Introduction into Stoicism

Stoicism, a school of philosophy founded in ancient Greece (around 300 BCE by Zeno of Citium), teaches practical wisdom for living a virtuous and tranquil life. It emphasizes resilience, rationality, and alignment with nature. Here's an in-depth look at the core principles of Stoicism:

1. Living in Accordance with Nature

Stoics believe that living virtuously means living in harmony with nature—both external nature (the universe) and human nature (our capacity for reason).

• Human nature is rational. So, the Stoic life is guided by reason and logic rather than passion or impulse.

• Universal nature is orderly and deterministic. Thus, accepting the unfolding of events—what the Stoics call fate—is central to tranquility.

Key idea: We don't control external events, only our judgments and actions in response.

2. The Dichotomy of Control

This is one of the most practical teachings of Stoicism. Introduced by Epictetus, it's the idea that:

“Some things are up to us, and some things are not.”

• Things we can control: our thoughts, beliefs, judgments, choices, and actions.

• Things we cannot control: other people’s actions, the past, natural disasters, and most outcomes.

By focusing only on what we can control, we reduce unnecessary suffering and live more freely.

Modern application: Let go of outcomes and focus on effort and integrity.

3. Virtue is the Only Good

To the Stoics, virtue—not pleasure, wealth, or status—is the only true good. Virtue is both necessary and sufficient for happiness (eudaimonia).

There are four cardinal Stoic virtues:

• Wisdom: knowing what is good, bad, and indifferent; good judgment.

• Courage: moral bravery, perseverance in the face of fear.

• Justice: fairness, giving others their due, acting for the common good.

• Temperance: self-control, moderation, balance.

Key idea: External goods are “indifferents” — they don’t make you good or bad. Only your character does.

4. Amor Fati ("Love of Fate")

This means not just accepting but embracing whatever happens.

• Everything happens for a reason, part of the rational order of the universe.

• Even pain, loss, and hardship are part of nature’s design and opportunities for growth.

Practicing Amor Fati means saying “yes” to life, without complaint or resistance.

5. Memento Mori ("Remember Death")

This principle reminds us of our mortality and the brevity of life.

• Death is natural and not to be feared.

• Remembering that life is short helps prioritize what truly matters—virtue and presence.

Seneca: “You act like mortals in all that you fear, and like immortals in all that you desire.”

6. Negative Visualization (Premeditatio Malorum)

This is the practice of imagining possible misfortunes in advance.

• It builds emotional resilience.

• It reduces fear and increases gratitude for what we have now.

Example: Before a journey, imagine delays or losses—not to dwell, but to mentally prepare and not be surprised.

7. Apatheia (Equanimity)

Not apathy in the modern sense, but a calm state of mind unshaken by passions.

• Passion (pathos) is an irrational, excessive emotional response.

• Apatheia is the ideal Stoic state: rational, balanced, and undisturbed by external events.

Contrast: It’s not suppressing emotion but cultivating clear judgment.

8. Oikeiosis (Affinity and Duty to Others)

Though Stoicism emphasizes individual virtue, it also teaches that we are social beings.

• We are naturally connected to others.

• Our rational nature includes a duty to care for others, to live harmoniously in a community.

Marcus Aurelius: “What is not good for the hive is not good for the bee.”