Stoicism: How This Ancient Philosophy Changed My Life

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that emphasizes the importance of self-control, resilience, and acceptance of life’s hardships. It teaches us to focus on the present, take responsibility for our actions, and strive for inner peace. For me, Stoicism has been a powerful tool to manage my emotions, gain clarity on my goals and values, and ultimately transform my life. By embracing this philosophy, I have experienced significant changes in my perspective, outlook, and outlook on life. In this blog post, I will share my personal journey with Stoicism and how it has helped me to live a more meaningful life.

What is Stoicism?

So, what is this mystical-sounding guide that turned my life around? Well, we must start with a brief history lesson and one of my favourite anecdotes of philosophy- that of Zeno, the founder of Stoicism in Ancient Greece, and his hardships. In his early life, Zeno was a prevalent and wealthy merchant- this was his first mistake. On a voyage from Phoenicia to Peiraeus he survived a shipwreck, yet he lost all of his cargo and his wealth. Following this tragedy, Zeno visited a bookseller in Athens, asking the shop owner for advice on where to find someone like Socrates (the most famous philosopher of this time). As it happens, a philosopher was wandering by, that being Crates- the most famous Cynic of the time. However, Zeno soon turned from Cynicism (disliking its negative outlook), and, using wisdom he gained from other philosophers, began his own school- Stoicism. Stoicism is, put simply, the belief that we should value our ethics in life- and the only way to be truly happy is to become your best self and live your best life of good. I will tell you some of their core beliefs now:

What are the Core Beliefs of Stoicism?

1. The belief in Reason: We are rational creatures and our actions should be guided by reason rather than emotion.

2. The belief in Nature: We should strive to act according to Nature's laws and accept whatever it offers us.

3. The belief in Acceptance: We should accept our circumstances and the imperfection of life.

4. The belief in Virtue: We should strive to act virtuously and prioritize our virtues over our desires.

By following these core beliefs, Stoics believe they can achieve a meaningful life and pursue their goals while staying grounded in the present. The Stoic focus on virtue, moderation, and acceptance of what cannot be changed helps them remain undisturbed by external factors and allows them to focus on their internal growth. Through this approach, Stoics can lead lives of purpose, contentment, and joy.

How has Stoicism helped me?

Stoicism has been a lifesaver for me. Before I discovered Stoicism, I was dealing with depression and nihilism, struggling to find meaning in my life. However, learning about the principles of Stoicism has changed my life drastically. It has helped me develop a more positive outlook on life, learn to accept difficult situations, and focus on what I can control.

One of the most important lessons I've learnt from Stoicism is to view life as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Instead of worrying about things I cannot change, I try to focus on the things that I can control and use them as an opportunity to better myself. This has allowed me to take a more proactive stance in life, instead of wallowing in despair.

Another thing that Stoicism has taught me is to be mindful of the present moment and accept it for what it is. This has helped me develop a more accepting attitude towards life's hardships, allowing me to move on without getting stuck in an endless loop of negative thoughts.

Finally, Stoicism has also taught me to be grateful for the little things in life and to appreciate what I have. This has allowed me to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and live with intention. By being mindful of my thoughts and actions, I have been able to create a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

Overall, Stoicism has been a great help in my life and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for guidance or a better understanding of life. It has given me the clarity and direction I need to live a meaningful and joyful life.

What are some exercises that have helped me?

One of the most important lessons I have learned through my journey of studying Stoicism is that nothing is ever truly under our control. Despite our best efforts, things will often happen that we have no power over, and instead of feeling frustrated, I have learned to accept these outcomes as a part of life.

Another important Stoic exercise has been to treat obstacles in life as a chance to learn rather than an insurmountable problem. I remind myself that these bumps in the road are just part of the journey and I must take them as an opportunity to grow and learn from them.

Finally, and most importantly, I have learned to live my life with purpose – to create meaningful relationships with others and treat them all well, knowing full well that it will all be taken away at some point. By accepting this as fact, I am more focused on cherishing every moment I have with my loved ones rather than trying to cling to something that will inevitably pass.

These exercises have helped me immensely in developing my Stoic mindset and living my life with a greater appreciation for what I do have.

What are some resources that have helped me?

There are a few books that I would specifically recommend to those who want to change their life for the better using Stoicism, all of which you can find via the Amazon links below:

The Little Book of Stoicism: The book that got me into Stoicism

Audiobook- https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/audible/mlp/mfpdp/B081S6474C?actionCode=AMN30DFT1Bk06604291990WX&tag=jacobdoordm-21

Book- https://amzn.to/3CtYsY6

The Beginners Guide to Stoicism: The best short read to learn the principles

Audiobook- https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/audible/mlp/mfpdp/B08171TWQL?actionCode=AMN30DFT1Bk06604291990WX&tag=jacobdoordm-21

Book- https://amzn.to/3Zttc5A

Marcus Aurelius' Meditations: Advice from the GOAT in Stoicism

Audiobook- https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/audible/mlp/mfpdp/B07VNB15GG?actionCode=AMN30DFT1Bk06604291990WX&tag=jacobdoordm-21

Book- https://amzn.to/3Iv8GeF

Epictetus' Enchiridion: General Stoic life advice

Audiobook- https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/audible/mlp/mfpdp/B07ZQQFKBT?actionCode=AMN30DFT1Bk06604291990WX&tag=jacobdoordm-21

Book- https://amzn.to/3VUpqix