Basics of Stoicism 101

Stoic Sam here, seeking to provide a guide to more easily understanding Stoicism.

A Brief History of Stoicism

Stoicism was founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC. It's a philosophy of personal ethics informed by its system of logic and its views on the natural world. The Stoics taught that destructive emotions resulted from errors in judgment, and that a sage, or a person of 'moral and intellectual perfection', would not suffer such emotions.

Stoics were concerned with the active relationship between cosmic determinism and human freedom, and the belief that it is virtuous to maintain a will that is in accord with nature. Because of this, the Stoics presented their philosophy as a way of life, and they thought that the best indication of an individual's philosophy was not what a person said but how they behaved.

The Essence of Being Stoic

Being Stoic is about understanding the natural order of things and accepting what we cannot control. It's about focusing on what we can control - our actions, responses, and attitudes. It's about maintaining inner peace, regardless of external circumstances. It's about understanding that our happiness and peace of mind are dependent on our internal state, not on external events.

Benefits of Stoicism

Stoicism provides a framework for navigating life's ups and downs. It teaches us to focus on what's within our control and to accept what's not. It encourages us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. It promotes resilience, emotional intelligence, and a sense of purpose.

Common Misconceptions about Stoicism

One common misconception about Stoicism is that Stoics lack emotion. This is not true. Stoics do experience emotions, but they strive not to be controlled by them. They aim to understand their emotions, to question them, and to respond to them in a rational and balanced way.

Conclusion

In essence, Stoicism is a philosophy of personal ethics and wisdom. It's about understanding and accepting the world as it is, focusing on what's within our control, and responding to life's challenges with wisdom, courage, and serenity.