by Enda Harte
For me, there are six important first steps that I prioritized for practicing Stoicism (referenced in the diagram above), and I wanted to use this opportunity to go over each of these in a little more detail. Hopefully you’ll get an understanding of what they mean, and why it’s important to practice these concepts. (I’m basing this entire article on a diagram that was created for my newsletter.)
Of course there are more tenets, exercises, and general psychology involved in Stoic Philosophy. However, let’s strip it back and try to understand some of the things that I feel are a good place to start as a novice.
It’s important to note, like with training your body, it will take a considerable amount of learning, and application to get comfortable and stronger with any Philosophy of living. I hope that this article will kick-start your research, and engage your brain for a life filled with Stoic thought.
1. You Are Only Mortal
Given that all must die, it is better to die with distinction than to live long.
Musonius Rufus, Fragments
This phrase is a central idea in Stoicism, because it reiterates the impermanence of human life, as well as the importance of living in the present moment. The majority of the Stoics believed that fearing the inevitable isn’t rational. By accepting our mortality, we can cultivate a sense of thankfulness and appreciation for the time we have, and focus on what is truly important in life.
To practice this concept, you can start by taking time each day to reflect on the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the present moment. You can also focus on expressing gratitude for the people and experiences in your life, as a reminder to make the most of the time you have.
2. You Have the Power
The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control.
Epictetus, Discourses
In Stoicism, it is believed that we have the faculties available to control our thoughts, emotions, and actions – but it is up to us to use that power wisely. By recognizing our own agency and taking ownership of our lives, we can cultivate a sense of self-control and personal responsibility. Other things outside of this are not ultimately up to us.
You can kick-start this by focusing on taking ownership of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. This entails examining your beliefs and values, and making a conscious effort to align your thoughts and actions with those values. You can also practice mindfulness and self-reflection to gain greater insight into your own behavior and motivations.
3. The Stoic Virtues
Virtue depends partly upon training and partly upon practice; you must learn first, and then strengthen your learning by action.
Seneca the Younger, Epistles
The Four Cardinal Virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance are a central concept in Stoicism. They are considered to be the foundation of a good life, taken from the Socratic Virtues. It is a central belief that by cultivating these virtues within ourselves, we can live in harmony with nature and others, and achieve inner peace and fulfillment.
For instance, setting goals that align with these virtues is a good place to start, by making a conscious effort to practice them in your interactions with others. For example, you might seek out opportunities to be more just in your dealings with others, or to practice greater self-control and moderation in your own behavior.
4. The Cosmopolis
Stoic tradition emphasized the compatibility of philosophy with civic life; indeed, many went a good deal farther than this and stressed the necessity of civic engagement as part and parcel of what it meant to be a Stoic
C. Kavin Rowe
The Stoics believed in the concept of the cosmopolis, or the idea that all human beings are citizens of the same world or universe and that we are all interconnected. By recognizing our place in the larger scheme of things and focusing on the common good, we can live in harmony with others and contribute to the greater good.
To get to grips with the idea of the cosmopolis, you can focus on cultivating a sense of connectedness and empathy with others. Think about seeking out opportunities to volunteer or contribute to your community, and by making a conscious effort to practice kindness and compassion in your daily interactions.
5. (Universal) Reason
What defined a Stoic above all else was the choice of a life in which every thought, every desire, and every action would be guided by no other law than that of universal Reason.
Pierre Hadot
Reason is a central concept in Stoicism, and essentially is the ability to think rationally and logically. The Stoics believed that by using reason to analyze our thoughts and actions, we can gain greater insight into ourselves and the world around us, and live a good life in accordance with nature.
Get familiar with this concept by examining your beliefs and assumptions, and by making a conscious effort to question and challenge them. You can also practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills to gain greater insight into your own behavior and the world around you.
6. Resilience
Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of a strong person.
Seneca, Epistles
In Stoicism, resilience is noted frequently, and well practiced by the Philosophers who carried the ‘torch’ of the school. It is the ability to bounce back from adversity and overcome challenges. By accepting the inevitability of hardship and practicing resilience, we can develop greater strength and character, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
A simple way to start looking at this is by re-framing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, and by practicing self-care and stress-management techniques to help you cope with adversity. It’s important to remember that you don’t need to tackle life alone. You can also seek out support from friends, family, or a mental health professional, if needed.