The ancient philosophy of stoicism is basically a mindset that seeks to approach life on Earth in a straightforward and unflinching manner. The modern view seems to be that's it's a philosophy of just gutting out tough things without complaint, but also the idea that we should not worry about things we can't change, perhaps an early version of “it is what it is.” It promoted the idea of self control, which would ultimately bring a feeling of peace. They had the idea that what happens to you physically is less important than their effects on the purification of your soul.
In looking into this subject I find that justice cannot be done to it in a short essay; there are just too many nuances and complexities. A video giving an introduction to said topic is here:
"Steel your sensibilities, so that life shall hurt you as little as possible." ~ Zeno of Citium
"Man conquers the world by conquering himself." ~ Zeno of Citium
"No matter whether you claim a slave by purchase or capture, the title is bad. They who claim to own their fellow-men, look down into the pit and forget the justice that should rule the world." ~ Zeno of Citium
A bust of Zeno of Citium, considered the founder of Stoicism.
How many of our present national crumbling is due to the passing from favor of the age old philosophy of stoicism?
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." ~ Marcus Aurelius
From Wikipedia:
Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy that flourished in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome.[1] The Stoics believed that the practice of virtue is enough to achieve eudaimonia: a well-lived life. The Stoics identified the path to achieving it with a life spent practicing the four cardinal virtues in everyday life — prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice — as well as living in accordance with nature. It was founded in the ancient Agora of Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE.
Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason (logos). Stoicism's primary aspect involves improving the individual's ethical and moral well-being: "Virtue consists in a will that is in agreement with Nature."[5] This principle also applies to the realm of interpersonal relationships; "to be free from anger, envy, and jealousy",[6] and even to accept slaves as equals of others because all are products of nature.[7]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism
It all might sound like what your parents told you, unless you're the child of a single mom who didn't have the time.
The ten rules of stoicism by Marcus Aurelius:
https://orionphilosophy.com/stoic-rules-from-marcus-aurelius/
Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic Roman emperor.
"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment." ~ Marcus Aurelius
"Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also." ~ Marcus Aurelius
Below, the ten principles of stoicism, from the linked article:
Accept what is beyond your control
Act with the right intention
Meditate on death
Live here and now
Play the roles assigned by Nature
Be useful to others
Anticipate difficulties
Think for yourself
Contemplate Nature
Love your fate
"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." ~ Epictetus
In today's world stoicism is almost a super power, given that we all seem to be surrounded by those lacking it. “If it feels good, do it” was a popular saying in the time of the flower children of the sixties, the very opposite of a stoic mindset.
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." ~ Marcus Aurelius
Success and happiness in life often comes down to whether or not one has aspects of stoicism in his mindset quiver, so becoming more of a stoic should improve your life. Usually doing things that require a stoic mindset will improve one's stoicism, “what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.”
Fear is a major tool of control by the powerful, so becoming more of a stoic will act to counteract such control.
As in anything, if you wish to become more stoic you might simply try acting and thinking in a more stoic manner, we become what we do. The changes might come at any incremental rate, but they will come; after all, anything worthwhile is hard.
The Rudder of Destiny
A ship crossing an ocean is something of a metaphor for life. If it's going from, say, London, England to New York in the U.S.A. it must follow a particular heading, but if the heading is changed a few degrees it will be found far from New York. What does this have to do with life? Small changes that we make in our lives may have large effects after a n…
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." ~ Epictetus
Stay Brave, Stay Free, Stay Stoic
Great article. I have been attempting to be a stoic for some time. I carry a memento mori coin in my wallet. I showed and explained the coin once to a man, he acted almost fearful, said nothing and handed the coin back. I haven't read everything in Meditations and stoicism is hard sometimes to follow and be true to.
why? We weren't having a casual conversation. Pertinent to the conversation and in response I explained and gave him enough background.