What is Stoicism? Understanding the Philosophy and How to Live It

Introduction

What is Stoicism?

Stoicism is an ancient and practical philosophy that teaches us to understand life, examine our impressions, use reason and logic, and live a peaceful and meaningful life in harmony with nature. It encourages us to seek the truth about what is good, to be virtuous, and to create a strong character and loving soul. While one of its well-known teachings is to focus on what is within our control, this is part of a larger whole: to live a life guided by wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance.

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Originating in ancient Greece, Stoicism is still relevant today. Whether you are dealing with career stress, relationship issues, or simply looking for more meaning, this way of life provides grounded and actionable teachings. It is not about suppressing emotions or withdrawing from life. Instead, it offers a framework to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and moral actions in the face of life’s challenges. By keeping in mind our roles and duties, we can become positive and uplifting contributors to the world around us.

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A Brief History of Stoicism

Stoicism began with Zeno of Citium (c. 334–262 BC), who founded the school after losing everything in a shipwreck. Searching for a better way of life, he found inspiration either through a prophecy—possibly from the Oracle at Delphi—or by picking up a book on philosophy in an Athenian bookshop. There, he encountered Crates of Thebes, a well-known Cynic philosopher, and began his training under him.

Over time, Zeno also studied with the Academics and Megarians before combining all of these ideas in his own system. He began teaching at the Stoa Poikile (“Painted Porch”) in Athens. That’s where his followers got to be known as Stoics.

• Early Stoics: Zeno, Cleanthes, Chrysippus
• Middle Stoics: Panaetius, Posidonius
• Roman Stoics: Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius

Most of what we know about Stoicism today comes from the Roman period. Key texts include Seneca’s Letters and essays, Epictetus’ Discourses and Handbook (written down by his student Arrian), and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, a personal journal never intended for publication. But also the accounts of Cicero, although not a Stoic himself, give us deep insights into the philosophy.

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Core Principles of Stoicism

At its heart, Stoicism is a guide to living in alignment with Nature and Reason. Here are its core principles:

1. Living According to Nature

Nature is rational and ordered. Our role is to align our lives with this greater order.

2. Virtue Is the Only True Good

The Stoics taught that nothing outside of our character can lead us to the good life or help us reach a state of Eudaimonia. Virtue consists of:

• Wisdom: using experience and knowledge to seek the truth and make the best possible moral choice
  
• Courage: acting on a moral choice, even when it is difficult, dangerous, or frightening
  
• Justice: knowing what is fair and doing what is right in your relationships and your role in the world
  
• Temperance: knowing your limits and choosing balance in thoughts, emotions, and actions by living in a disciplined way
  

3. The Dichotomy of Control

One of the most quoted ideas comes from Epictetus:

“Some things are up to us and others are not.”

Epictetus, Handbook, 1

This principle divides everything into two categories: what we can control and what we cannot. What we can control includes our judgments, choices, desires, and actions. What we cannot control includes our health, reputation, the behavior of others, and external events.

Rather than wasting energy on things outside our control, the Stoic path is to focus our effort inward. By doing so, we direct our attention toward the cultivation of virtue and the improvement of our character. Peace of mind follows when we accept the limits of our power and focus on our moral responsibility. It is not about passivity, but about understanding where we place our care and attention.

4. Logos and Rationality

Logos (λόγος) is the rational structure of the universe. It exists both in the cosmos and in us. By using reason, we participate in this divine order.

5. Impressions and Assent

This is the Stoic Workflow. When an event happens, we first receive an impulsive impression based on our beliefs, desires, aversions, and opinions. The wise person pauses to evaluate: What is really happening? Is my impression aligned with the objective truth? Should I assent to it? If unsure, we withhold judgment. This process allows us to act with clarity rather than impulse. It also reminds us that the event itself is neither good nor bad; it’s labeling that makes it so, and our moral choice based on this is what is good or bad. This is a foundational Stoic practice for developing self-mastery and emotional resilience.

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Common Misconceptions About Stoicism

• “Stoics suppress emotions”: False. Stoicism teaches us to understand emotions, not eliminate them. Emotions are responses to our judgments and beliefs. Change the judgment and belief, and the emotion changes. Emotions are also mirrors and show us who we are and where our work lies.
  
• “Stoicism is passive”: Also false. Stoicism is an active philosophy, it teaches us to fulfill our roles, do our duty, and engage with life in a meaningful way.
  
• “Stoics reject material things”: They don’t. Stoics accept health, wealth, and success as preferred indifferents. We may prefer them, but they are not necessary for a good life. That’s why we can have material things, as long as they don’t own us.
  

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How to Practice Stoicism Today

You don’t need to be a philosopher or scholar to practice Stoicism. Here’s how to start:

• Reflect daily: Use journaling or another way of reflection to examine your actions and thoughts
  
• Practice negative visualization: Imagine loss or hardship to strengthen gratitude
  
• Focus on what you can control: Let go of outcomes, focus on the process
  
• Embrace discomfort: Voluntarily challenge yourself to build resilience
  
• Read Stoic texts: Start with the ancients like Meditations, Handbook, or Letters from a Stoic, then go to more modern texts. Here is our Stoic Reading List for Beginners.
  
• Study your impressions: Pause before reacting. Take a deep breath and ask yourself what is really going on? What is causing my emotions, thoughts, or actions?
  

“To stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one.”

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 10.16

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Stoicism in one sentence?
A philosophy that teaches us to live with reason, virtue, and nature to find peace and cultivate a good character.

Do Stoics feel emotions?
Yes. However, they strive to understand emotions and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Is Stoicism religious?
No. While it includes spiritual elements (like Logos), Stoicism is a philosophy and is compatible with various worldviews.

Can anyone practice Stoicism?
Absolutely. Whatever walk of life you are in and the role you play, Stoicism offers practical tools for all.

Where should I start reading?
Try Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, Epictetus’ Handbook, or Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius. Check out our Stoic Reading List for Beginners.

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Learn More and Go Deeper

Want to explore Stoicism in more detail? Visit our dedicated pages for each of the main philosophers:

• Marcus Aurelius Quotes
  
• Epictetus Quotes
  
• Seneca Quotes
  

You can also explore our Stoic coaching programs or sign up for The Pause, our newsletter, to receive weekly reflections and updates.

Join us at Via Stoica as we strive to live more wisely, more virtuously, and more in harmony with nature.

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