What’s Stoicism About?
Have you ever wondered, “How should I live my life?” Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, tries to answer this question. It teaches us how to handle tough times, enjoy happy moments, set goals, and live by strong values. Stoics believe that the highest good is virtue. But what is virtue?
The Four Stoic Virtues
Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, defined four key virtues:
- Courage: Facing fears and challenges bravely.
- Wisdom: Making smart decisions and understanding the world.
- Moderation: Practicing self-control and balance.
- Justice: Treating others fairly and standing up for what’s right.
These virtues are not just for thinking about—they are for living by every day.
Who Were the Stoics?
The Stoics were philosophers from Ancient Greece and Rome who lived by these virtues. Let’s learn about a few of them.
Zeno (334 BCE–262 BCE)
Zeno was a wealthy merchant who lost everything in a shipwreck. Instead of giving up, he moved to Athens and became a philosopher. He taught that philosophy should be practical and lived out in daily life. He taught his students on the Stoa Poikile, a painted porch in Athens, which is where the name “Stoicism” comes from.
Cleanthes (330 BCE–230 BCE)
Cleanthes, one of Zeno’s students, was poor and worked hard as a water carrier. He believed in the value of hard work and wrote his ideas on oyster shells because he couldn’t afford paper. Cleanthes showed that you can live a virtuous life no matter your circumstances.
Cato the Younger (95 BCE–46 BCE)
Cato was a Roman politician who stood up against corruption. He was brave, honest, and dedicated to justice. He even refused to compromise his values for political gain. Cato’s life showed that living virtuously can be tough but worth it.
Porcia Cato (70 BCE–42 or 43 BCE)
Porcia was Cato’s daughter and showed great bravery. She supported her husband, Brutus, in his plot to kill Julius Caesar. To prove her strength, she stabbed herself in the thigh, showing she could endure pain and keep secrets. When Brutus died, she chose to die too, refusing to live under an oppressive regime.
Seneca (4 BCE–65 CE)
Seneca was a famous Stoic writer and philosopher. He tutored Nero, a future emperor, but struggled with his own moral compromises. Despite his flaws, Seneca’s writings on Stoicism have inspired many. He taught that death is just a part of life and faced his own death bravely.
Epictetus (55 CE–135 CE)
Epictetus was born a slave but became a respected philosopher after gaining his freedom. He taught that while we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. He encouraged people to focus on what they can control and let go of what they can’t.
Marcus Aurelius (121 CE–180 CE)
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and a true philosopher-king. He wrote “Meditations,” a book of personal reflections on Stoic philosophy. Marcus tried to live up to Stoic virtues and led his people with wisdom and fairness. He showed that power doesn’t have to corrupt and that even the most powerful can live a virtuous life.
Living Like a Stoic
Stoicism isn’t just about talking—it’s about doing. By studying the lives of Stoic philosophers, we learn how to practice courage, wisdom, moderation, and justice in our own lives. If you want to learn more, check out “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman for daily inspirations and practical advice from Stoic philosophers.
Actionable Advice
To live a good life, focus on what you can control, practice self-discipline, and treat others with fairness. Remember, it’s not about what happens to you but how you respond that matters. Live by the Stoic virtues, and you’ll be on the path to a well-lived life.
