What are Emotions in Stoicism

In Stoicism, emotions are considered to be a fundamental part of the human experience, but they are viewed in a different way than in most philosophies and psychological approaches. The Stoics believed that emotions are caused by our judgments and perceptions about the world around us, rather than external circumstances themselves. In this glossary, we will explore the different emotions in Stoicism and how they are understood and approached by Stoics.

1. Apathy

Apathy is one of the most well-known and misinterpreted emotions in Stoicism. Contrary to what many think, stoic apathy is not a complete lack of emotion or indifference. Instead, stoic apathy is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity without being overwhelmed by negative emotions. It is the ability to maintain emotional balance and inner peace, regardless of external circumstances.

2. Joy

Joy in Stoicism is seen as a positive emotion, but not as something we should pursue at all costs. The Stoics believed that true joy is not linked to external events or material achievements, but rather to virtue and moral development. True joy is found in practicing wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, not in things that are beyond our control.

3. Sadness

Sadness in Stoicism is seen as a natural and inevitable emotion, but the Stoics believed that we can learn to deal with it in a healthier way. They argued that sadness is caused by our judgments and perceptions about external events, rather than the events themselves. Therefore, we can learn to control our judgments and perceptions, and thus reduce the intensity of the sadness we feel.

4. Fear

Fear in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that prevents us from living fully and achieving virtue. The Stoics believed that fear is caused by our judgments and perceptions about future, uncertain events. They argued that we must learn to face our fears and not be dominated by them, as fear prevents us from acting in accordance with reason and keeps us in a state of constant anxiety.

5. Anger

Anger in Stoicism is seen as a destructive and irrational emotion, which leads us to act impulsively and harmfully to ourselves and others. The Stoics believed that anger is caused by our judgments and perceptions about the actions of others, rather than the actions themselves. They argued that we must learn to control our anger and not let ourselves be carried away by it, as anger prevents us from acting in accordance with reason and leads us to commit mistakes and injustices.

6. Heartbreak

Disgust in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that arises when we become attached to things that are beyond our control. The Stoics believed that we must learn to accept things as they are and not become attached to specific outcomes. They argued that heartbreak is caused by our judgments and perceptions about external events, rather than the events themselves. Therefore, we can learn to control our judgments and perceptions, and thus reduce the intensity of the disgust we feel.

7. Love

Love in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that should be directed towards things that are within our control, such as virtue and moral development. The Stoics believed that we should love wisdom, courage, justice and temperance, and not things that are beyond our control, such as wealth, fame and sensory pleasures. They argued that love directed toward external things makes us dependent and vulnerable, while love directed toward internal things makes us more self-sufficient and free.

8. Hope

Hope in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that should be directed towards things that are within our control, such as our actions and attitudes. The Stoics believed that we should have hope that we can act in accordance with reason and achieve virtue, even in the face of adversity. They argued that hope directed toward external and uncertain things makes us vulnerable and dependent, while hope directed toward things internal and within our control makes us more resilient and determined.

9. Desperation

Despair in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that arises when we cling to things that are beyond our control and lose hope of achieving them. The Stoics believed that we must learn to accept things as they are and not despair in the face of adversity. They argued that despair is caused by our judgments and perceptions about external events, rather than the events themselves. Therefore, we can learn to control our judgments and perceptions, and thus reduce the intensity of the despair we feel.

10. Gratitude

Gratitude in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that arises when we recognize and value the good things we have in our lives, even in the face of adversity. The Stoics believed that we should learn to be grateful for what is within our control, such as our actions and attitudes, and not just for external and uncertain things. They argued that gratitude helps us maintain perspective and find meaning and purpose even in the most difficult situations.

11. shame

Shame in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that arises when we recognize that we have acted in a way that is contrary to virtue and moral principles. The Stoics believed that we should learn to feel ashamed of our wrong actions and strive to correct them. They argued that shame helps us develop moral conscience and seek continuous improvement.

12. Guilt

Guilt in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that arises when we recognize that we have acted in a way that is contrary to virtue and moral principles, but do nothing to correct our actions. The Stoics believed that we must learn to feel guilty about our wrong actions and strive to correct them. They argued that guilt helps us develop moral conscience and seek continuous improvement.

13. Tranquility

Tranquility in Stoicism is seen as an emotion that arises when we achieve serenity and inner peace, regardless of external circumstances. The Stoics believed that tranquility is achieved when we learn to control our judgments and perceptions, and not be dominated by negative emotions. They argued that tranquility is a state of mind that allows us to live according to reason and find true happiness.