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Stoicism summarised

Metaphilosophy

The Stoics were Aristotelian and Aristotle is certainly worth reading! In particular: understanding of nature and human telos, virtue ethics. Marcus shows the greatest influence of Aristotle in his writings.

Psychological techniques 

These are regular practices to help Stoics appreciate and make the most out of life.

Negative visualisation

Contemplating the impermanence of things

Contemplating the impermanence of things, including death, so that we can be more grateful for them in the present. Kind of like 'grace'. It may sound morbid at first, but it's really not when understood properly. Buddhists share this practice and are the happiest people on Earth.

Projecting your problems onto someone else

Under this category you could also put the practice of projecting your ills or fears onto others and analysing that projection objectively. You won't think the ill/fear is so bad as you've de-personalised it.

Locus of control

Recognising what's in your control and what's not

Perhaps the most famous Stoic doctrine. The quotes say it all:

Internalising value judgements


Interalising goals

Rather than 'external' goals and measures, which are dependent on others, use internal goals and measures instead.

Acceptance and love of fate

Fate is a difficult concept for Westerners to understand coherently and accept due to our cultural notion of free will. It's import to realise that fate is accepted by many non-Western cultures and Western societies of the past. Fate is not something mystical, but part of a scientific, determinist view of nature. If you don't believe in fate, I am unlikely to convince you that fate is a 'thing' here, but perhaps make you curious to learn more.

Accept the fate of past, but also the possibility of the future

Fatalistic in regard to the past and present (but not the future)

Amor fati

Love of fate. This was one of Nietzsche's favourite doctrines.

Practicising self-control/Tactical self-denial

This is all about enhancing self-control/willpower and actually learning to enjoy the absence of certain pleasures. A reminder that Stoicism is not Cynicism and certainly not sadomasochism. The denial of comfort and pleasure mentioned here are psychological techniques that enhance self-control and  result in greater appreciation of our comforts and protect us from hurt in their absence. Tactical self-denial is not an essential part of Stoicism, so don't feel obliged to take it on, especially if you're a novice. Most of this comes from Musonius Rufus.

Meditation

Much like other religions and self-help practices, meditation is very important, as we humans are programmed to forget.

Favourite quotes organised by topics


These quotes are my favourites. They may not be yours, and that's okay! Please share the ones you love.



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