Stoicism and Life by Ethan Young (H02)

Stoicism. In modern society, this belief or idea is synonymous with emotionless. It is considered taboo to be a stoic, for one is out of touch with their humanistic feelings and is nothing more than a heartless machine suppressing themselves and hindering everyone. While that may be the case today, stoicism meant something else entirely in Ancient Greece and for its founders. 

Stoicism is a Hellenistic teaching can be traced back to the early doctrines of Zeno of Citium from the early 3rd century BCE. A philosopher in his own write, he studied at Plato’s Academy along with other prominent figures of the time. As previously discussed and said, one definition of philosophy is understanding how to live and die well. Zeno contributed to philosophy by attempting to divide it into three parts: logic, physics, and ethics. Within these fields lie the core principles of Stoicism.

Apart from the Grecian origins of this philosophy, many of its major contributions come from Rome. Two prominent stoics who devised much of how stoicism should be practiced were the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and the Roman slave Epictetus. Apart from their social standings, both created important works of insight on Stoicism. Marcus Aurelius’s journal, titled Meditations, contains his own philosophical musings and observations on life. Epictetus, born a slave but becoming a freedman only to become an exile, has his own perspectives and opinions on living as a stoic recorded in the Discourses and the Handbook. 

First, through the observation of nature, it can be understood as rational and good. Second, the universe appears to be governed by a reasonable law. This law of reason is a force that is unescapable by humanity, thus it should be followed deliberately. Third, if one lives their life in accordance to this rational nature, it can be deemed virtuous. Fourth, virtue is rooted in wisdom, from which comes insight, bravery, self-control, and justice. Fifth, intensive feelings or passions should be avoided due to its irrationality. thus, life is spent in a constant struggle against it. Sixth, pleasure is a grey area in our search for a good life. It is not good, nor necessarily bad. In the end, it is acceptable so long as it does not interfere or hinder our search for virtue. Seventh, that things such as poverty, illness, and death are not evil. This is perhaps due to the nature of the universe and such things are rational. It is important to note that despite that, such things are not necessarily wished for. And finally, that it is out of duty to ourselves that we seek virtue, not for pleasure.

To summarize the core of Stoicism, I will relate the purpose and means of how to live the good life. The goal is by self-control and fortitude, one can essentially overcome our destructive emotions that tend to complicate or ruin our lives. The way of doing so is through the development and search of our moral virtues, which are rooted in wisdom. These virtue ethics were critical in developing oneself and living a good life. It is not to say at all that Stoicism thinks emotions are bad, only that unchecked with reason and understanding, they become self-destructive as we mindlessly indulge our natural tendencies. Another fundamental part of Stoicism was in the acceptance of change. Change is a natural part of life, one which can happen to us or one we can make happen. In either case, one should accept such change, good or bad, and try to live virtuously from the consequences. There are many things beyond our control that occurs, what matters is how we respond to these occurrences that determines if we are living our lives virtuously.  One could say that stoicism is in essence living life in moderation and harmony, or within the “Golden Mean” as Aristotle called it. Stoics seeks to live with meaning and understanding, not sporadically as dictated by emotion.

In modern society, Stoicism has returned as a way of life and worldview for people. There are many reasons for such beliefs today, though much is left to debate and speculation. Hopefully, one lesson that we all can learn from stoicism that is most helpful in our day-to-day lives is this: think before you act, and perhaps you will be the wiser for it. 

Video on Stoicism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QztdN4hUKA

"All good people are friends with each other." - Zeno of Cilium

QUIZ QUESTIONS ON STOICISM: 

1. What Greek philosopher is accredited with founding Stoicism?
2. What work did the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius write?
3. According to Stoic belief, for what reason should one seek virtue?
4. What do Stoics believe about change and life?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 

1. What are your opinions on Stoicism? Is it a viable philosophy for living life?
2. A famous Latin quote associated with Stoicism is Memento Mori, or essentially “Remember Death.” How does contemplating your mortality affect you or your decisions?
3. Have you ever been called stoic? What are the pros and cons of controlling your emotions or passions?