Misinformation, misinterpretation and assumptions have coloured the way some people view Stoicism. It’s cloaked in mystery for those who have gleaned only the barest of facts about it.
Here, for those who are looking to learn more about the philosophy, we’ll answer five of the most common questions about Stoicism.
Is Stoicism a religion?
Stoicism isn’t a religion. It isn’t a club or a society. There is nothing to join and no dues to pay in order to call yourself a Stoic. Stoicism is actually an ancient philosophy founded around 300 B.C.E. by Zeno of Citium, a philosopher and teacher in Athens. Later, Marcus Aurelius and others expanded upon it.
Zeno lectured on virtues, ethics and the benefits of controlling one’s behaviour and thoughts to prevent yourself from getting caught up in things you can’t control. Stoics live in the moment, firmly rooted in reality, and with integrity. I think of Stoicism as a lens through which I view my life.
Look within, for within is the wellspring of virtue which will not cease flowing, if you do not cease digging.
Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor
Stoics believe events that occur in our lives are neither good nor bad. They’re not happening to us, but rather, they’re part of the human experience. And it’s humans who put value judgments on our life’s events.
Stoics accept the circumstances of their lives, and although they may choose to change those circumstances, they don’t waste precious time complaining or wishing and hoping that things will be different. Stoicism also emphasizes gratitude and not trying to change others, for we know that we can only change ourselves.
We are dangerous when we are not conscious of our responsibility for how we behave, think and feel.
Marshall B. Rosenberg, author of Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
Are Stoics emotionless?
There’s a widely held misconception that Stoics are expected to refrain from experiencing emotions. Stoics are human beings, so they’re as susceptible to emotions as anyone else. However, Stoics aim to regulate their emotions to avoid the highs and lows of becoming carried away in over-excitement or chronic sadness. Stoics acknowledge their emotions and experience them on a conscious level.
Emotions are channelled through the Stoicism lens. Stoics love deeply and feel empathy for others, but they don’t let these emotions rule them. Instead, it’s the other way around. Stoics experience happiness as a choice, not because of a fleeting circumstance or momentary pleasure. The strength of a Stoic comes from within; it’s not external. That strength of character is something Stoics strive to achieve and maintain.
The important thing about a problem is not its solution, but the strength we gain in finding the solution.
Seneca, statesman and writer
For example, you must commute to work on a busy highway. Every day, you notice that other drivers ignore the rules. They drive erratically, don’t signal and change lanes on a whim. This could make you angry and irritated. But a Stoic chooses to see it a different way.
The Stoic asks themself, how is mich driving? Am I following the rules and operating my vehicle as safely as I’m able? The Stoic understands that they can do nothing about the other drivers. Their behavior is out of the Stoic’s control. So they concentrate on what is within their limitations, resulting in a less stressful drive to work.
A Stoic doesn’t have to passively accept an unpleasant situation, though. They can act and look for another job closer to home, eliminating the irritation altogether.
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
Rumi; poet, scholar and mystic
What are Stoicism’s core teachings?
In addition to accepting what is and what isn’t within our control, and regulating our emotions, Stoicism also guides us to live within our place in nature. Stoics not only accept the inevitability of death, but they also use their mortality as a motivator to be the best version of themselves at all times.
Stoicism teaches us that:
- Virtues are enough for true happiness.
- We shouldn’t seek (and won’t find) true happiness outside of ourselves.
- Our problems are opportunities to learn and grow.
Stoics know the universe doesn’t pick on anyone. Life throws us all curveballs, and the important thing is how we respond to them. Stoics act when something is within their control, but they do so rationally and thoughtfully.
The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.
John Wooden, NCAA basketball coach
What are the Stoic virtues?
The four pillars of Stoicism virtues are Wisdom, Temperance, Justice and Courage. Stoics believe that adhering to these virtues is enough to create a satisfying, meaningful life.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s forging ahead despite feeling fear. For Stoics, the risk of doing what’s right, even when you’re acting alone, is the epitome of courage.
Justice extends outside a court of law. For Stoics, acting just means being fair to others. If a Stoic finds they’ve received money that isn’t owed to them, they return it without hesitation. Justice also means generosity to those who are struggling. Stoics believe in sharing.
Stoicism defines Temperance as self-control or self-mastery. Tempering one’s emotions. Cry if you need to cry, but accept that whatever is making you sad is out of your control and find a way forward. Stoics avoid a life of excess, whether that has to do with food, alcohol, shopping or emotional displays.
Wisdom is knowing what is and isn’t within your control. Although it’s not Stoic writing, the Serenity Prayer explains it well: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.
Frank Lloyd Wright, architect
Do Stoics believe in God?
Stoics tend to believe in the laws of nature, and that the universe is the Source traditionally thought of as God. Many modern Stoics are agnostics or atheists; however, this isn’t required in Stoicism. Many aspects of Stoicism are found to be in harmony with the core beliefs of several religions, including Catholicism, Islam and others. The principles of Stoicism, coupled with faith, can deepen a person’s spirituelle Reise.
Stoicism doesn’t negate faith or replace another belief system. In fact, it’s a Stoic perspective to believe that “you do you,” and what you do is none of my business. Stoics don’t preach to others about changing their behaviour. They lead by example and focus their efforts on maintaining the expectations they’ve set for themselves.
Stoics believe in helping their neighbours, minding their own business and living a virtuous life. Beyond that, the paths of their lives are left to fate and nature, which the Stoic believes are one and the same.
Life is very short for those who forget the past, neglect the present and fear the future.
Seneca
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