Stoicism
Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and emphasizes the importance of reason, self-control, and acceptance of one's circumstances. The Stoics believed that the key to happiness and inner peace was to focus on what was within one's control, and to accept and endure what was beyond one's control with equanimity.
The following are some of the core values and beliefs of Stoicism:
Virtue is the only true good: The Stoics believed that the only thing that truly mattered in life was the cultivation of moral character, and that all other things were ultimately unimportant.
The dichotomy of control: The Stoics divided things in life into two categories: things that are within our control (our thoughts, actions, and values) and things that are outside of our control (our environment, other people's actions, and natural events).
Live in accordance with nature: The Stoics believed that we should live in harmony with the natural world and the universe, and that we should strive to live in accordance with our own nature as rational beings.
Embrace adversity: The Stoics believed that adversity was an opportunity for growth and self-improvement, and that we should welcome challenges as opportunities to develop our character.
The importance of mindfulness: The Stoics believed that we should practice mindfulness and self-reflection in order to gain greater awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Mighty stoics
Epictetus (50-135 AD)
Epictetus was a former slave who became a prominent Stoic philosopher. He taught that we should focus on what is within our control and accept what is outside of our control with equanimity.
"Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort."
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."
Seneca (4 BC-65 AD)
Seneca was a Roman statesman and philosopher who wrote extensively about Stoicism. He believed in the importance of virtue and the acceptance of one's fate.
"It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it."
"Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body."
"Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future."
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD)
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and philosopher who wrote the famous book "Meditations," which explores the principles of Stoicism. He emphasized the importance of living in accordance with nature and accepting one's fate.
"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
"The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it."
Zeno of Citium (334-262 BC)
Zeno was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy. He taught that the key to a virtuous life was to live in accordance with reason and nature.
"Happiness is a good flow of life, not the result of a favorable fortune."
"The goal of life is living in agreement with nature."