Through my journey of self-discovery and learning from wise Stoic philosophers, I’ve identified a few key elements of contentment.
They’ve brought me closer to the Stoic ideal of contentment than anything else.
Maybe they’ll do the same for you.
Let’s get started.
1) Radical acceptance
“Ask not that events should happen as you will, but let your will be that events should happen as they do, and you shall have peace.” – Epictetus
One of the most significant understandings I’ve gleaned from Stoic philosophy is the incredible power of acceptance.
Living in a world where we are so consumed by the desire for control, it may seem counterintuitive to find contentment in acceptance. But the Stoics saw it differently.
Through studying the teachings of Epictetus, one of the great Stoic philosophers, I’ve learned that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we react to it.
And crucially, we need to accept what we can’t control.
Acceptance, in this sense, isn’t about passivity or resignation; it’s about understanding our sphere of influence and choosing our response wisely.
It’s not always easy, but the acceptance of things as they are, rather than how we want them to be, is a powerful practice in contentment.
2) The pursuit of wisdom
The Stoic philosophers were great thinkers, but they were also humble students. They had an insatiable thirst for wisdom, and they recognized that it could be found in every corner of life.
This understanding motivated me to adopt a similar approach. I began to actively seek out wisdom, not just in books or lectures, but in everyday interactions and experiences.
However, it was the teachings of the Stoic philosopher Seneca that truly resonated with me. He encouraged us to appreciate the wisdom of others and to not be too proud to learn from them. For Seneca, every interaction was an opportunity for growth and understanding.
This mindset has been transformative for me. It has shifted my perspective from seeing feedback or advice as criticism to viewing them as opportunities for personal growth.
This isn’t just about being open-minded; it’s about actively seeking wisdom and learning from the experience and knowledge of others.
3) The present moment
The Stoics believed in the value of living in the ‘here and now.’ They taught that ruminating on the past or worrying about the future often leads to dissatisfaction. Instead, they encouraged us to focus our attention on the present moment, which is all we truly have control over.
Marcus Aurelius, a renowned Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, often emphasized this point in his writings. He wrote, “Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Incorporating this principle into my life has been challenging yet rewarding. It’s easy to get caught up in past regrets or future anxieties, but focusing on the present moment has allowed me to appreciate life as it unfolds.
This Stoic practice of mindfulness has brought clarity and contentment to my everyday experiences.
It’s not just about being physically present; it’s about being mentally engaged with each passing moment.
4) Gratitude
In our pursuit of more, it’s easy to overlook what we already have. This is where the Stoic practice of gratitude comes in.
The Stoics, particularly Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, stressed the importance of gratitude. They believed that by acknowledging and appreciating what we already have, we can find genuine contentment.
Taking this to heart, I’ve made a conscious effort to cultivate gratitude in my daily life. Each day, I take a few moments to reflect on the things I’m thankful for – from the profound to the mundane.
This practice isn’t just about expressing thanks for the good things; it’s about finding value and lessons in the challenges, too. As the Stoics taught, even in adversity, there is something to be grateful for.
5) The nature of change
“Nature loves nothing so much as to change what it is and to create new things in their likeness” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Ever find it challenging to cope with change?
Well, you’re not alone. Change can be unsettling. Yet, the Stoic philosophers viewed change not as an obstacle, but as a natural part of life.
The Stoics believed that everything in life is transient and that acceptance of this reality is key to contentment. They advocated for embracing change instead of resisting it, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
This philosophy resonated deeply with me. I began to see that my struggle wasn’t with change itself, but with my resistance to it.
Incorporating this Stoic principle into my life has been liberating. Rather than fearing change, I’ve learned to accept and adapt to it.
This approach is more than just about going with the flow; it’s about finding peace amidst the flux and becoming resilient in the face of life’s inevitable changes.
7) Virtue over material wealth
In a world driven by material possessions, the Stoic philosophy offers a refreshing perspective. The Stoics placed supreme importance on virtue, considering it the highest form of wealth.
They believed that while material possessions are transient, virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance are within our control.
This Stoic principle struck a chord with me. It made me question what I truly valued and helped me prioritize personal growth and ethical living over the pursuit of material wealth.
This isn’t about rejecting material comforts but about understanding their transient nature and not letting them define our worth or happiness.
8) Solitude
“Men look for retreats for themselves, the country, the seashore, the hills; and you yourself, too, are peculiarly accustomed to feel that same want. Yet this is very unlike a philosopher, when you may at any hour retreat into yourself” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
The idea of solitude can seem daunting. However, the Stoics saw solitude as a precious opportunity for self-reflection and growth.
They believed that spending time alone, away from the distractions and influences of the world, allows us to connect deeply with ourselves and cultivate inner peace.
Inspired by this Stoic principle, I’ve made it a point to create moments of solitude in my daily routine. This quiet time has become a sanctuary for introspection, allowing me to align my actions with my values and aspirations.
This isn’t just about being alone; it’s about valuing and making the most of our own company.
By integrating this practice into my life, I’ve discovered a deeper sense of contentment and self-understanding.
It’s a simple act, but its impact is profound.
The bottom line
In the end, being a Stoic isn’t about following a rigid set of rules.
It’s about finding contentment in simple, profound truths and living a life of virtue and mindfulness. It’s a journey, not a destination. And it’s a journey worth taking.
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.
