The Seven Pillars of Stoicism: Uncovering the Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World
From Virtus to Disciplina: Exploring the Core Beliefs of Stoicism as a Guiding Compass in Modern Times
In the bustling agora of modern thought, one ancient philosophy stands resolute: Stoicism. Like a stalwart column in a grand amphitheatre, Stoicism, originating from the intellectual rigour of Athens’ Zeno of Citium in the 3rd century BC, has weathered the test of time. Its tenets, deeply ingrained in the Western psyche, offer a solace of reason in an unpredictable world.
Virtue is the highest good
At the crux of Stoicism lies the conviction that virtue (virtus) is the summum bonum — the highest good. In essence, felicity is not contingent on our external environment or possession, but rather on the internal state of our being, and our reactions to life’s panoply of events. The Stoics’ ethos offers a liberating perspective: our happiness is not held hostage by external circumstances, but rather, it is shaped by our internal responses.
Indifference to external events
Adopting an almost Sisyphean stance, Stoics advocate for an indifference to the vicissitudes of life. They distinguish between “things we have control over” — which include our actions, judgments, and emotions — and “things we don’t have control over” — a category that comprises everything else, from weather patterns to the fickle court of public opinion. This Stoic philosophy promotes a focus on the controllable, while fostering an acceptance of the uncontrollable.
Acceptance of Fate
Stoics see life through the lens of “amor fati”, a love of fate, which is a tacit acceptance of life’s meandering course. It’s not about resignation but a mindful acceptance that every event is woven into the intricate tapestry of life for a reason.
Rationality
Stoicism is deeply rooted in the domain of rationality, touting reason as the compass by which we navigate life’s tumultuous seas. Emotions are not eschewed, but they are not permitted to seize the helm from reason. It’s about maintaining an equilibrium between head and heart, a concept best encapsulated in the Latin phrase “aurea mediocritas” (golden mean).
Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness, or “animadvertere”, is a cornerstone of Stoicism. Stoics conscientiously acknowledge their thoughts, actions, and feelings in the present moment, using this awareness to refine their reactions to life’s many challenges.
Negative Visualization
Moreover, they frequently engaged in “praemeditatio malorum” or negative visualization — a contemplation of potential adversities. Far from an exercise in pessimism, this is a mental strategy aimed at mitigating the impact of life’s inevitable setbacks and fostering an appreciation for present blessings.
Self-Discipline
Lastly, Stoicism extols the virtue of self-discipline or “disciplina”. The mastery over our desires and emotions, Stoics argue, is the key to escaping the shackles of destructive emotions and achieving “tranquillitas” — tranquility.
In conclusion, Stoicism is less an intellectual pursuit and more a philosophy in action. It posits that “scientia potentia est” (knowledge is power), but that power is only truly harnessed when the knowledge is applied. Stoicism, then, remains a timeless beacon, illuminating a path towards inner calm amidst the maelstrom of life.
