Stoicism was a philosophy that flourished for 480 years in Ancient Greece and Rome and was popular with everyone from slaves to the aristocracy: because - unlike so much philosophy, it was helpful, helpful when we panic, want to give up, despair and rage at existence.
We still honor this philosophy whenever we think of someone as brave and - without perhaps quite knowing why - call them ‘stoic’.
There are two great philosophers of Stoicism. The first is the Roman writer and tutor to Nero, Seneca. He lived between AD 4 and AD 65. That's right, 'tutor to Nero'. The infamous dictator who slept with his own mother, raped young boys and, just because he felt like it, asked his old tutor - Seneca - to commit suicide in front of his own family.
And our other guide to Stoicism is the kind and magnanimous Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius [AD 121 to 180], who was forced to spend most of his reign on the edges of the Empire, fighting off invincible Germanic hordes, but found time to write one of the greatest works of philosophy, the Meditations in his tent at night.
There are two problems stoicism can help us within particular. The first is Anxiety. When you're feeling anxious about something, most people are maddening. They believe it is their duty to 'cheer you up'. However intelligent they might otherwise be, they say things like:
- IT'LL BE OK,
- DON'T WORRY
- CHEER UP
The stoics were appalled. They hated any kind of consolation that aims to give the listener HOPE. Hope is the opium of the emotions and must be stamped out conclusively for a person to stand any chance of inner peace. Because hope only lifts one higher for the eventual fall. The Stoics advised us to take a different path. To be calm, one has to tell oneself something very dark:
- It will be terrible!
- I might have to go to prison. The lump really could be malign.
- I probably will be fired and humiliated.
- My friends almost certainly will succeed.
BUT, a huge consoling Stoic BUT, one must keep in mind that one will, nevertheless, be OK.
OK because in the end, as Marcus Aurelius said: 'We are each of us stronger than we think'. Prison won't be fun, nor will losing one's job or being made a laughing stock... but one will get through it. Stoicism emboldens us against the worst fate can throw at us. And if you really really can't take it, suicide is always an option. The Stoics mentioned this repeatedly.
Here is Seneca:
- Can you no longer see a road to freedom? It's right in front of you. You need only turn over your wrists.
To build up an impression of one's own resilience, the Stoics suggested one regularly rehearse worst-case scenarios. For example, twice a year, one should take off one's smart clothes, get into some dirty rags, sleep on a rug in the kitchen floor and eat only stale bread and rainwater from an animal's bowl - and thereby make an amazing discovery.
As Marcus Aurelius put it:
- ALMOST NOTHING MATERIAL IS NEEDED FOR A HAPPY LIFE FOR HE WHO HAS UNDERSTOOD EXISTENCE
Another subject of interest to the Stoics was ANGER. Romans were a bad-tempered lot. The Stoics wanted to calm them down but they did so by an unusual route: by intellectual argument. They proposed that getting angry isn't something you do by nature, because you have a Latin temper or are somehow inherently hot-blooded. It's the result of being stupid, of having the wrong ideas about life.
Anger stems when misplaced hope smashes into unforeseen reality. We don’t shout every time something bad happens to us, only when it is bad and UNEXPECTED. For example, you'd never shout just because it started raining - even though rain can be horrible because you've learned to expect rain. The same should apply to everything. Don't only expect rain, expect betrayal, infamy, sadism, theft, humiliation, lust, greed, spite...
One will stop being so angry when one learns the true facts of the misery of life.
The wise person should aim to reach a state where simply nothing could suddenly disturb their peace of mind. Every tragedy should already be priced in. We're going to leave you with the most beautiful remark that Seneca made just as Nero's guards were grabbing him and shoving him to a bathroom where he was meant to take a sharp knife and kill himself. His wife Paulina and two children were panicking, weeping, clinging to his cloaks. But he turned to them, pulled a weary smile at them, and simply said:
- WHAT NEED IS THERE TO WEEP OVER PARTS OF LIFE? THE WHOLE OF IT CALLS FOR TEARS.
We have much to learn from the Stoics.
We still honor this philosophy whenever we think of someone as brave and - without perhaps quite knowing why - call them ‘stoic’.
There are two great philosophers of Stoicism. The first is the Roman writer and tutor to Nero, Seneca. He lived between AD 4 and AD 65. That's right, 'tutor to Nero'. The infamous dictator who slept with his own mother, raped young boys and, just because he felt like it, asked his old tutor - Seneca - to commit suicide in front of his own family.
Seneca and Nero
And our other guide to Stoicism is the kind and magnanimous Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius [AD 121 to 180], who was forced to spend most of his reign on the edges of the Empire, fighting off invincible Germanic hordes, but found time to write one of the greatest works of philosophy, the Meditations in his tent at night.
Marcus Aurelius
There are two problems stoicism can help us within particular. The first is Anxiety. When you're feeling anxious about something, most people are maddening. They believe it is their duty to 'cheer you up'. However intelligent they might otherwise be, they say things like:
- IT'LL BE OK,
- DON'T WORRY
- CHEER UP
The stoics were appalled. They hated any kind of consolation that aims to give the listener HOPE. Hope is the opium of the emotions and must be stamped out conclusively for a person to stand any chance of inner peace. Because hope only lifts one higher for the eventual fall. The Stoics advised us to take a different path. To be calm, one has to tell oneself something very dark:
- It will be terrible!
- I might have to go to prison. The lump really could be malign.
- I probably will be fired and humiliated.
- My friends almost certainly will succeed.
BUT, a huge consoling Stoic BUT, one must keep in mind that one will, nevertheless, be OK.
OK because in the end, as Marcus Aurelius said: 'We are each of us stronger than we think'. Prison won't be fun, nor will losing one's job or being made a laughing stock... but one will get through it. Stoicism emboldens us against the worst fate can throw at us. And if you really really can't take it, suicide is always an option. The Stoics mentioned this repeatedly.
Here is Seneca:
- Can you no longer see a road to freedom? It's right in front of you. You need only turn over your wrists.
To build up an impression of one's own resilience, the Stoics suggested one regularly rehearse worst-case scenarios. For example, twice a year, one should take off one's smart clothes, get into some dirty rags, sleep on a rug in the kitchen floor and eat only stale bread and rainwater from an animal's bowl - and thereby make an amazing discovery.
As Marcus Aurelius put it:
- ALMOST NOTHING MATERIAL IS NEEDED FOR A HAPPY LIFE FOR HE WHO HAS UNDERSTOOD EXISTENCE
Another subject of interest to the Stoics was ANGER. Romans were a bad-tempered lot. The Stoics wanted to calm them down but they did so by an unusual route: by intellectual argument. They proposed that getting angry isn't something you do by nature, because you have a Latin temper or are somehow inherently hot-blooded. It's the result of being stupid, of having the wrong ideas about life.
Anger stems when misplaced hope smashes into unforeseen reality. We don’t shout every time something bad happens to us, only when it is bad and UNEXPECTED. For example, you'd never shout just because it started raining - even though rain can be horrible because you've learned to expect rain. The same should apply to everything. Don't only expect rain, expect betrayal, infamy, sadism, theft, humiliation, lust, greed, spite...
One will stop being so angry when one learns the true facts of the misery of life.
The wise person should aim to reach a state where simply nothing could suddenly disturb their peace of mind. Every tragedy should already be priced in. We're going to leave you with the most beautiful remark that Seneca made just as Nero's guards were grabbing him and shoving him to a bathroom where he was meant to take a sharp knife and kill himself. His wife Paulina and two children were panicking, weeping, clinging to his cloaks. But he turned to them, pulled a weary smile at them, and simply said:
- WHAT NEED IS THERE TO WEEP OVER PARTS OF LIFE? THE WHOLE OF IT CALLS FOR TEARS.
We have much to learn from the Stoics.
- Have you ever heard os Stoics?
- How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
- Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
Comments
2. I like the idea; I think it can help many people to achieve inner peace because most of us always try to find happiness from things outside ourselves and our mind but real happiness is only in our minds.
When we believe that something outside ourselves will provide us happiness, our happiness depends on things that are not part of us and most of the time those are things we cannot control then we remain unsatisfied and unhappy.
3. I don’t but I will definitely read more about this kind of philosophy.
2. Of course, the ideas of Stoicism are useful. First of all, politicians should be used at the Stoics. They should always use your mind, get rid of your emotions.
As I said, in my life I try to combine two opposite philosophies - epicureanism and soticism. In a particular situation, I try to be different to various situations.
3. Yes, the philosophy opposite to stoicism is epicureanism. It is a philosophy according to which a person should be guided by his senses, feelings and emotions. The purpose of this philosophy is to enjoy life.
2. To answer the question, I will reference Jan Kochanowski again. He was particularly fond of this philosophy idea and enforced it in every aspect in his life, but then something tragic happened to him. His beloved daughter – Urszula unfortunately died. This was the moment he broke down due to the pain this event brought to him. He decided to completely change his views by 180 degrees. He mourned her everyday to the end of his life which stoic should not do. So, the moral of the story is being a Stoic is awesome unless something really bad and unexpected happens. Then you will understand how fake this philosophical idea is.
3. Maybe Epicureanism, but it is too far-fetched in my mind. Since Epicureanism is all about enjoyment of the life, but Stoicists do enjoy themselves as well. Theirs enjoyment arises from the sense of power their views hold. So, it is not exact opposite to Stocism. Having teenage girl mindset would be better answer perhaps?
2. Assumptions of stoic peace are good, it’s important to make decisions wisely and calmly. I think that each of us should try to contribute something to our lives with the four stoic virtues: wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. I don't think you can be 100% stoic, but it's worth bringing something of this philosophy to your life.
3. The philosophy opposite to stoicism is epicureanism. Epicureanism assumes that life must be lived to be happy.
1. I've learnt about stoics during my high school education.
2. I think that Stoicism may work for some people (of course without the part of killing yourself), but each of us is a bit different and for many, it can be too harsh to follow this philosophy. I think a part of this philosophy can be very useful for work - a non-emotional approach to solving problems is what makes us professionals at what we do.
3. I think that epikureism is at some level opposite to stoicism. Epikureism is more about experiencing happiness while it lasts rather than realising sad reality.
Yes, mostly during history and polish classes in school.
2. How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
Yes, they can be useful. It is almost like tool. If used correctly it can help you. Used wrong may harm you in a long run. I try to be sarcastic about life and joke about even worst things as this helps me. In my opinion it have a part connected to the original stoicism.
3. Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
Epicureanism from what I remember from classes was the opssition to the Stoicism. It was about living a cheerful life.
After I have read the article, started feeling like these ideas make sense for me.
I find it very practlical in some way. As far as I understood Stoicism evokes to be calm in situations when nothing can be changed and to be brave when you face difficulties which can be overcome.
I am convinced that principles or ideas of this philosophy can be applicable to our every day life, for instance: if I am expecting to get a job promotion at work and I think I deserve this promotion as I worked hard for many years in the company and already achieved high results and have good relationships with my colleagues. In such a situation and with stoic approach the only thing I need to do is to stay calm, sleep well and to wait for the decision to be taken regarding a raise. We need to stay calm not because we are very self-confident, but for the reason that nothing can change the result. Thus, no reason to suffer from insomnia. (Please, let me know If i understand this idea correctly).
On my opinion, the opposite to stoicism is hedonism as a philosophy that teaches to seek pleasure and avoid suffering.
2. I think the idea of the Stoicism is enough good and I can use it in my life. This is a reflection on your emotions, on the reasons for their occurrence, as well as the ability to direct them for your good. We should realize and use the principle that not everything depends on us.
3. I didn’t know, but I have read about epicureanism. Unlike stoicism, the basis of knowledge of epicureanism is sensitivity. And errors are the result of errors in human thought so we can control them.
2. I can confidently introduce myself as a stoic. I am a calm, non-explosive person making thoughtful decisions. I think that each of the people will need to have a Stoic particle in them.
3. The opposition of stoicism is epicureanism. In this philosophy, people enjoy life, are happy, do not count time, often make hasty decisions. I would compare it to a phrase often used in the 21st century - YOLO (you only live once).
To be honest, I have never heard about Stoics, this is my first time to read about it, I already feel very interested in it.
2.How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
I totally agree about this idea of the Stoicism, in this 21st century people are so impetuous that we have been dragged forward by the times and we don't know why we have to do these things, and eventually lose ourselves, I usually think if this is what we want? Now after knowing about Stoicism, why don't we just think like the Stoics way that we don't regard everything happened to us as evil, and think that pain and anxiety are only opinions from the heart, and this can be eliminated by the heart.
3.Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
In my opinion I think Hedonism could be the complete opposite of Stoicism, its idea is like no matter what a person strives to do, his ultimate goal is to make himself happy, for example, someone wants to be charitable or sacrifice himself to save others, it is only because he thinks he will feel satisfied and happy after doing so, anyone's behavior is for pleasure.
In my opinion, the opposition is Hedonism, which consists in immersing oneself in life and experiencing everything that is to survive. Traditional opponents of the Stoics were Epicurians, who had a hedonistic approach. But the Epicurean philosophy, emphasizing pleasure as the ultimate good, still had a moral element in it.
No, I never heard about it before. As I find philosophy really interesting I wish I heared about it before.
How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
I think idea of stocism are really good to be used in our life these days. In a world covered in technology with so many distractions, things that you better avoid, having some kind of codex can really help these days to achevie greatness in our hearts.
Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
Personally I do not know, but I wish to study this topic and discover more about Stoicism and other philosophical trend.
2. I believe it can be useful and harmful at the same time. While telling someone that bad things will happen to him can prepare him for the worst, it also can make things worse for them, and even lead to them committing suicide.
3. Sorry, i don't. I'm not interested in philosophy.
2. While not remedium for every life problem, Stoicism is actually one of better philosophies, that we encounter in school. Sole idea of it actually makes living a happy life much easier. So I guess, we can say it can be good, and as it's just a philosophy, it can be still easily used even in modern times.
3. As far as I remember from school, Epicureanism always went in pair with Stoicism. Never really gave it any bigger thoughts, but Hedonism mentioned by some people is another good idea, as it suits such position even better.
Yes, I have heard about them while studing at middle school.
How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
Stoicism is very diefferent from my lifestyle. I believe that you should fight and work hard to achieve what you want. Leaving your whole life to faith is very lazy in my opinion. It has something to it but imI believe there it is not the best idea live by stoic's code.
Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
Epicureanism seems to be the biggest "opponent" of the stoicism. Their ideas don't have much on common.
Yes, I have heard a lot about them since primary school.
2. How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
Some of the ideas might be useful in daily life, however there are other ones that seem very depressing and dark for me, like the one with commiting suicide.
3. Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
From what I remember Epicureanism stood in opposition of Stoicism. Its main idea was to mailt focus on the pleasures, treating them as the most important part of life.
Yes, I have heard of Stoics, but I didn’t really know nor understand their philosophy.
2. How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
I think it’s quite a good way to achieve inner peace for some people. I’m not a stoic, I believe that our fate is in our hands and we have to work hard to change it, some things are beyond our power, but generally speaking I do like “the hope”.
3. Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
Unfortunately I don’t know any other philosophy branch that could be the opposite of Stoicism because I was never really interested in philosophy. I imagine that there is some anti-stoicism but I don’t know anything about it.
2 / The Stoics, as well as skeptics earlier, adhered to skepticism about the possibility of a person to remake society on the basis of knowledge, and therefore considered it appropriate to preach individual wisdom, separated from society as a whole.
3 /I couldn’t remember right away, I had to use additional material, but this is epicurian. The doctrine consists in the fact that the knowledge of truth is based on sensory perceptions, on the impressions made by the outside world. This is closer to me, as a creative person.
2. In my life Im trying to use some ideas from this concept, but for me it's definetly too dark to follow this mental path completely. Accepting the sad parts of life and being prepered for them is good idea.
3. From school I can remember that the opposite of stoicism is epicureanism - philosophy based on pleasure and happiness
2. I would love to implement it in my everyday life, since I'm quite a hot-tempered person, what makes some problems even more complicated. The ideas of focusing on what I can actually control and accepting what I can't, along with ability to turn obstacles into opportunities sound like a solution to most of my recent issues. So yes, definitely worth giving stoicism a try and bring some of it's principles to your life.
3. I don't know off the top of my head, but google says it's Epicureanism, which is about living in such a way to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one's lifetime - freedom of pain, fear, anxiety and unsatisfied desires.
2. I think it may work for some people. There are some people that need a philosophy or something to believe in their lives. Stoicism can tell you how to behave in certain situations or how to feel (if that is possible to control) and if a person likes it, go for it.
3. To be honest I am not an expert in philosophy but I have heard about epicureanism and Epicurus that stated that no matter what we should be focusing on pleasure and happiness.
2. As every way of life, it has its own pros and cons. I love the calm that gives me this philosophy but otherwise – I hate a cold blood and a heart of stone it requires.
3. I do. Epicureans are traditional opponents of the Stoics. They are somehow hedonistic (extravagant, unrestrained) in approach.
How do you feel about the idea of Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
I truly agree with the principles of Stoicism, but I always end up listening to my heart, not my brain. It should be used throughout man's life if you want to achieve a healthy and wealthy adulthood.
Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
Maybe Hedonism? I am a believer of Epikureism by myself, but I think Hedonism could be having opposite principles to specified branch.
2. Stoicism has several ideas and to talk about the whole philosophy in a way "like"/"dislike" is not appropriate. And to decide either it could be good or not is necessary to describe the meaning of the word "good". You know, all that philosophy stuff. So the last question in a row... Yeah, of course, you can use them because someone has already done it before. Just repeat.
3. Like a lot of other people have mentioned - Epicureanism. Maybe not the complete opposite, but at least historical opponents.
Yes of course. It's part of requirements for teachers to show us ideas like that during our high school education. Also we were introduced to famous polish figure of XVI century - Jan Kochanowski who was sharing this idea in his publications
2. How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
Yes it can be good and usually people with tendency to stoicism practises are the successful ones becouse they can keep calm in every situation even this really hard for many people. However a lot of poeple that aren't in common with ideas of stoicism can get easly nervous about stoics.
3. Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
The opposite idea to stoicism can be epicureism which focuses more on experiencing happines despite other things
Yes, of course, I remember the first time I came across these philosophical concepts at the time when I was in high school. Just the time when young people tend to pick up a philosophical trend for themselves and their lifestyle. So many canons of this philosophical school were really close in spirit to me, but not 100% likely. Well, then again in the lessons of philosophy at the university I heard about them again. Therefore, in general, I have an idea about this branch and its followers.
2. How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
Yes, of course, I remember the first time I came across these philosophical concepts at the time when I was in high school. Just the time when young people tend to pick up a philosophical trend for themselves and their lifestyle. So many canons of this philosophical school were really close in spirit to me, but not 100% likely. Well, then again in the lessons of philosophy at the university I heard about them again. Therefore, in general, I have an idea about this branch and its followers.
3. Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
I read comments and am surprised that most confidently answer this question in the same way. It seems that people who really understand philosophy have gathered here. I mean epicurianism. But for some reason I thought hedonism was the opposite. But in principle, I agree with both options. They are closely intertwined and have common ground, at least in my opinion, as for a person who is not a professional philosopher.
Yes, I've been studying about them at a school when I was younger.
2. How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
Of course it is usefull and you can actually use it in your real life. The purpose of the stoic attitude is to live in accordance with the virtue, understood as a harmony of rational human actions, based on the order of rational nature.
3. Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
First one that popped in my mind was epicureanism which was main opponent for stoicism. It basically means that you should move forward the life with emotions. You should enjoy the life with a big smile on your face. :)
2. I like this idea, sometimes I try to live using it rules but sometimes it’s just hard depending of what is happening to me in life. And yes I find it useful.
3. That question is hard for me to answer because my knowledge of philosophy is very weak, but I find the text above very interesting and it makes me more interested in the subject
There is a polish expression "stoic calmness" that refers to stay focused in a difficult situation so you can think clearly without panic. This approach is best in crisis situations. However, the whole idea of being so worn out of emotions is completely not for me. In the end, nothing terrible will happen if I, for example, won't get this job, but I will still believe in myself and cheer myself up so I can do my best at the interview. The emotions are helpful for me.
I believe the opposite philosophy to stoicism is epicureanism. It is a philosophy that celebrates life and all that it can give. As it is a philosophy that bases on emotions it is closer to my point of view.
Yes, of course. I think everybody heard about this at least once in school.
2. How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
In my opinion the best way to find happiness is golden mean. You cant be really happy just because of stoicism or at least i cant. ;)
Stoicism is really good. When you dont have to worry about your financial situation for example you can just relax. Yes i am trying to find golden mean between stoicism and epicureism.
3. Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
Yes, the example is epicureism. I said about this above. Connection between stoicism and epicureism is golden mean. I already wrote about this. ;)
1. Have you ever heard os Stoics?
I definitely had it in my (junior) high school agenda but I haven't paid much attention to it back in 'teenage years'. I've recently started reading Marcus Aurelius's Meditations hoping it will help me to stay calm in my recent life crisis.
2. Having in mind how fast paced and demanding our daily life is in current reality I think stoicism is needed more than ever.
3. I would "guess" it might be hedosim :)
Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
Yes, I have heard about Stoics on the philosophy course at high school. This subject was very interesting and I learned a lot of interesting topics.
How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
The idea is good, if you think about all bad think that could happen, you are prepared. However it has some minuses. Firstly, how could you enjoy your life while spending all the time to be prepared for all those bad things that could happen to you? Secondly, if you always expect treachery and disappointment, how could your social life be complete and enjoyable? This idea is good for managers and politics, but only in a professional life. In my opinion, in private life it cannot help.
Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
I guess that it is positivism.
I heard about it when I was in high school. I have always associated it with the philosophical current and the age of antiquity.
2.How do you feel about the idea of the Stoicism? Can it be good? Can you use them in your life?
In my opinion, stoicism is a very good philosophical trend to follow. In the 21st century, stoicism should teach everyone to remain stoic in every situation, maybe depression. In my opinion, this is a must-have concept that every person should know
3.Do you know any philosophy branch that could be the complete opposite of Stoicism?
There are many philosophical directions, but positivism is probably the most recognizable. One of the Polish creators of positivism was Henryk Sienkiewicz.
2. I think this is a very cool idea. I also try to practice it personally.
3. Maybe impressionism? I do not know.