By Massimo Pigliucci
Practical guide to applying Stoic philosophy
Subject
Themes
Stoicism emerges as a practical philosophy designed to navigate life's challenges through reason, virtue, and understanding what we can control. Founded in ancient Athens around 300 BCE by Zeno of Citium, Stoicism developed into a comprehensive system addressing how to live meaningfully in an unpredictable world.
Stoicism emerges as a practical philosophy designed to navigate life's challenges through reason, virtue, and understanding what we can control. Founded in ancient Athens around 300 BCE by Zeno of Citium, Stoicism developed into a comprehensive system addressing how to live meaningfully in an…
How to Be a Stoic represents a significant contribution to the contemporary resurgence of ancient philosophy as practical life guidance. Published in 2017, the book arrives amidst growing interest in Stoicism as both personal development framework and antidote to modern anxiety. Massimo Pigliucci, a…
The foundation of Stoic practice rests upon distinguishing what lies within our control from what does not. This fundamental principle, articulated by Epictetus in his Enchiridion, divides existence into three categories rather than simply two. Some things fall entirely under our control: our…
Stoic ethics revolve around developing excellent character through practicing four cardinal virtues: practical wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. These virtues originated with Socrates, who recognised wisdom as the only unconditionally good human ability. Whilst wealth, health, and education…
The Stoic injunction to live "according to nature" appears cryptic to modern ears, easily misinterpreted as advocating primitive lifestyles or environmental activism. Instead, it refers to acting in harmony with both universal nature (the cosmos governed by natural law) and specifically human nature…
A profound Stoic insight, deriving from Socrates, holds that people never err intentionally. Whatever actions we take, we believe them correct according to whatever criteria we have developed for determining right action. This seems counterintuitive when confronting genuinely horrific deeds, yet…
Stoicism offers practical techniques for managing anger, anxiety, and other disruptive emotions, techniques remarkably consistent with modern psychological research. Contrary to popular misconception, Stoics do not suppress emotions or maintain rigid emotional detachment. Rather, they acknowledge…
The search for how to live well occupies every culture, whether through religion, philosophy, or modern science. Options range from Judeo-Christian-Islamic traditions, various Buddhist schools, Taoism, Confucianism, to secular humanism and existentialism. Each offers different tools: sacred texts,…
The foundational Stoic principle distinguishes what lies within our control from what does not. Epictetus articulates this at the Enchiridion's beginning: opinions, impulses, desires, and aversions are up to us, whilst bodies, possessions, reputations, and public offices are not. This appears in…
Hierocles visualised ethical development through concentric circles radiating from oneself outward through family, extended relatives, neighbours, fellow citizens, and ultimately all humanity. The Stoic practice of oikeiôsis involves progressively expanding concern, treating people in outer circles…
Stoic virtues (practical wisdom, courage, temperance, justice) originated with Socrates, who recognised wisdom as the only unconditionally good human ability. Whilst wealth, health, and education represent preferred conditions, they prove beneficial or harmful depending on usage. Wisdom alone…
Role models provide crucial guidance for developing virtuous character by demonstrating how ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances maintain integrity under pressure. Historical examples include Helvidius Priscus refusing to recognise Vespasian as emperor despite facing execution, and…
Stoicism addresses death directly, viewing it as a natural process requiring neither fear nor avoidance. Seneca wrote that we die every day, and one cannot live well without knowing how to die well. Death represents life's natural endpoint, nothing special requiring dread. Preparation for death…
Stoicism addresses love and friendship with nuance, challenging misconceptions about emotional detachment. When a distraught father fled from his ill daughter because he could not bear the pain, Epictetus engaged him in classical Socratic dialogue. Would the father want his daughter's mother, nurse,…
By Massimo Pigliucci
Subject
Themes
Stoicism emerges as a practical philosophy designed to navigate life's challenges through reason, virtue, and understanding what we can control. Founded in ancient Athens around 300 BCE by Zeno of Citium, Stoicism developed into a comprehensive system addressing how to live meaningfully in an unpredictable world.