Hercules: How the Legendary Hero Embodies Stoic Philosophy and Offers a Guide to Living a Virtuous Life
Stoic teachings from a timeless hero.
The story of Hercules has captured the imagination of people for centuries. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day Hollywood, Hercules has been portrayed as a mighty hero who faces incredible challenges and overcomes them through strength, courage, and determination.
However, there is more to Hercules than just his physical prowess. The story of Hercules is filled with valuable lessons about Stoicism and how it can help us navigate life’s challenges.
Hercules, or Heraclitus (as the Greeks call him), was more than entertainment for the stoics and the Cynics. It was a role model.
And not only for those two schools, but Hercules significantly impacts philosophy.
The admiration for him goes above the physical characteristic of the character, but for his virtues and the way he lives his life.
Stoicism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of reason, Virtue, and self-control in achieving Happiness and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Stoics believed that we should focus on what we can control rather than what we cannot and strive to live a life of…
