Stoicism, an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium, teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. It does not seek to extinguish emotions completely, but rather to transform them by a resolute asceticism, leading to mental clarity and inner peace.
Here are ten insights we can gain from the philosophy of Stoicism:
- Acceptance of Reality: Stoicism teaches us to accept things as they are, and not as we wish them to be. This acceptance can bring about peace and reduce suffering.
- Internal over External: Stoics believed that we don’t have control over external events, only our responses and attitudes. This perspective can lead to resilience and tranquility.
- Emotional Control: Stoicism provides strategies for managing and transforming negative emotions, promoting emotional resilience.
- Focus on Virtue: Stoicism emphasises living a life of virtue and moral excellence, teaching us the importance of ethics and character.
- Mindfulness: Stoicism encourages present moment awareness, a concept shared with mindfulness practices.
- Value of Reason: Stoics highly valued rational thought and logic as means to understand the world and respond to challenges.
- Appreciation of Nature: Stoics saw the natural world as an embodiment of rational order, encouraging a deep appreciation for nature.
- Universal Connectivity: Stoics believed in the interconnectedness of all things, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Transience of Life: Stoicism teaches us to be aware of the fleeting nature of life, encouraging us to value each moment.
- Mortality Salience: Stoics frequently contemplated death to better appreciate life and manage fear of mortality.
QR Poet Summary
Today, you could draw inspiration from the philosophy of Stoicism. Consider its teachings on accepting reality, focusing on internal responses rather than external events, and practising emotional control. Think about how you might live a life focused on virtue and how you might incorporate mindfulness and rational thought into your daily routine. Contemplate the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of all things, and perhaps consider the fleeting nature of life, and even the idea of mortality, to better appreciate the here and now. These ancient ideas can still provide valuable guidance for modern life.