The “father of Stoicism” is considered to be Zeno of Citium, a Hellenistic philosopher who founded the Stoic school of philosophy in Athens around 300 BC.
Zeno : famous for the paradoxes whereby, in order to recommend the Parmenidean doctrine of the existence of “the one” (i.e., indivisible reality), he sought to controvert the commonsense belief in the existence of “the many” (i.e., distinguishable qualities and things capable of motion).
Epictetus : “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.”
Seneca : You live as if you were destined to live forever, no thought of your frailty ever enters your head, of how much time has already gone by you take no heed. You squander time as if you drew from a full and abundant supply, though all the while that day which you bestow on some person or thing is perhaps your last.
MarcusAurelius : Roman emperor from 161 to 180. “The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”
What is Stoicism?
Stoicism is a school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE. It was later shaped by key figures like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius.
Unlike abstract philosophies focused solely on metaphysics or logic, Stoicism is intensely practical.
It’s about how to live well—how to be calm in chaos, how to respond with reason rather than emotion, and how to live a virtuous life regardless of external circumstances.
At its core, Stoicism teaches that we should focus only on what we can control and accept what we cannot.
The Core Principles of Stoicism
Control What You Can, Accept What You Can’t
The Stoics emphasize the distinction between what is within our power (our thoughts, choices, and actions) and what is not (other people’s opinions, external events, the past).
This mindset fosters resilience and reduces anxiety.
Live According to Nature
To live in harmony with nature means to live rationally and virtuously, using our unique human ability to reason.
Practice Virtue
The Stoics believed virtue is the highest good. The four cardinal virtues are:
Wisdom – knowing how to act and feel correctly
Courage – facing challenges bravely
Justice – treating others fairly
Temperance – practicing moderation
Premeditatio Malorum (Pre-meditation of Evils)
Stoics mentally prepare for potential setbacks, not to be pessimistic, but to reduce their emotional impact and be ready for anything.
Memento Mori (Remember You Must Die)
Reflecting on mortality sharpens focus, gratitude, and presence. It reminds us to make the most of each moment.
Stoicism in Daily Life
Practicing Stoicism doesn’t require retreating to a cave or reading ancient texts all day. It’s about small, intentional acts of self-discipline and reflection. Here are a few modern applications:
Morning Reflection: Start the day by identifying what’s in your control and how you want to respond to challenges.
Journaling: Like Marcus Aurelius did in Meditations, journaling helps reinforce Stoic thinking and self-awareness.
Negative Visualization: Briefly imagine losing what you cherish—not to depress yourself, but to enhance gratitude.
Voluntary Discomfort: Occasionally practice mild discomfort (e.g., cold showers, fasting) to build resilience and detach from luxury.
Why Stoicism Matters Today
From CEOs to athletes, soldiers to artists, people across all walks of life are turning to Stoicism for clarity and strength. In a culture obsessed with control, Stoicism is a liberating shift: it teaches us to let go of what we can’t change and master ourselves instead.
In uncertain times, Stoicism isn’t just relevant—it’s essential.
