Stoicism is a philosophy of life developed by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC. It is a system of thought that teaches that the only things that are truly good are virtue and vice. So we should not be attached to external things like wealth, health, or pleasure, as they are outside of our control and can therefore be taken away from us at any time. Instead, we should focus on developing our own character and living in accordance with reason.
The four cardinal virtues of Stoicism are:
- Wisdom: This is the virtue of using reason and logic to make good decisions. Wisdom helps us to understand the world around us and to live in accordance with nature.
- Courage: This is the virtue of facing our fears and doing what is right, even when it is difficult. Courage helps us to overcome challenges and to live a meaningful life.
- Justice: This is the virtue of treating others fairly and with respect. Justice helps us to build strong relationships and to create a just society.
- Temperance: This is the virtue of self-control and moderation. Temperance helps us to avoid excesses and to live a balanced life.
- Focus on what you can control: Stoicism teaches us to distinguish between what we can and cannot control. We have control over our own thoughts, actions, and responses to events. Instead of dwelling on things we cannot change, we should focus on directing our energy towards what lies within our power.
- Embrace virtue as the ultimate goal: Stoicism defines virtue as living in accordance with reason and acting with integrity. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues like courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. These virtues form the foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful life.
- Reason is our guide: Stoicism encourages us to use our rational faculties to make informed decisions and navigate life's complexities. Reason helps us to understand the world around us, evaluate our own thoughts and actions, and make choices that align with our values.
- Accept what is beyond our control: Stoicism recognizes that some things are simply beyond our control, such as other people's actions and external events. Rather than wasting energy on futile attempts to control the uncontrollable, we should focus on accepting these things and directing our efforts towards what we can influence.
- Live in accordance with nature: Stoicism encourages us to live in harmony with the natural world and the universal order. This means living a life that is rational, consistent with the laws of nature, and aligned with our own nature as rational beings.
- Practice negative visualization: Stoicism suggests preparing for potential setbacks by mentally rehearsing difficult situations. This technique, known as negative visualization, helps us develop resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
- Cultivate mindfulness: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment. By paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment, we can gain greater self-awareness and make more conscious choices.
- Seek guidance from wise mentors: Stoicism encourages us to seek guidance and mentorship from individuals who embody its principles. Learning from those who have navigated life's challenges with wisdom and integrity can provide valuable insights and support.
- Practice gratitude: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of appreciating the good things in life, no matter how small they may seem. Regularly expressing gratitude can shift our perspective and cultivate a sense of contentment.
- Embrace the concept of amor fati: The Stoics believed that the universe is governed by a divine providence, or logos. This logos is the reason or order that underlies all things. Amor fati is the acceptance of this plan, even when it includes difficult or painful experiences. It is the belief that everything that happens to us is ultimately for the best, even if we cannot see it at the time.