Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be a good person?
Many people mistakenly believe that Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, is all about being heartless and cold. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Stoicism, founded in ancient Greece and popularized by philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, is centered on virtues that promote a balanced and fulfilling life.
Far from being indifferent, Stoicism teaches us to cultivate empathy, integrity, and selflessness. It’s about living in harmony with others and the world around us.
Today, we’ll explore five key signs that you are a good person according to Stoic principles.
Let’s dive in.
1) You practice empathy
Empathy is a cornerstone of Stoic ethics, involving the understanding and sharing of others’ feelings. While Stoicism often emphasizes rationality and control over one’s emotions, it also encourages a deep sense of compassion for 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.” — Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Stoics believe that by recognizing the reasons behind others’ actions, we can foster empathy and reduce anger and resentment. This perspective helps us understand that people’s actions often stem from their own struggles and misconceptions.
Practicing empathy allows us to build stronger, more harmonious relationships. It helps us to remain calm and composed, avoiding unnecessary conflicts. By seeing the world through the eyes of others, we can connect on a deeper level and contribute positively to their lives.
Empathy, in the Stoic sense, is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool for fostering genuine human connection and maintaining inner peace.
2) You do what is right regardless of circumstances
Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation where doing the right thing seemed nearly impossible?
A key sign of a good person, according to Stoicism, is the ability to maintain integrity and adhere to moral principles, no matter the circumstances. As Marcus Aurelius wrote:
“Whatever anyone may do or say, I am bound to be good.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This principle is about being steadfast and consistent in our ethical conduct, regardless of external pressures or personal cost.
Doing the right thing requires courage and inner strength. It means staying true to your values, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Stoics understand that the immediate consequences of moral actions might be challenging, but the long-term benefits of maintaining integrity far outweigh temporary discomforts.
In a world full of shifting standards and situational ethics, the Stoic commitment to unwavering moral principles stands as a powerful testament to true goodness.
3) You strive for the greater good
This is a big one. Striving for the greater good is a fundamental principle in Stoicism, particularly emphasized throughout Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations.” A good person, according to Stoic philosophy, acts with the collective well-being in mind, contributing positively to the larger community.
Throughout “Meditations,” Marcus Aurelius frequently reflects on the interconnectedness of all people and the importance of acting for the common good. He writes:
“What does not benefit the hive is no benefit to the bee.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
He reminds us that our actions should support and uplift the community, much like how bees work collectively for the health of the hive. This perspective shifts our focus from selfish desires to a broader, more inclusive view of what it means to live a virtuous life.
4) You show humility
“When you have adopted the simple life, do not pride yourself upon it, and if you are a water-drinker do not say on every occasion, ‘I am a water-drinker.’ And if you ever want to train laboriously, keep it to yourself and do not make a show of it.” — Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
Stoicism teaches that true greatness lies in our actions and character, not in outward displays of superiority or self-congratulation. By quietly adhering to a virtuous life, we focus on genuine self-improvement rather than seeking validation or admiration from others.
Whether it’s practicing simplicity, undergoing rigorous training, or performing acts of kindness, these should be done for their own sake, not for the recognition they might bring. Humility involves acknowledging that our knowledge and abilities are limited, fostering a continuous pursuit of learning and growth.
In a world often driven by competition and self-promotion, the Stoic practice of humility stands out as a testament to true character. It allows us to connect more authentically with others and to contribute positively without the need for applause.
5) You help others selflessly
In Stoicism, selflessness is a key indicator of a good person.
Seneca, for instance, wrote, “He that does good to another man does good also to himself” (Seneca’s Morals, 1882). Marcus Aurelius got into some more detail when he penned:
“One kind of man, when he does a good turn to someone, is forward also to set down the favour to his account. Another is not forward to this, but still within himself, he thinks as though he were a creditor and is conscious of what he has done. A third in a sense not even conscious of what he has done, but he like a vine which has borne grapes, and asks nothing more when one it has borne its appropriate fruit…..You ought to be one of these who in a way are not aware of what they do.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Basically, stoicism emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity.
Helping others enriches one’s own life and spirit, creating a cycle of goodness that benefits both the giver and the receiver. This isn’t about seeking personal gain but about recognizing the mutual benefit of kindness and support.
It involves offering assistance, compassion, and support without expecting anything in return. This could be through acts of charity, lending a listening ear, or simply being there for someone in need. The true measure of these actions is found in the sincerity and willingness to help purely for the benefit of others.
The bottom line
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Stay Stoic.
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