The stoic principles are an ancient Greek philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and courage as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. In this article, you will see the principles themselves, but also the practical application you can take from this to apply in your life. Here are the core principles of Stoicism:
Understanding and Applying Stoic Principles
The cornerstone of Stoicism is recognizing our sphere of control. We have power over our perspectives, desires, and actions, while external events remain beyond our grasp. A practical application of this Stoic principle could be managing stress during a traffic jam. Instead of succumbing to frustration, acknowledge that the traffic is beyond your control. Your reaction, however, is within your control. This time could be utilized to listen to a podcast, an audiobook, or simply to breathe and relax.
Living in Accordance with Stoic Principles
Stoics advocate for living in sync with life’s rhythm, accepting circumstances as they arise, and refraining from desiring the unattainable. A practical application of this Stoic principle is to embrace the natural progression of life, such as aging. Rather than resisting or fearing it, accept it as a part of life’s natural cycle and appreciate the wisdom that accompanies age.
Virtue as the Highest Good in Stoic Principles
Stoicism posits that virtue, or moral and ethical excellence, is the foundation of happiness. This is entirely within our control. A practical application of this Stoic principle is to make virtuous choices. For instance, resist the temptation to gossip about a colleague and choose to be kind and understanding instead. When confronted with an ethical dilemma at work, choose the path that aligns with your moral principles, even if it’s challenging or unpopular.
Emotional Detachment in Stoic Principles
Stoicism doesn’t advocate for a lack of emotions, but rather for not being controlled by them. Stoics perceive destructive emotions as judgment errors, and believe that a wise person, or a sage, would not succumb to such emotions. A practical application of this Stoic principle could be managing an insult at work or school. Instead of reacting with anger or upset, step back and objectively assess the situation. Ask yourself if anger will improve the situation or if there’s a more productive response. Remember, your emotional state is within your control, not in the hands of others.
Acceptance of Fate in Stoic Principles
Stoics promote accepting the present moment as it is, not as we wish it to be. They encourage understanding and accepting the laws of nature and the universe, also referred to as ‘Amor Fati’ – a love of fate. A practical application of this Stoic principle could be managing job loss. While it’s natural to feel upset, Stoicism would guide you to accept the situation, recognizing it’s beyond your control. Then, focus on what you can control: updating your resume, networking, and seeking new job opportunities.
Remember, Stoicism is a practical philosophy aimed at living a good life, and it doesn’t require perfection. It’s about gradual progress and making small, conscious choices every day to respond to life’s events with wisdom and virtue.