The Dark Side of Stoicism (why it can hinder growth and success)

Baris A
3 min readNov 7, 2023
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1. Emotional Suppression

Stoicism emphasizes keeping your emotions in check, not getting carried away by passion or sentiment. While this can help you stay level-headed during difficult times, it can also hinder your ability to build deep and authentic connections with friends, family, or colleagues.

Forming strong, meaningful relationships often requires the sharing of emotions and feelings.

2. Staying in Your Comfort Zone

Stoicism encourages you to focus on what you can control and accept what you can’t. While this approach has its merits, it can sometimes make us too comfortable, causing us to avoid risks.

Achieving growth and success often means taking some calculated risks.

If you’re entirely devoted to the Stoic concept of control, you might find yourself reluctant to explore new opportunities and embrace change.

3. Lack of Ambition

Stoicism emphasizes contentment with what you have and not obsessing over material possessions. While that’s a great mindset to have to curb consumerism, it can also unintentionally discourage ambition.

For growth and success, one requires a healthy…

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Baris A

Tech Consultant in Dubai. I write about Improving Thinking, Planning and all topics related. Check out my pinned post for my "Strategic Lifestyle" book.