A Deep Dive into Stoicism and the Major Influencers

This article will take a “deep dive” into Stoicism and the men who shaped it. Marcus Aurelius was one of the greatest emperors of Ancient Rome. Referred to as the “Philosopher King” for the high level of wisdom he displayed during his reign. Epictetus was born into slavery but eventually gained his freedom. He became a noted teacher and an influencer of the Roman Emperor, Hadrian. Seneca was born in Spain and moved to Rome at an early age. He became one of the most noted statesmen and playwrights of his time. Eventually, rising to the top levels of politics and influence.

What do these three men (who I often refer to as the “ancient sages”) have in common? Their thoughts and ideas concerning stoicism have survived from the ancient past. Two thousand years later, these remarkable manuscripts have miraculously survived. Together, they form the foundation of what is known as Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that is practiced by the wealthy and the powerless, the powerful and the struggling alike, in search of self-improvement. They contain some of the greatest wisdom in human history.

Stoicism is either unknown or misunderstood by everyone but the most ardent seekers of knowledge. This dynamic, proactive, and paradigm-shifting manner of life is commonly referred to as “emotionlessness” by the general public. Stoic philosophy seems like the last thing anyone would want to learn, let alone need to learn, since most people get nervous or bored when they hear the word “philosophy.” It’s challenging to think of a word that the English language has misused more than “Stoic.” Stoicism should be used to live a wonderful life, not as some obscure area of academic study but as a tool in the pursuit of self-mastery, endurance, and knowledge. The Stoics were read, studied, admired, and quoted by many people throughout history.

What is it about Stoicism that they and countless other great people have discovered that others haven’t? It mostly gives us the strength, knowledge, and stamina we need to get through all of life’s problems.

The Foundation of Stoicism

Zeno of Citium (modern day Cyprus), a Hellenistic philosopher, credited with creating stoicism in about 300 BC. According to Zeno, universal reason is what matters most in leading a successful life. He claimed that reason was the antithesis of irrationality and passion, a methodical, deliberate approach to living. Our capacity for reason or our capacity to weigh an action’s potential consequences distinguishes us from other creatures and has the potential to help us live happier, more fulfilling lives. He also stressed the importance of living in harmony with the environment. Zeno gained admirers and students since he was a respected teacher. He held classes at the “Stoa Poikile” in Athens, Greece (also known as a “Painted Porch”), which is where historians got the word “stoicism.”

The history of Stoicism is typically divided into three separate periods: Early Stoa in the third century BCE, Middle Stoa in the first and second centuries BCE, and Late Stoa, which survived in the first and second centuries CE. Some of the most well-known philosophers from the early period are Zeno of Citium (the founder), Cleanthes, Chrysippus, Diogenes of Babylon, and Antipater of Tarsus. Cato the Younger, Panaetius, and Posidonius headed the Middle Stoa. The late Stoa philosophers included Seneca the Younger, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.

The majority of my writing is based on the late Stoa period, primarily drawing insight from Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. I provide the names of all the other notable stoics for anyone that desires to gain additional insight into their specific teachings. My focus is on the Late Stoa philosophers because, in my opinion, this school of thought had been through refinement for over four hundred years at that point.

The Cornerstones of Stoicism

The Four Virtues are considered the cornerstones of Stoic thought. They are used for directing proper thought when seeking to deal with challenging problems and worries that emerge. Instead of just discussing philosophy in a theoretical environment, these Stoic ethics offer a practical framework for actually living the philosophy — something repeatedly emphasized by the ancient sages. The Four Virtues are:

• Wisdom: Stoicism holds that the virtue of wisdom is the ability to put the teachings of this philosophy into practice. What is good and what is bad, what behavior is right, what behavior is dangerous or harmful, and what behavior is indifferent. It undoubtedly also refers to the great understanding of what is within an individual’s control and what is not. Wisdom is the awareness, the education, and the knowledge needed to properly function in life. Valued by the ancient sages and common people who sought out their insight. How do we develop wisdom in our lives? It is a multi-step process that requires that we listen more than we speak. That we read and ponder the collections of Stoic thought that are available to us. We must study and keep an open mind as these teachings take root and grow. Sometimes, this is uncomfortable as we have to examine our own thinking and ways. It is important that we find the correct guide and remain humble as we learn. Gaining wisdom is critical to becoming stoic, and it is easy to understand why it is one of the four virtues.

• Courage: The ancient sages put great value on courage. I do, as well. Courage is having the guts to do the right thing regardless of the outcome. Stoicism teaches us how to handle the adversity that life can so often bring. It views hardship and adversity differently than most. Stoicism views them as opportunities or tests. Consider how some people live their lives, never facing adversity or opponents. They have no footing to stand on when faced with challenges. They will never know what abilities they possess. It’s sad to think about it. Stoicism teaches you to be mentally strong enough to handle whatever tragedies or harsh events life throws at you.

• Temperance: To sum this one up, temperance, or moderation, is the act of not being excessive. It is doing the appropriate thing in the proper quantity and fashion. Applied to the virtue of courage, too little would be cowardice. Too much would exhibit recklessness. Stoicism teaches us that courage, like all things, should be just the right amount. Too little food and we starve. Too much food and we become fat. We can apply it to watching television, video games, sex, drinking alcohol, eating, working, leisure… the list goes on and on. Stoicism teaches us to approach all things in moderation.

• Justice: Politics and stoicism, intertwined during the Greek and Roman eras, found many of the classical Stoics, including Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, believed that justice was the most significant virtue and the root of all other virtues. In the current world, justice more accurately describes our responsibility to one another, the desire to contribute to the greater good, and the idea that people only exist for the sake of other people. In order to accomplish great things and stand up for the people and ideas that they loved, stoics throughout history have pushed for justice and advocated for it, frequently at great personal danger. Justice calls for understanding, acceptance, and a determination to challenge the status quo. A stoic has a clear vision of the world, but also of what it might be. Then they have the guts and the foresight to contribute to making it a reality.

What are the advantages of becoming stoic?

Stoic principles can have measurable positive effects on a person’s approach to life. It can help you develop a connection with the world around you by prompting you to consider the universe as a single living thing and keep in mind how this one living thing flows and connects in numerous ways. It is an idea that is actively supportive and useful, and when practiced, it offers the devotee substantial benefits. Stoicism encourages living in the now rather than getting too caught up in the past or the future. Seneca says that the key to happiness is being happy with what we already have and how things are right now. 

Another important benefit is self-improvement, which involves improving one’s life by elevating the standard of one’s thoughts. This is accomplished by realizing that one’s perception of oneself is important. Secondly, that what other people think of you is irrelevant as long as you consider your views of yourself correct. On the other hand, stoicism counsels against giving in to self-centeredness. It encourages the growth of friendships as being of the ultimate value. When we become concerned with only our own desires, it pushes people away. 

Another essential concept of stoicism is to concentrate on what one can control. Likewise, don’t be unduly concerned with situations or areas of our lives that are external and outside of our control. It indicates that no matter how much effort is necessary to overcome a difficulty that we have the ability to handle it. By acting purposefully, recognizing one’s limitations, and practicing self-control, one can increase their level of positivity. By accepting negative things, we can lessen their effect and make them seem normal. This makes them less likely to affect our thoughts. 

If you want to gain the benefits of stoicism, now is the time to start learning this life-changing philosophy. It might be two thousand years old, but it is applicable now. It is applicable to you.