Stoicism is a philosophical school that emerged in ancient Greece around the 3rd century BC and has endured to this day as a practical guide to facing life's challenges. Founded by Zeno of Citium, this school offers tools to achieve serenity, self-control and wisdom through a rational and disciplined perspective. In this article we will explore the basic principles of Stoicism, its history, impact on modern life and how it can be applied to live more consciously and resiliently.
History of Stoicism.
Stoicism was founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BC. The name of this philosophy comes from the “Stoa Poikilê”, a painted portico where Zeno taught. Although it initially developed in Greece, it was in Rome where it achieved its greatest influence thanks to thinkers such as Seneca, Epictetus and the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Stages of stoicism.
- Ancient Stoicism: Represented by Zeno, Cleanthes and Chrysippus, who laid the theoretical foundations of philosophy.
- Middle Stoicism: Focused on ethics and expanded his ideas to the Roman world.
- Roman Stoicism: The best known stage, thanks to Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who transformed Stoicism into a practical philosophy of life.
Fundamental principles of stoicism.
Stoicism is based on three main pillars: logic, physics and ethics. However, its greatest impact lies in its ethical and psychological approach, which is summarized in the following principles:
- Control what you can, accept what you can't change.
- The Stoics teach that we must distinguish between what is within our control (our actions, thoughts, and attitudes) and what is not (the weather, the opinions of others, death). By accepting this reality, we can reduce unnecessary anxiety and suffering.
Living in accordance with nature.
For the Stoics, living in harmony with nature means acting according to reason and accepting universal laws. This includes understanding that everything in life is transitory and that difficulties are opportunities for growth.
Practice virtue.
Virtue is the supreme good and consists of cultivating four cardinal qualities: wisdom, justice, courage and temperance. For the Stoics, a virtuous life is a full and meaningful life.
Negative visualization.
The Stoics practiced an exercise known as premeditatio malorum, which consists of imagining possible adversities in order to prepare mentally and emotionally. This approach does not seek to generate pessimism, but rather to strengthen resilience in the face of setbacks.
Stoicism in modern life.
Although Stoicism originated more than 2,000 years ago, its teachings are surprisingly relevant in the contemporary context of stress, uncertainty and information overload.
Stress management.
Stoicism teaches that we should not allow external circumstances to control our emotions. By focusing on what we can control and accepting the inevitable, we can face stressful situations more calmly.
Decision making.
The virtue of wisdom guides us to make rational decisions based on sound principles, rather than being carried away by momentary impulses or emotions.
Emotional resilience
Stoicism fosters the ability to adapt to change and overcome adversity. By accepting that life is full of challenges, we can turn them into opportunities to develop inner strength.
Minimalism and gratitude.
The Stoics practiced simplicity and valued the essentials rather than constantly seeking material goods. This minimalist approach resonates today, where consumerism can lead to stress and dissatisfaction.
Criticisms and misunderstandings about stoicism.
Stoicism is often misunderstood as a philosophy that promotes emotional indifference or apathy. However, the Stoics did not advocate repressing emotions, but rather understanding and managing them rationally. They are also criticized for their apparent conformism, but their emphasis on accepting the inevitable does not mean resignation, but rather finding strength in the midst of difficulties.
Practical exercises of stoicism.
Stoicism is not just a theory, but a daily practice. Some useful exercises include:
- Stoic Journal: Reflect each night on the day’s actions, identifying areas for improvement and celebrating accomplishments.
- Morning meditation: Begin the day with thoughts about the virtues you wish to practice.
- Conscious gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating the blessings present in life, even the small ones.
- Controlling reactions: Before responding to a difficult situation, stop and assess whether the reaction is under your control.
Stoicism and other philosophies.
Stoicism shares similarities with other traditions, such as Buddhism, which also emphasizes detachment and acceptance of reality. However, while Buddhism seeks to transcend suffering through meditation and nirvana, Stoicism focuses on virtuous action and the development of reason.
Stoicism is a timeless philosophy that offers practical tools for facing life's challenges with serenity, wisdom, and strength. In a world filled with distractions and uncertainty, its teachings invite us to reflect on what really matters: our actions, virtues, and the way we respond to circumstances.
Adopting Stoic principles does not mean giving up emotions or pleasure, but rather learning to live with intention and purpose. In this way, each day can become an opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to one's own well-being and that of others.