schoolsStoicism

Stoicism, an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, emphasizes virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature. Stoic philosophy teaches that the path to eudaimonia, or human flourishing and a life of meaning, is achieved by accepting the things we cannot control, focusing our energy on what we can, and cultivating inner resilience. Key tenets include the pursuit of wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance as the only true good. External factors like wealth, health, and reputation are considered indifferent, neither inherently good nor bad, but rather opportunities to practice virtue.

The Stoics believed that the universe is governed by a rational and benevolent force, often referred to as Logos or Nature. Living virtuously means understanding and aligning oneself with this cosmic order. They advocated for the development of self-control and emotional fortitude, viewing destructive emotions as stemming from faulty judgments and irrational beliefs. Through practices like meditation, journaling, and contemplating the impermanence of things, individuals could train their minds to be less susceptible to the disturbances of fortune. Prominent Stoic figures include Epictetus, Seneca, and the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose writings continue to offer practical guidance on living a virtuous and tranquil life.