What is Philosophy in Stoicism

Philosophy in Stoicism is a philosophical current that originated in Ancient Greece, around the XNUMXrd century BC, and that developed mainly in Rome. This philosophical current is based on the teachings of the Greek philosophers Zeno of Citium, Cleanto of Assos and Chrysippus of Solos, and its main objective is to teach people how to live in harmony with nature and achieve happiness.

Principles of Stoicism

In Stoicism, there are some fundamental principles that guide the philosophy. The first of these is the idea that the universe is governed by a natural order, and that everything that happens in it is in accordance with this order. The Stoics believed that people should accept this order and live by it, without worrying about things they cannot control.

Another important principle of Stoicism is the concept that negative emotions, such as anger, fear and sadness, are caused by the judgment we make about things. According to the Stoics, emotions are the result of our own interpretations and expectations, and not of the situations themselves. Therefore, to achieve tranquility and happiness, it is necessary to learn to control these judgments and not let yourself be carried away by negative emotions.

Virtue in Stoicism

In Stoicism, virtue is considered the supreme good and the main objective of life. The Stoics believed that virtue consists of living according to reason and acting according to nature. For them, virtue is the only thing that is under our absolute control, and it is through it that we can achieve happiness.

According to the Stoics, virtue manifests itself in four main aspects: wisdom, which consists of understanding the nature of things and acting in accordance with this understanding; courage, which consists of facing life's challenges with determination and bravery; justice, which consists of acting in accordance with equality and equity; and temperance, which consists of controlling desires and passions.

Indifference to External Things

In Stoicism, the Stoics defended the idea that external things, such as wealth, power and social status, are indifferent and should not be valued. According to them, these things are outside our control and have no direct relationship with virtue and happiness. Therefore, people must learn not to become attached to these things and not to seek happiness in them.

The Stoics believed that true happiness lies in virtue and wisdom, and that external things are just indifferent things that can be enjoyed, but should not be considered as a source of happiness. For them, happiness lies in living according to nature and acting according to reason, regardless of external circumstances.

Acceptance of Fate

In Stoicism, the Stoics defended the idea that people should accept their fate and life circumstances, regardless of whether they are good or bad. According to them, everything that happens in life is in accordance with the natural order of the universe, and people must learn to accept and deal with these circumstances in the best way possible.

The Stoics believed that acceptance of fate is a form of wisdom and virtue, and that people must learn not to regret or rebel against life's circumstances. Instead, they must learn to deal with them in a calm and calm manner, always seeking to act in accordance with reason and virtue.

The Practice of Mindfulness

In Stoicism, the Stoics advocated the practice of mindfulness, which consists of being present in the present moment and paying full attention to our actions and thoughts. According to them, mindfulness helps us control our judgments and not let ourselves be carried away by negative emotions.

The Stoics believed that mindfulness helps us live in accordance with nature and act in accordance with reason, as it allows us to be aware of our actions and thoughts and helps us make wiser and more virtuous decisions. Therefore, the practice of mindfulness is fundamental to achieving tranquility and happiness.

The Importance of Self-Reliance

In Stoicism, the Stoics defended the importance of self-sufficiency, which consists of not depending on external things to be happy. According to them, people must learn to find happiness within themselves, through virtue and wisdom, and not seek happiness in external things.

The Stoics believed that self-sufficiency is a form of freedom and independence, as it allows us to be happy regardless of external circumstances. For them, true happiness lies in living in accordance with nature and acting in accordance with reason, and not in seeking happiness in things that are beyond our control.

The Search for Tranquility

In Stoicism, the search for tranquility is one of the main objectives of philosophy. The Stoics believed that tranquility is achieved when we live according to nature and act according to reason, without letting ourselves be carried away by negative emotions and without worrying about things we cannot control.

According to the Stoics, tranquility is not in external things, but within ourselves. It is the result of our ability to control our judgments and not let ourselves be carried away by negative emotions. Therefore, the search for tranquility is fundamental to achieving happiness and living a fulfilling life.

The Influence of Stoicism on Today

Stoicism has had a great influence on Western philosophy and culture, and its teachings remain relevant to this day. Many of the principles of Stoicism, such as the importance of virtue, acceptance of destiny and the search for tranquility, are recurring themes in contemporary philosophy and psychology.

Furthermore, Stoicism also influenced several philosophical and religious currents, such as Christianity and existentialism. The Stoics' teachings about the importance of virtue, self-sufficiency and acceptance of destiny are themes that are still discussed and studied by philosophers, psychologists and scholars today.

Conclusion

In short, the philosophy of Stoicism is a philosophical current that seeks to teach people to live in harmony with nature and achieve happiness. Its fundamental principles include the acceptance of destiny, the search for tranquility and the importance of virtue. Stoicism continues to be relevant today, influencing philosophy, psychology and several other areas of knowledge.