Why Stoicism?
I chose Stoicism as my first Ancient Wisdom experiment because at the time, I felt very little control over my life. Though my job was fine, it wasn’t satisfying, and many things, big and small, began to irritate me. I wanted to learn how to be tranquil regardless of my circumstances, and to gain greater control of my mind, if not my external circumstances. | Expand
Stoicism
Live in accordance with nature through reason. Observing and controlling your judgments of events is the primary path to harmony and freedom.
History
- Founded in 3rd Century BCE Athens
- Founded by Zeno of Citium
- Became one of the most adopted philosophies in ancient Greece and Rome
- Was practiced by former slaves like Epictetus, wealthy statesmen like Seneca, and even the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Read More
Epictetus was a slaved turned Stoic philosopher who wrote succinct guidelines for living life by Stoic principles.
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
Seneca was a statements and advisor to the Roman Emperor Nero who documents much of his Stoic philosophy is his letters to his friends.
Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
As Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius’ daily life was incredibly burdensome. His journal documents how he handled his incredible responsibilities using Stoic Philosophy.
A Guide to the Good Life by William Irvine
A professor and practicing Stoic, William Irvine provides an excellent analysis of why Stoic philosophy is still applicable to us moderns.
In a Modern World...
In contrast to modern secular life which advocates the manipulation of one’s environment to suit one’s desires, Stoics advocated a life dedicated to control only that which is within your control, namely, your mind, and to act virtuously in any circumstance you find yourself in.
Stoic Wisdom
Case Studies
My 30 Day Experiment
My Practice: Daily ice baths, and practicing "negative visualization"