Common sense is a fundamental concept in Stoicism, a philosophy that originated in Ancient Greece and continues to be relevant today. In this glossary, we will explore the meaning and importance of common sense in Stoicism, as well as its practical applications in everyday life.
What is stoicism?
Stoicism is a philosophy that focuses on character development and the pursuit of virtue. The Stoics believed that the key to a happy and fulfilling life was living in accordance with nature and accepting the things we cannot control. They emphasized the importance of cultivating wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
What is common sense?
Common sense, in the context of stoicism, refers to the ability to discern between what is within our control and what is not. It is the ability to make wise and rational decisions, considering the circumstances and consequences of our actions. Common sense helps us live in accordance with nature and find balance in all areas of our lives.
The importance of common sense in Stoicism
Common sense is fundamental to Stoicism because it helps us live in accordance with nature and find harmony in our lives. It allows us to discern between what is in our control and what is not, so that we can focus our efforts and energy on what we can influence. Common sense also helps us make wise and rational decisions, avoiding impulsive or irrational actions.
How to develop common sense
Developing common sense is an ongoing process that requires practice and reflection. Here are some ways to cultivate common sense in Stoicism:
1. Self-knowledge: Knowing yourself is fundamental to developing common sense. This involves reflecting on our values, beliefs and goals, and understanding how they influence our decisions and actions.
2. Reflection: Regular reflection helps us evaluate our actions and make wiser decisions. Take time to reflect on your experiences, learnings, and challenges, and think about how you can apply these lessons in the future.
3. Practice of virtue: Virtue is a central aspect of Stoicism and is closely linked to common sense. Practice justice, courage, temperance and wisdom in all areas of your life, always seeking to act in accordance with your principles and values.
4. Acceptance: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of accepting the things we cannot control. Develop the ability to accept external circumstances and events by focusing on what you can control: your own attitudes and actions.
5. Continuous learning: Never stop learning and seeking knowledge. Read books, take courses and talk to people who can broaden your understanding of the world and help you make more informed decisions.
Practical applications of common sense in Stoicism
The common sense in Stoicism can be applied to different areas of our lives. Here are some practical applications:
1. Decision making: Common sense helps us make wise and rational decisions, considering the circumstances and consequences of our actions. It helps us avoid impulsive or irrational actions, taking into account our values and goals.
2. Emotion management: Common sense helps us deal with our emotions in a balanced and rational way. It helps us recognize when we are being influenced by negative emotions, such as anger or fear, and allows us to respond in a more calm and considered way.
3. Interpersonal relationships: Common sense helps us cultivate healthy and harmonious relationships. It helps us understand the needs and perspectives of others, practice empathy, and act with justice and compassion.
4. Resilience: Common sense helps us deal with life's challenges and adversities in a resilient way. It allows us to accept the things we cannot control and to find creative solutions to the problems we may face.
5. Self-discipline: Common sense helps us cultivate self-discipline and act in accordance with our principles and values, even when it can be difficult. It helps us resist temptations and make decisions that are aligned with our long-term goals.
In short, common sense is a fundamental concept in Stoicism that helps us live in accordance with nature and find harmony in all areas of our lives. Developing common sense requires practice and reflection, but its practical applications are broad and can help us make wise decisions, manage our emotions, cultivate healthy relationships, deal with challenges and adversity, and cultivate self-discipline. By applying common sense to our lives, we can find greater peace of mind and greater satisfaction with our choices and actions.
