What is Stoicism?
A down-to-earth look at Stoicism and its ideas for modern life. If this is your first time hearing about stoicism, you might want to read this.
Understanding Stoicism: A Philosophy for Everyday Life
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy focused on practical ways to handle life’s ups and downs. Originally developed in ancient Greece and popularized by Roman thinkers, Stoicism is all about finding peace by controlling how we respond to things, even when we can’t control what actually happens. It’s a philosophy that encourages us to focus on what we can control—our thoughts, actions, and reactions—and accept what we can’t. Marcus Aurelius, one of the best-known Stoic philosophers and a Roman emperor, spent his life reflecting on these principles. In his journal, now called Meditations, he wrote down his personal thoughts on how to stay calm, kind, and wise even under pressure. These ideas are surprisingly relatable today: they encourage us to handle stress with patience, to be fair and understanding with others, and to live a life driven by purpose rather than just emotion.
Why People Still Practice Stoicism Today
Stoicism reminds us that our strength comes from within, not from controlling the world around us. Stoicism helps us to remember that life will always throw challenges our way, but how we think about and respond to those challenges is what truly matters. For anyone looking to stay grounded in a busy, unpredictable world, Stoicism offers practical tools to stay steady and calm, no matter what life throws at us.
"You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. - Marcus Aurelius
