Stoicism offers us a roadmap to becoming more virtuous through certain behaviors.
In this article, we’re going to explore these behaviors – five signs that you’re walking the walk of Stoicism, living a life of real virtue.
This isn’t about achieving overnight perfection. Instead, it’s about embracing a journey toward continuous self-improvement and gaining a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be human.
So, whether you’re an avid student of Stoicism or simply curious about this practical philosophy, stay tuned.
We’re about to delve into whether you’re demonstrating virtuous behaviors in your day-to-day life. And if not, then perhaps it’s time for a little self-reflection.
1) Embracing the present moment
Do you find yourself constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past?
Stoicism teaches us the importance of focusing on the present moment. This is not about being oblivious to the past or future, but about recognizing that we can only truly live and act in the present.
According to Marcus Aurelius, we should always act as if we might depart from life at any moment :
“In the conviction that it is possible you may depart from life at once, act and speak and think in every case accordingly”.(The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This does not mean living in fear of death, but rather encouraging us to make the most out of every moment we have.
Being mindful of our present actions allows us to live according to virtue and ensures that we are making the best use of our time.
2) Practicing discipline and self-control
Stoicism places a high value on discipline and self-control.
“Each hour be minded, valiantly as become a Roman and a man, to do what is to your hand, with precise…and unaffected dignity, natural love, freedom and justice; and give yourself repose from every other imagination”. Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This underscores the importance of discipline in Stoicism. A virtuous person is one who exercises self-control, remains focused on their duties, and is not easily swayed by external influences or distractions.
Practicing discipline allows us to live more fulfilling lives as we work towards our goals with determination and resilience.
3) Exhibiting kindness and empathy towards others
Picture this: you’re walking down the street when a stranger accidentally bumps into you, spilling your coffee. Your initial reaction might be annoyance or anger, but what if you choose instead to respond with kindness and understanding?
Stoicism teaches us the importance of treating others with empathy and compassion – even when it’s challenging.
Marcus Aurelius offers some wisdom on dealing with others:
“When a man offends against you, think at once what conception of good or ill it was which made him offend. And seeing this, you will pity him, and feel neither surprise nor anger.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Furthermore, Aurelius suggests, “Do not act unwillingly nor selfishly nor without self-examination, nor with divergent motives.”
This encourages us to act from a place of sincerity and integrity when dealing with others.
Practicing kindness and empathy doesn’t just make us better people—it also contributes to our own sense of peace and fulfillment. So next time someone irritates you or behaves poorly, remember these stoic principles and choose empathy over annoyance.
4) Living with integrity
How often do you go back on your word? Do your actions consistently align with your values?
Stoicism places a significant emphasis on living a life of integrity. This means staying true to your principles and maintaining consistency between what you say and what you do.
Living with integrity is not just about honesty; it’s about being true to yourself in every aspect of life. It’s about making decisions that align with your values, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult. This consistency builds trust and respect from others, and more importantly, it fosters a deep sense of self-respect.
For instance, if you value kindness, your actions should reflect that, even in challenging situations. If you value hard work, you should strive to put in your best effort, regardless of external recognition or reward.
Integrity also involves self-reflection and accountability. When you make a mistake, acknowledging it and taking responsibility is crucial. This honesty with oneself is a cornerstone of Stoic virtue.
Stoicism teaches that adversity is not something to be avoided but rather embraced as an opportunity for growth.
As Seneca wisely put it, “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”
This perspective shift is crucial for cultivating resilience and inner strength.
Adversity, in the Stoic view, is a chance to practice virtue. It’s in the face of challenges that we can demonstrate courage, patience, and wisdom. By embracing hardship, we learn to detach from external circumstances and focus on our inner resources. This is what it means to be truly resilient.
Take the story of Epictetus, who was born a slave and faced numerous hardships throughout his life. Instead of succumbing to despair, he used his experiences to develop a profound philosophical perspective that has inspired countless people throughout history. His teachings emphasize that while we cannot control external events, we can control our responses to them.
Practicing this mindset involves seeing every obstacle as a test of your character. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a major life crisis, how you respond defines who you are. It’s about maintaining equanimity and using each challenge as a stepping stone towards becoming a better version of yourself.
The bottom line
Embracing Stoicism isn’t about achieving overnight perfection; it’s about embarking on a journey of continuous self-improvement and gaining a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live a virtuous life.
By integrating these behaviors into your daily routine, you can begin to walk the walk of Stoicism and embody its principles.
Living in the present moment helps you to appreciate and fully engage with life as it happens. Practicing discipline and self-control ensures that your actions are deliberate and aligned with your values. Exhibiting kindness and empathy towards others not only enhances your relationships but also brings you inner peace. Living with integrity builds trust and respect, both from others and within yourself. Embracing adversity transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Ultimately, these Stoic behaviors guide you towards a life of virtue, where external circumstances hold less power over your happiness and peace of mind. Instead, you cultivate an inner strength that allows you to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and wisdom.
So, whether you’re an avid student of Stoicism or just curious about this practical philosophy, consider how you can incorporate these behaviors into your own life. Reflect on your actions, strive for consistency with your values, and view each day as a chance to practice and improve.
Until next time, stay Stoic.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
