The main tenets of classic Roman and Greek Stoicism revolve around the pursuit of virtue, rationality, and living in accordance with nature. Here are the key principles:
1. Virtue as the Only Good
Stoics believed that virtue is the only true good, which encompasses moral excellence and character traits. External factors such as wealth, health, and pleasure are considered “indifferent” and do not contribute to genuine happiness. The ultimate goal is to cultivate virtues that lead to a well-lived life (eudaimonia) through ethical living.
2. The Four Cardinal Virtues
Stoicism identifies four cardinal virtues that serve as a guide for ethical behavior:
- Wisdom (Sophia): The ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
- Courage (Andreia): The strength to face challenges and fears.
- Justice (Dikaiosyne): Fairness in dealing with others and fulfilling one’s social duties.
- Temperance (Sophrosyne): Self-control and moderation in desires and actions.
These virtues are interconnected; one cannot possess one without the others.
3. Living According to Nature
Stoics emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature, which they believed reflects a rational structure of the universe (logos). This means understanding the natural order and accepting what cannot be changed while focusing on one’s own actions and responses.
4. Control Over Emotions
A central tenet of Stoicism is the idea that individuals can control their reactions to external events. Stoics taught that destructive emotions arise from incorrect judgments about what is good or bad. By cultivating rational thought, one can achieve tranquility (ataraxia) and emotional resilience.
5. The Dichotomy of Control
Stoics advocate for distinguishing between what is within our control (our thoughts, intentions, and actions) and what is not (external events, other people’s actions). This principle encourages focusing energy on personal agency rather than worrying about uncontrollable circumstances.
6. Acceptance of Fate
Stoicism teaches acceptance of fate or destiny (amor fati). Stoics believed that everything happens according to a divine reason or natural law, and thus one should accept life’s events with equanimity, whether they are favorable or adverse.
7. The Importance of Community
While Stoicism emphasizes individual virtue, it also recognizes the importance of social relationships and community. Stoics believed in treating others with respect and fairness, seeing all humans as part of a larger rational community.
8. Self-Examination and Reflection
Regular self-reflection is encouraged in Stoicism. Practitioners are urged to examine their thoughts, behaviors, and motivations critically to align them with their values and virtues.
9. The Role of Reason
Reason is central to Stoic philosophy. It is through rational thought that individuals can discern what is truly valuable, make ethical decisions, and maintain emotional stability.
These tenets form a comprehensive framework for living a virtuous life according to Stoic philosophy, emphasizing resilience, ethical behavior, and harmony with the universe.
Citations: [1] https://study.com/academy/lesson/stoicism-understanding-roman-moral-philosophy.html [2] https://dailystoic.com/9-core-stoic-beliefs/ [3] https://becomingbetter.org/10-essential-principles-and-practices-of-stoicism/ [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism