Stoicism is one of the most popular ways of life that is making a mark on millions of people. The profound message of the 2300-year-old philosophy sets it apart from many different schools of thought. However, it’s not that complex to understand, but it can be hard to follow it considering the tempting human nature. It is an excellent way to shape your life and can make a big difference in the long run.
Stoicism is a part of Socratic thought, along with epicureanism and scepticism. It is a noble category among the different philosophies, and many leaders and people in history followed its path. Among them, the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius is a prominent figure whose life is a clear example of virtue in its highest form. In addition to that, there is no material differentiation between stoics as it is more significant than goods and beyond human instincts.
Premises Of Stoic Philosophy
The basic premise of stoic philosophy is to act per nature. As we know, life begins and ends, and in between, some stuff happens which can be painful and hurtful to the human psyche. However, a stoic accepts it and lives with it without making a big deal. For him, it’s a part of life and nothing to worry about because if he can change, he should do it, but if he can’t, he shouldn’t even bother. Ultimately, for him, living a life of virtue is of utmost significance, and he should be willing to die defending his objectively sound principles.
Act In Accordance With Nature
Human beings need to accept the nature of life and what it means and symbolises. If it rains, we have to accept it in the same way that the water from the rain may flood and kill millions. Life and death are part of life and have complemented each other for the past thousand years. So, worrying about one’s death is a waste of time, and one should seek other things for the betterment of the people around him.
Fulfilment Comes From Virtuous Life Of Reason
The ultimate fulfilment for a human being can be achieved by following principles derived from reason and years of old wisdom. Stoics use reason and wisdom to navigate life and make tough decisions in complex situations. Because of this, they can align themselves with their principles without thinking about the situation at all. Some primary virtues of stoicism are courage, justice, and temperance.
Incorporating The Stoic Principles
Now we know about some of the significant stoic principles, and the question arises: How to incorporate these principles into one’s life? Well, it is not easy to be stoic as it requires the human will to the full extent without giving it to evil (theological terms). On top of that, deviating from one’s path is elementary without even realising it as humans grow; the tendency to do wrong is also high.
Build Discipline
One of the critical things while incorporating stoic philosophy is building discipline, which can be very hard since there are many distractions in the modern world. So, aim higher because it will make you fall free for long.
Embed Virtues In Life
As discussed earlier, living a life of moral and high virtues is crucial. It might seem a weak characteristic in one’s life, but when following the same traits, you will realise the difficulty of being human for a single day.
Accepting Your Fate
We are born into this world, and when our brain makes sense of the universe, the fear of death captures our attention. However, it gets more manageable when you accept your fate and carry on the burden of life.
A quote by Marcus Aurelius:
“All men suffer, but not all men pity themselves.’
Life Happens, So Live It
Living your life on stoic principles can be challenging, but it is one way to satisfy the void in your heart. Additionally, there is only one option apart from going into an empty realm of darkness where not even light reaches.
A Stoic In The Modern World
The modern world is a house full of windows that show everything but hide the truth. We have lost ourselves to what we own, and now the same things own us. So, setting yourself free is challenging, and anyone who wants to be stoic today needs a lot of hardship. It’s a spiritual battle one needs to win to be a human being; also, you have every reason to be your best and what you’re supposed to be.
So, take on the tasks and values you need to be the person you’re meant to be.
Key Highlights
- Stoicism is one of the most popular ways of life that is making a mark on millions of people.
- It is an excellent way to shape your life and can make a big difference in the long run.
- The ultimate fulfilment for a human being can be achieved by following principles derived from reason and years of old wisdom.
- Some primary virtues of stoicism are courage, justice, and temperance.
- As discussed earlier, living a life of moral and high virtues is crucial.
- However, it gets more manageable when you accept your fate and carry on the burden of life.
- Take on the tasks and values you need to be the person you’re meant to be.
Frequently Ask Questions
What are the fundamental principles of Stoicism?
The central principles of Stoicism include the importance of following virtues.
- Wisdom
- Courage
- Justice
- Temperance
Is Stoicism a religion?
No, Stoicism is not a religion but a philosophy that provides a framework for living a virtuous and meaningful life derived from Western tradition.
Can anyone practice Stoicism?
Yes, Stoicism is accessible to anyone, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
Are there any recommended Stoic readings for beginners?
Meditations By Marcus Aurelius is an excellent read for beginners interested in stoicism.
