopher. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, offers insights into gratitude, adversity, and duty in his Meditations. His personal reflections provide a practical guide to living a virtuous life amidst the challenges of leadership.

Key Themes:

• Gratitude: Appreciating the positive influences in our lives.
• Meditation on Adversity: Preparing for challenges and setbacks.
• Duty: Fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity and compassion.

Practical Application. Marcus Aurelius's Meditations provide a timeless guide to cultivating inner strength, managing adversity, and living a life of purpose and meaning.

9. Musonius Rufus and Hierocles: Practical Living and Cosmopolitanism

Only by exhibiting actions in harmony with the sound words which he has received will anyone be helped by philosophy.

Practical Stoics. Musonius Rufus and Hierocles, lesser-known Stoic philosophers, offer practical advice on living a virtuous life and embracing cosmopolitanism. Their teachings emphasize the importance of action, self-control, and universal brotherhood.

Key Contributions:

• Musonius Rufus: Emphasized the importance of philosophical practice and the equality of men and women.
• Hierocles: Articulated the concept of oikeiosis, expanding our circle of concern to encompass all humanity.

Practical Application. These philosophers provide a framework for living a more ethical and fulfilling life by prioritizing virtue, self-control, and a sense of global citizenship.

10. Stoic Role Models: Emulating Excellence

Choose therefore a Cato, or, if Cato seems too severe a model, choose some Laelius, a gentler spirit.

Inspiration from Others. The Stoics emphasized the importance of emulating virtuous individuals as a means of personal growth. By studying the lives and actions of role models, we can gain inspiration and guidance in our own pursuit of excellence.

Examples of Stoic Role Models:

• Cato the Younger: A Roman senator known for his uncompromising integrity.
• Odysseus: A Homeric hero who embodied resilience and resourcefulness.
• Nelson Mandela: A contemporary leader who demonstrated forgiveness and reconciliation.

Practical Application. By identifying and emulating virtuous role models, we can cultivate positive character traits and live more meaningful lives.

11. Misconceptions and Modern Applications of Stoicism

If it is not right, do not do it: if it is not true, do not say it. For let your impulse be in your own power.

Addressing Misconceptions. Despite its growing popularity, Stoicism is often misunderstood. Common misconceptions include the idea that Stoics are emotionless, that Stoicism is a path to wealth and fame, and that it is a purely masculine philosophy.

Modern Applications. Stoicism offers a powerful framework for navigating the challenges of modern life. Its principles can be applied to various areas, including:

• Managing stress and anxiety
• Making better decisions
• Cultivating resilience
• Building stronger relationships

Practical Application. By understanding the true essence of Stoicism and applying its principles mindfully, we can unlock its transformative potential and live more fulfilling lives.

Last updated: March 1, 2025