Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that offers practical advice for living a happy and meaningful life.
It began in Greece around the 3rd century BCE, founded by Zeno of Citium, and later became popular in Rome with thinkers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
At its heart, Stoicism teaches us how to handle life’s ups and downs with good character and clear thinking. It focuses on knowing what we can control and accepting what we can’t. This helps us stay calm and strong, no matter what happens.
In fact, the impact of Stoicism on my own life is the reason I started this site. Its teachings have guided me through many challenges, helping me find peace and purpose.
In this article, we’ll look at the basic ideas of Stoicism and how you can use them in your everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for personal growth, peace of mind, or a better understanding of the world, the wisdom of the Stoics can guide you.
Core Principles of Stoicism
Virtue is the Highest Good
In Stoicism, being a good person is the most important thing. This means having good character and living by four main qualities: wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control.
Wisdom means making good choices and understanding what truly matters. Courage is about facing challenges bravely. Justice means treating others fairly, and self-control is managing our desires and actions.
Living by these virtues helps us find true happiness, not in things like money or fame, but in being a good person.
Dichotomy of Control
A key idea in Stoicism is understanding what we can and cannot control. We can control our own thoughts, actions, and responses, but we can’t control other people or outside events.
By focusing on what we can control, we reduce stress and frustration.
For example, if something bad happens, we can control how we react to it, even if we can’t change the event itself. This helps us stay calm and strong, no matter what happens.
Living with Rationality and Logic
Stoicism teaches the importance of using clear thinking and logic in our daily lives. This means making decisions based on understanding and wisdom, not just emotions.
By thinking clearly, we can avoid impulsive reactions and make better choices.
For example, if someone says something mean, instead of getting angry right away, we can pause and think about the best way to respond. This helps us stay peaceful and have better relationships with others.
Key Stoic Quotes
The teachings of the Stoic philosophers are full of practical wisdom that can help us navigate everyday life. Here are a few key quotes and what they mean:
01 “The only thing that isn’t worthless: to live this life out truthfully and rightly. And be patient with those who don’t.” – Marcus Aurelius
This quote reminds us to focus on living honestly and doing the right thing, regardless of how others behave. It encourages patience and understanding towards others.
02 “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” – Marcus Aurelius
This teaches that our distress comes not from events themselves, but from how we perceive them. We have the power to change our perspective and thus reduce our suffering.
03 “Associate with people who are likely to improve you.” – Seneca
Seneca advises us to spend time with people who inspire and uplift us. Positive influences can help us grow and become better individuals.
04 “You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone.” – Marcus Aurelius
This quote highlights the importance of letting go of things we cannot control. By not forming strong opinions on such matters, we can maintain our peace of mind.
05 “Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”
Marcus Aurelius encourages us to embrace our circumstances and the people in our lives wholeheartedly. Acceptance and love for our fate lead to a more harmonious life.
These quotes provide timeless advice that can help us live with more wisdom, patience, and peace. By reflecting on these teachings and applying them in our daily lives, we can better navigate the challenges we face and find deeper fulfillment.
Where to go from here
I hope this very basic introduction to Stoicism has given you some food for thought. If you would like to dive in in some more detail, check out our posts below.
What Is A Stoic Person? A Beginners Guide
How To Live As A Stoic: A Beginners Guide
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you enjoyed this introduction to Stoicism and want to dive deeper, why not sign up for my Stoic newsletter below?
Each week, you’ll get insights, practical tips, and inspiring quotes to help you live a calmer, more meaningful life.
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.
