Notes On Stoicism
“Life is long, if you know how to use it.”
Stoicism is an exceptional approach to life.
About five or six years ago I was a practitioner. I read books about it from a modern context and read many classics, from Marcus Aurelius to Seneca. I incorporated daily practices, including reflection, negative visualization (imagining bad things happening to you), stoic journaling and contemplation, and voluntary discomfort, like cold showers. I even recall sleeping on the floor next to my bed one night. It was awful, but I sure appreciated my bed more the next evening.
Even today, my calendar still includes the daily reminders I had set for myself at the time. Each day over two weeks I receive a different reminder like “Remind Yourself of the Impermanence of Things” and “Choose Your Company Well.”
I still recall with pride a review I received at work several years ago at the height of my practice that complemented the “quiet confidence” with which I approached my job, as one of my Stoic reminders and maxims was to “Speak Little and Well”.
These little lessons are but a handful within a vast wealth of knowledge handed down from the Stoic school on how to lead a rich and happy life. No, practicing Stoicism isn’t kooky. Many prominent figures throughout history have incorporated Stoic practices into their lives, from George Washington to Bill Clinton.
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about Stoicism. It doesn’t demand someone become emotionless. It is more of a guidebook that that will reduce negative emotions and bring more joy. And importantly, despite the centuries-old texts, it is readily available information for anyone to understand and implement.
The goal of the Stoics was to achieve eudaimonia, meaning “happiness” or “flourishing.” Their system for obtaining this was based on deep rational thinking and logic.
For example, most people today pursue a route to happiness that includes working hard to acquire the things they want (money, house, car, women, etc.) Yet, due to the hedonic treadmill, once one obtains these things, they are only satisfied temporarily. Then anxiety and desire kick in again, and it’s on to the next thing on their list. This cycle of life is unlikely to produce fulfillment.
The Stoics observed this and developed techniques, like negative visualization (contemplating major crises that can occur, such as the death of a loved one), to teach you to value the things you already have instead. Voluntary discomfort (cold showers, skipping a meal, sleeping on the floor) serves a similar purpose, reminding you of how well your current circumstances are while also giving you the confidence to know you can withstand other challenges.
The Stoics also emphasized the “dichotomy of control.” That is, disregarding things that you have no control over and instead using your energy to focus on the things you can affect.
Much of our anxiety each day is the result of worrying about things that are outside of our control. Worrying about how someone will react, the weather, what someone will think.
A Stoic looks at a situation and first asks themselves, “What part of this is in my control?” If it’s not in your control, you can ignore it. It’s indifferent and part of the natural flow of life. You can then focus on doing your best – using your virtues – directed at the element of the situation you can affect. Imagine how much easier your day gets if your focus is on your own performance and actions as opposed to what others think or do.
“The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.”
Now, I write this as a former practicing Stoic. My practice faded after a year or so, as my interest in meditation and mindfulness grew.
But lately I’ve been thinking that this was a mistake. There is much wisdom and guidance in the Stoic school of thought that I think can complement a mindful approach to life. In fact, in the last couple of weeks, I have been rereading some of my old Stoic materials and am reminded that meditation and presence are frequently mentioned in their lessons.
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. ”
Refreshing myself on Stoic principles has had an immediate impact on my day to day tranquility. In just this past week, I have encountered multiple situations that were challenging and immediately recognized, “Oh yeah, there’s a Stoic rule for how to handle that.”
“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?”
Discussing one’s pursuit of Stoicism is frowned upon in some of the literature. But I write this post to share my experience and to encourage others to look into this philosophy as a practical and easily accessible way to improve your life.
If you would like to explore it, William B. Irvine’s A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy is the best book I read to introduce someone to the subject. Another good read that goes a little deeper is Donald Robertson’s Stoicism and the Art of Happiness: Practical Wisdom for Everyday Life.
Of course, whether you want to be a Stoic or not, everyone should read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations at some point. It’s incredible how the words of a centuries-old Roman Emperor easily apply to our lives today.
I remember being surprised when I learned what Stoicism actually is as opposed to how it is often depicted. I find the lessons of the Stoics incredibly useful. I think you might too.
“Why is it important to have such a philosophy? Because without one, there is a danger that you will mislive—that despite all your activity, despite all the pleasant diversions you might have enjoyed while alive, you will end up living a bad life.”