Stoicism

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Stoic philosophy teaches that life's true value lies in focusing on what is within your control and accepting what is not, thereby cultivating inner tranquility. It emphasizes the importance of personal virtue, emotional resilience, and understanding the nature of the world through reason, all as means to achieve a content and fulfilled life.

"You have control over your mind and not outside events, Realize this and you will find strength." - Marcus-Aurelius

We don't control what happens to us, but we do control how we react to it. - Ryan-Holiday

Start of Enchiridion by Epictetus

Epictetus starts his The Enchiridion (The Manual) book by

Some things we can control, some we can’t. ... What we can control naturally is not governed, restricted or constrained by others; what we can’t control is naturally governed, restricted and constrained by others. - The Enchiridion (The Manual)

Happiness to not be dependant on externals

The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things. - audio/Epictetus

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Virtue is Key.

Stoics categorize virtue into four cardinal virtues:

Wisdom (Sophia): This is the knowledge of what is good, what is evil, and what is neither (indifferents). Wisdom encompasses both practical wisdom (phronesis), which is the ability to navigate complex situations and make morally sound decisions, and theoretical wisdom, which involves understanding the nature of the universe and human behavior.

  1. Related: truth

Courage (Andreia): In Stoicism, courage is not just physical bravery but also the moral courage to face and accept the truth, regardless of the personal cost. It includes enduring pain and hardship with resilience and integrity, and standing up for what is right.

Justice (Dikaiosyne): This virtue involves dealing fairly and appropriately with others, respecting their rights, and performing one’s duties in relationships, society and family. It extends to all forms of interaction, promoting social harmony and cooperation.

Temperance (Sophrosyne): Temperance is the self-control and moderation in all aspects of life. It means having command over one’s desires and impulses, ensuring they are in line with reason. This virtue helps an individual avoid excess and make balanced choices.

Stoics believe that these virtues are interdependent and interconnected; possessing one entails possessing all, as they are expressions of a single rational and social spirit. Virtue, for Stoics, is both the means to live in accordance with nature and the definition of a good life itself.


Children
  1. Essence/Condensed Message of Stoicism
  2. Moral Value
  3. Premeditatio-Malorum
  4. Suicide: You have the choice of whether to stay
  5. Thoughts Quotes Staging
  6. Youtube Stoic Quote Playlist
  7. virtue

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