Stoicism and Religion
Bridging Philosophy and Faith Stoicism, founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium, is often considered a purely secular philosophy rooted in reason, virtue, and logic. However, its impact on religious thought is profound and longstanding. Stoicism has contributed significantly to shaping religious doctrines and ethical frameworks from early Christianity to Eastern philosophies like Buddhism. At […]
The Stoics
Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy founded in the early 3rd century BCE, has profoundly influenced both ancient and modern thought. It emphasises virtue, wisdom, and the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions. Zeno of Citium established the philosophy in Athens and has been perpetuated through the writings and teachings […]
Cultivating Stoic Habits
Finding Peace in a Chaotic World Stoicism, an ancient philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, has captivated minds for centuries. It offers a pragmatic approach to life, emphasising virtue, wisdom, and resilience in the face of adversity. In a world often filled with distractions, anxieties, and uncertainties, […]
The Stoics on Death
Understanding Death from a Stoic Perspective Death is a universal certainty, yet it remains one of the most feared aspects of human existence. The Stoics, however, took a radically different approach. Rather than being intimidated by death, they viewed it as a natural part of life, something to be embraced rather than feared. This acceptance […]
Tranquility for the Modern Age
In Pursuit of a Tranquil Mind In a world brimming with constant distractions and pressures, achieving tranquillity of mind can seem like an elusive goal. Yet, for the Stoics, tranquillity was not only attainable but essential to living a fulfilled life. The pursuit of inner calm, or ataraxia, was about finding peace amidst the chaos […]
Willing Acceptance
Accepting Your Fate Willing acceptance, or “amor fati” (love of fate), is a key tenet of Stoicism. It involves embracing everything that happens in life, whether good or bad, as necessary and beneficial. This concept is closely related to the Stoic practice of focusing on what is within our control and letting go of what […]
The Things That Upset Us
Understanding the Source of Our Distress We often find ourselves upset by events, people, or circumstances that seem beyond our control. However, according to Stoic philosophy, the real cause of our distress is not the external events themselves but our judgements and interpretations of them. The Stoics teach that by changing our perspective and focusing […]
The Stoic’s Way of Life
The Core of the Stoic’s Way of Life The Stoic’s way of life is one grounded in simplicity, virtue, and resilience. It is a philosophy that calls for living in harmony with nature, understanding the limits of our control, and aligning our actions with reason and moral virtue. For the Stoics, a life well-lived is […]
Stoic Mindful Meditation
The Essence of Stoic Mindful Meditation Stoic mindful meditation is a practice that invites you to pause, reflect, and gain perspective on your thoughts and actions. Unlike the typical understanding of meditation, which often focuses on emptying the mind, Stoic meditation encourages active engagement with your thoughts, helping you to discern what is within your […]
Detaching from Attachement
The Trap of Attachment Attachment, in its many forms, often leads to suffering. Whether we cling to material possessions, relationships, or even our ideas, this attachment can create anxiety, disappointment, and distress when things do not go as planned. Stoicism teaches us that the key to inner peace lies in recognising and detaching from these […]
Justice for All
The Stoic Conception of Justice Justice, in the Stoic tradition, is not merely about legal fairness or societal regulations but a fundamental principle rooted in nature and reason. For Stoics, justice is a virtue that governs our actions, interactions, and judgments. It transcends the boundaries of laws and customs, insisting on a universal duty to […]
Fear the Fear
Facing Fear with Courage Fear is a powerful emotion that can immobilise us, preventing us from taking action and living fully. It can manifest in various forms—fear of failure, fear of loss, or fear of the unknown. From a Stoic perspective, fear is an obstacle that must be confronted with courage. The Stoics, particularly Seneca, […]