What is Stoicism, and how can this ancient philosophy increase your daily happiness
“Happiness is a good flow of life.” — Zeno of Citium
Happiness is often seen as an emotion, something that comes and goes depending on our circumstances. However, many philosophers and psychological experts argue that happiness is an attitude, a mindset that we can cultivate and maintain regardless of our external circumstances. One philosophy that can help us develop this mindset is stoicism.
What are the origins of Stoicism?
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that originated in Greece and was later embraced by the Romans. The name “stoicism” comes from the Greek word “stoa,” which means porch, as the early stoics often met on the porch of the Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium. The fundamental tenet of stoicism is that we should strive to live in harmony with the universe and its natural laws.
“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” — Epictetus
The ancient stoics believed that rational principles govern the universe and that our ultimate goal in life should be to align our will with these principles. They believed true happiness comes from living according to these principles rather than seeking external pleasure or avoiding pain.
One of the most famous stoics was the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who wrote extensively about his stoic beliefs in his personal journal, known as the Meditations. In one passage, he writes:
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Another key figure in the history of stoicism was the Greek philosopher Epictetus, who taught us to focus on what we can control and let go of what we cannot. He believed we should strive to live according to reason and cultivate virtues such as wisdom, courage, and justice.
“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.” — Marcus Aurelius
Over the centuries, stoicism fell out of favor as a philosophical movement. Still, it experienced a resurgence in the 20th century with the publication of the book The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca by the British philosopher and statesman Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Today, stoicism is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as more and more people seek a philosophy that can help them find inner peace and happiness in an increasingly chaotic world.
But why is such an ancient philosophy getting so popular recently?
One of the reasons why stoicism is gaining popularity is its connection to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help people change their negative thought patterns and behaviors. Many of the techniques used in CBT, such as mindfulness and reframing, have roots in stoicism.
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius
For example, the stoics believed that we should not let our emotions control us but should strive to be rational and objective in our thinking. This approach is similar to the CBT technique of challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more realistic and positive ones.
Another critical aspect of stoicism is its emphasis on virtue and character. The Stoics believed that we should cultivate virtues such as wisdom, courage, and justice to lead a fulfilling and happy life. This emphasis on virtue and character is also present in CBT, which encourages people to develop positive habits and behaviors to improve their mental health and well-being.
And how can that contribute to my happiness?
The stoicism principles can be applied to various aspects of our lives, such as our relationships, careers, and personal achievements. For example, the stoics believed that we should strive to be indifferent to the opinions of others and focus on what we can control in our lives. This way of thought can help us to maintain a healthy perspective and to avoid getting caught up in the drama and stress of everyday life.
Wait.. but does that mean we should accept whatever happens in our lives and not take action?
No, embracing stoicism does not mean we should accept whatever happens in our lives without taking action. Stoicism emphasizes the importance of taking action to pursue our goals and values. The Stoics believed that we should strive to align our will with the natural order of the universe and that this requires us to take action following our principles and values. At the same time, however, they also believed that we should accept the things we cannot change and not let them upset us. So while stoicism does not mean that we should accept whatever happens to us, it does mean that we should strive to be calm and composed in the face of adversity and focus on what we can control.
Yeah, but how can stoicism improve my daily life?
In terms of relationships, stoicism can help us to let go of our attachment to others and focus on building solid and meaningful connections based on mutual respect and understanding. In our careers, stoicism can help us to remain focused and determined, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. And in terms of personal achievement, stoicism can help us better manage our ego and focus on the things that truly matter, such as our character and our contributions to the world.
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” — Epictetus
Stoicism is a philosophy that can help us cultivate a mindset of happiness and inner peace, regardless of our external circumstances. By focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we cannot, we can learn to live in harmony with the universe and find true fulfillment and happiness in life.
Of course, like any philosophy, stoicism is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is up to each individual to evaluate whether stoicism is right for them and to adapt the principles of stoicism to their own unique circumstances and goals. However, stoicism is definitely worth considering for those seeking a philosophy that can help them find happiness and inner peace.
Be happy — that’s something definitely in your control
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