Day 25: The Stoic Legacy: Ancient Wisdom For a Fulfilling Modern Life
I'm going to go out on a limb to assume most of us have heard some variations of the following modern sayings:
"Control what you can, let go of what you can't"
"It's not what happens to you, but how you respond to it that matters."
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
While we may not realise it, ancient stoic wisdom is pervasive in modern culture and philosophies. We can see its influence in modern psychology, spirituality and self help fields, where key principles of ancient stoicism have been adopted and adapted for modern day life.
Since its inception, Stoicism has shown to be an effective means of coping with the challenges and pressures of life for people from all stages of life. I'd argue that there are several reasons that stoic philosophies have stood the test of time and continue to resonate two thousand years later. To list a few:
Stoicism helps ground us and navigate our rapidly changing world. We are constantly dealing with many internal and external factors. Stoic principles of 'focusing on what is within our control' and 'remaining grounded in the present moment', are much needed reminders for operating optimally as human beings in these environments.
Stoicism has featured in many Self-Help and Spirituality resources which continue to gain popularity. Stoicism has been adopted by the self-help and spirituality movements, and its principles are widely promoted in books, workshops, and online resources. Stoic principles provide many people with a practical and accessible path to personal growth, happiness, and fulfilment.
There is on-going relevance and proof on effectiveness in Modern Psychology: Stoicism has been rediscovered as the basis of effective treatment by modern psychologists and has been integrated into cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy. Its principles, such as the importance of self-control and practical reasoning, are seen as highly effective in treating a range of mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
To further understand why Stoic philosophies continue to resonate with us today, I should list out the main virtues that are the basis to all stoic philosophies. These virtues are unchanged by time period or situation. They are great foundations to simplify life and live with more integrity and intention:
Wisdom: The pursuit of knowledge and understanding, with a focus on the study of ethics and moral values.
Courage: The ability to face challenges and obstacles with strength and determination, while avoiding cowardice and recklessness. This is often referred to as the Mother of all other virtues as it often prompts the rest.
Justice: The principle of fairness, honesty, and respect for others, as well as a commitment to doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong.
Temperance: The practice of self-control and moderation, with a focus on avoiding excess and indulgence in pleasure.
Practical Reasoning: The use of logic and reason to guide decision-making and action, in order to live a virtuous life.
These principles form the core of Stoic philosophy and provide a framework for living a virtuous life. They are not indoctrinated by any one culture or religion, and resonate with much of humanity as a good set of values to live by.
The more I read upon and consume Stoic philosophy, the more I realise it's timeless relevance and why it's continued to transcend time. I'd always heard of the Historical stoic figures of Epictetus (ancient Greek philosopher), Marcus Aurelius (bad-add Roman Emperor), and Seneca (Roman philosopher and play-wright), but never understood their enduring personas or relevance. I see now that these philosophies help us to cultivate resilience, equanimity, and inner peace. It's clear that as we've gravitated towards the idea and possibilities of personal development these philosophies have allowed us to have a deeper understanding of the world and how we can contribute to it.
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If you're interested to join me in learning more, try immersing yourself in these Stoicism resources:
Anything by author Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holidays books on stoicism, I started with Stillness is the Key
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (book)
Letters from a stoic by Seneca (book)
Read articles on stoicism on Medium and follow the topic on Quora
I'd love to know if there are any Stoic philosophies or ideas that resonate the most with you?
