varaseis

Varaseis is a term primarily used in the context of Stoicism, a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century BC. It refers to the Stoic concept of "preferred indifferents."

Stoics distinguished between things that are good, bad, and indifferent. While virtue is the only true good and vice the only true bad, many things in life, such as health, wealth, reputation, and even life itself, are considered indifferent. These indifferents have no bearing on one's moral character or happiness. However, Stoics recognized that some indifferents are naturally more desirable or advantageous than others. These are the "preferred indifferents," or varaseis.

Examples of varaseis include health over sickness, wealth over poverty, and a good reputation over a bad one. While these are not inherently good in a moral sense, they are preferable because they can facilitate virtuous action and a more comfortable existence. Conversely, "dispreferred indifferents" are those that are naturally undesirable, such as sickness or poverty.

The key Stoic teaching regarding varaseis is that one should strive to acquire and maintain them when possible, but without attachment or distress if they are lost. True happiness, according to Stoicism, comes from cultivating virtue and living in accordance with nature, not from the possession of external goods. Therefore, one should engage with varaseis prudently and with detachment, recognizing their ultimate indifference to one's inner well-being.