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Stoicism

I am a Stoic in regard to Philosophy of Life, which is the most important philosophical category. I am otherwise influenced by Aristotle (who influenced the Stoics), the Existentialists and Nietzsche.

Other relevant pages on this blog:

What is good about Stoicism

  • Practical. There is something you can learn and benefit from almost immediately. Most of the original text are accessible without too much background also.
  • Virtue ethics ALA Aristotle
  • Existential
  • A recognised human project. Unlike religious narratives, Stoicism is respected as a noble human endevour. It does not require dogmas.

Where to start with Stoicism

I recommend an introductory book, however you can dive into the original texts if you want. After that you can get more background and understanding on them, and read them again and again, of course.
  • Seneca's letters:
  • Epictetus' Enchiridion
  • Marcus Aurelius' Meditations

Misconceptions about Stoicism

Stoicism's popular image is doing better than did in the 19th/20th century, but still there are negative stereotypes which are very misleading. A short refutation of these:

- Spartan
The image of a Spartan is positive due to the movie 300! Nevertheless, Stoics were not Spartans in a brutal war-like sense.

 - Ascetic
Stoicism may be confused with Cynicism, which was genuinely ascetic. There are some traces of Cynicism in Epictetus, but these can be clearly identified in distinction to 'pure' Stoicism.

- Glum/gloomy/unfeeling/humourless/un-fun
Nothing can be further from the truth. One of biggest reasons people advocated Stoicism in the ancient world was the pursuit of joy. That said, some of the psychological techniques of Stoics may seem morbid if they are understood properly. e.g. reflecting on the impermanence of life and death may seem dreary, but it's really just a 'trick' to have you cherish and embrace life more fully.

'Bad' Stoicism

This is where I purity spiral: some Stoic takes that are not strictly Stoic.
  • Cynical Stoicism*: Epictetus is one of the major figures in Stoicism, however there are a few strains of his earlier Cynicism and asceticism which tar Stoicism. For example, he, and to some extent Marcus too, preaches against social status, which is unnatural, whereas the 'proper' Stoic view is to seek social status but in moderation with reasonable expectations of human behaviour. This also involves internalising behaviour that is likely (but not guaranteed) to result in status, rather than being concerned about others' opinions per say.
  • Buddhist Stoicism: Stoics are not Buddhists. They did not preach that life is suffering and that we should be free from attachments. They did agree with the Buddhists about the impermanence of life, but did their response was NOT resignation, but a response that cherished what they could and accepted what they couldn't.
  • Socratic 'life is a disease' Stoicism. Similar to the Buddhist notion of life as suffering. Unfortunately William B Irvine indulges in this false, un-Stoic personal view of life in a later chapter of his otherwise great introductory book. 
  • Emotion-denial Stoicism: the prevailing Stoic attitude to emotion is moderation, much like Aristotle's, i.e. some supposedly 'negative' emotions like anger are appropriate, but only at certain times for certain functions - otherwise it's destructive. However, occasionally Seneca goes further than this, denying the broader utility of anger in some cases.
  • Stoicism as consolation only. Stoic quotes are incredibly consoling, but that's usually the only appreciation that most people have for Stoicism. On the contrary, Stoicism is a proactive philosophy aiming to lead one toward a better, more joyful life, including preparing one for life's inevitable sufferings.
  • Academic Stoicism: Stoicism was never for wankers in an Ivory Tower to pontificate about. Don't waste your time and your life on Academic philosophy.
  • Self-help Stoicism: trash. generally 'personal development' cliches and tropes sprinkled with isolated Stoic quotes
*There's actually room for debate here. I agree with Aristotle on the values of the emotions, whereas the Stoics are more skeptical about these, even when they are not obviously showing Cynic influence. The rejection of emotions is also Socratic also influenced the Stoics. As I learn more I will refine this segment as it's possible I'm really an 'Aristotleian Stoic' rather than pure 'Stoic'. I also agree with the Existentialists on the value of the emotions. I don't care too much about being 'pure' myself, I just want the influences clearly identified.

The Stoics

Seneca

-superb writer

Musonius Rufus

- Most practical

Epictetus

- Most analytical

Marcus Aurelius

- insights into lived Stoicism

Recommended books

A Guide to the Good Life - The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy - William B. Irvine
A very good introduction for the uninitiated. Very practical too. This book alone may convert you!
I personally found part two the most valuable. Part 3 is more for reference as those issues are encountered. Chapter 22 is too idiosyncratic for my liking.

TOC reproduced:

PART ONE THE RISE OF STOICISM
ONE Philosophy Takes an Interest in Life
TWO The First Stoics
THREE Roman Stoicism

PART TWO
STOIC PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
FOUR Negative Visualization: What’s the Worst That Can Happen?
FIVE The Dichotomy of Control: On Becoming Invincible
SIX Fatalism: Letting Go of the Past . . . and the Present
SEVEN Self-Denial: On Dealing with the Dark Side of Pleasure
EIGHT Meditation: Watching Ourselves Practice Stoicism

PART THREE STOIC ADVICE
NINE Duty: On Loving Mankind
TEN Social Relations: On Dealing with Other People
ELEVEN Insults: On Putting Up with Put-Downs
TWELVE Grief: On Vanquishing Tears with Reason
THIRTEEN Anger: On Overcoming Anti-Joy
FOURTEEN Personal Values: On Seeking Fame
FIFTEEN Personal Values: On Luxurious Living
SIXTEEN Exile: On Surviving a Change of Place
SEVENTEEN Old Age: On Being Banished to a Nursing Home
EIGHTEEN Dying: On a Good End to a Good Life
NINETEEN On Becoming a Stoic: Start Now and Prepare to Be Mocked

PART FOUR STOICISM FOR MODERN LIVES
TWENTY The Decline of Stoicism
TWENTY-ONE Stoicism Reconsidered
TWENTY-TWO Practicing Stoicism




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