Stoicism Explored: Insights and Applications for a Balanced Life

Stoicism — I am using chatGPT too for the write up. Text in Italics is purely from chatGPT. I have also used chatGPT to correct grammar.

Stoicism, a philosophy originating in ancient Greece around the 3rd century BCE, finds its roots in the teachings of Stoic philosophers like Zeno of Citium. It offers timeless wisdom through figures such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, guiding individuals to navigate life’s uncertainties with courage, wisdom, and tranquility.

Books that I have on Stoicism

A few years ago, I was reading Robin Sharma’s book ‘The Everyday Hero Manifesto,’ in which he mentions reading ‘Meditations’ more than once. Each time, he discovered something new or gained a different perspective on life. Intrigued, I decided to follow suit and purchased the first copy of ‘Meditations.’ Unfortunately, due to poor translation, it was difficult to grasp. Fortunately, I soon discovered there were other translations available and acquired the version shown in the picture above.

Subsequently, I also acquired Seneca’s works, and last year, I purchased ‘The Daily Stoic.’ I am enamored with Stoic philosophy, although, to be honest, I have yet to complete any of these books. At times, reading these texts leaves me feeling despondent, while at other times, they provide me with the strength to accept life as it is and move forward one step at a time. Although I haven’t revisited these books recently, the following reflects what I remember and the key takeaways from my limited reading. It will cover the points that have deeply resonated with me and those that have left me pondering for days on end.

Below are my interpretations, which may have been twisted over time, but I hope to generate curiosity within you to pick up at least one of these books. I have realized that Stoic philosophy is something to be read and absorbed slowly; it cannot be finished in one sitting. Let’s begin.

1. Seneca, a philosopher who amassed great wealth, was often questioned about how he could preach philosophy and still possess so much wealth. His answer, or his view, actually touched me. It goes like this: “Say you are wealthy and have silver plates and spoons. You can use them to have your meals, so-called enjoying them. But tomorrow, for whatever reason, if you don’t have silver plates, it shouldn’t affect you. You should be equally happy and content with your food.”
   Seneca’s wisdom urges us to find contentment beyond material possessions. While enjoying luxuries is fine, our happiness shouldn’t depend on them. We should cultivate inner peace and joy that remain steadfast even when external circumstances change.
2. Stoicism is primarily about accepting things as they are. It emphasizes controlling our responses to external situations. Whatever is destined to happen will happen, and our focus should be on accepting it and moving forward. We only have control over our responses and emotions. Stoicism also teaches us that even our bodies are not entirely under our control, which was an eye-opener for me. It provided me with a new perspective and helped me narrow my focus on what I can control and work on improving. For example, getting a promotion is not within my control, but giving my best effort on the current project is. While I may or may not be able to finish a marathon, training for it is still within my control. Waking up early is entirely within my control, but spraining my leg due to a pothole is not fully within my control, and I must accept whatever result arises.
3. Stoicism also emphasizes the concept of the greater good for everyone, society, or nature as a whole. If something is genuinely beneficial for society as a whole, it will not be detrimental to the individual. While there may be debates and examples regarding this concept, it is valuable to adopt this perspective. Understanding that what is good for society benefits everyone encourages us to contribute positively to the collective welfare without hesitation.
4. The Daily Stoic — July 23 — Receive Honors and Slights Exactly the Same Way. Receive without pride, let go without attachment — this is directly from the book. You are given a promotion — receive it without any pride. If you are overlook for a critical project then let go without any attachment and continue with your work.
5. There is a nice passage on waking up early and I would like to quote that too as it is — else I would not have done full justice to the concept.
   “At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: “I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?”
   “So you were born to feel nice?” Marcus writes, “Don’t you see the plants, the birds, the ants and spiders and bees going about their individual tasks, putting the world in order, as best they can? And you’re not willing to do your job as a human being?”
6. Meditations is often regarded as Marcus Aurelius’ personal collection of writings rather than a book intended for publication. Similarly, I maintain several personal diaries where I jot down my thoughts and experiences at various stages of my life, from my time at IIT to relocating to Chennai for work, and up to the present day. This practice fosters a deeper personal connection for me. Since these writings are personal, they may contain repetition, reflecting the Stoic belief in reinforcing certain thoughts and philosophies until they become ingrained. Seneca also advocated for the idea that there is no exclusive ownership of philosophy. He believed individuals were free to explore and incorporate teachings from various sources into their own lives and work. This perspective underscores the essence of philosophy.

Wrapping up for now —

1. I aspire to embrace a mindset that finds joy in abundance yet remains content with simplicity, whether dining with silver plates or without.
2. I want to be graceful in defeat and grateful / thankful in victory.
3. My focus rests on cultivating agency over what I can control, dedicating myself to duty like the industrious bees, and fostering a deeper connection with nature.
4. I intend to persist in documenting my reflections and experiences in my diary, nurturing introspection and growth.

I invite you to share your reflections on philosophy and life. What sustains your motivation and guides your daily pursuits? What principles illuminate your path each day? Let’s engage in meaningful dialogue about our journeys.