Stoicism is that strand of Western philosophy which was prominent during ancient Greek Hellenistic age (323 BC- 31 BC) and also one among the few that found its path to posterity and modern age. The works of three great Roman trio represent our understanding of Stoicism today, namely Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Epictetus & Marcus Aurelius. In this article, we will explore 3 powerful Stoic teachings in order to ensure that we remain psychologically stable and balanced during the toughest of life situations.
1. Focus on What You Can Control
A key element that lies at the core of this powerful philosophy is the Stoic’s focus on what’s in our control and vice versa. Marcus Aurelius wrote in his classic work Meditations:
“If you are distressed by any external thing, it is not this thing which disturbs you, but your judgement about it. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgement now.”
The Stoics believed that “Some things are upto us, & some are not up to us” & the misery of humanity arose from the fact that we tend to focus on things which are not in our total control. What other people think about us, our reputation, fame, possessions, someone reciprocating our love etc are things which lie beyond our total control. When we are wasting our precious time and energy on these ‘externals’, we are losing our focus from what is truly important: the ‘internal’ fortress that provides freedom.
We may be helpless when confronted with the death of a loved one, car accident, earthquake or a divorce. But what lies in our total control is the judgement that we make about what has happened. We can either interpret it as a tragedy that hampered our growth once and for all or as a blessing in disguise that diverted us into our authentic path of self-fulfilment. As Shakespeare’s Macbeth points out: “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”
2. Memento Mori or Remember Death
As the Stoics are deeply aware of the impermanent nature of human life and universe, they never get attached to the ‘externals’ and maintain an inner equanimity. Therefore, when these ‘external’ elements, such as material possessions, fame or friends and other relations, ceases to exist, as it often does, a stoic philosopher doesn’t wallow in misery like the masses of humanity. Instead, he will maintain an equanimous smile on his lips remembering The Buddha’s words from Dhammapada:
‘Many do not realise that
We here must die.
For those who realise this,
Quarrels end” (5-6)
3. A Stoic Life of Virtues
Marcus Aurelius believed that virtues or strong ethical values provide the foundation of a great and meaningful life. Only a person with nobility of character must be looked upon and venerated as possessing a great soul. Some examples he provides are Socrates, Heraclitus and Epictetus. In fact, the entire first book of Meditations is dedicated to elaborate on the values that he had learnt from his friends, family members, teachers, father, mother and so forth. Therefore, Marcus Aurelius writes:
"Practice the virtues you can show: honesty, gravity, endurance, austerity, resignation, abstinence, patience, sincerity, moderation, seriousness, high- mindedness. Don’t you see how much you have to offer beyond excuses like “can’t”? And yet you still settle for less.”
When we lead a life that is grounded in strong ethical principles, we will attain a level of balance that cannot be broken by anything in this world. This is the path to a heroic life.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the golden rule of Stoicism?
The dichotomy of control is the golden rule of Stoicism. Focus on what you can control. Let go of those elements that lie beyond your locus of control.
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What is the best Stoic quote?
One of the best Stoic quotes by Marcus Aurelius which is central to the philosophy is: "You have power over your mind- not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength."
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What are some basic Stoic exercises?
Key practices include daily reflection or journaling, visualising challenges beforehand or negative visualisation, practicing voluntary discomfort and remembering death.
