What is Autarchy in Stoicism
In Stoicism, autarky is a fundamental concept that refers to independence and emotional and mental self-sufficiency. It is the ability to find internal satisfaction and tranquility, regardless of external circumstances. Autarchy is one of the main goals of the Stoics, as they believe it is the key to achieving happiness and peace of mind.
The origin of the concept of autarky
The word “autarchy” originates from Ancient Greece, where the Stoics developed their philosophies. It derives from the Greek term “autárkeia”, which means “self-sufficiency” or “self-control”. The Stoics believed that autarchy was a quality that everyone should strive for, as it allowed people to find inner happiness and tranquility, regardless of external circumstances.
Emotional self-sufficiency in stoicism
In Stoicism, autarky is often associated with emotional self-sufficiency. This means that an autarchic person is able to control their emotions and does not allow external circumstances to affect their emotional state. The Stoics believed that negative emotions, such as anger, fear, and sadness, were caused by erroneous judgments and that it was possible to achieve emotional self-sufficiency through reason and self-control.
Mental self-sufficiency in stoicism
In addition to emotional self-sufficiency, the Stoics also emphasized the importance of mental self-sufficiency. This means that an autarchic person is able to control their thoughts and does not allow external events to affect their peace of mind. The Stoics believed that the mind was the only thing over which a person had complete control and that mental self-sufficiency was essential to achieving serenity and inner tranquility.
Autonomy and freedom in Stoicism
Autarky is also related to autonomy and freedom in Stoicism. The Stoics believed that true freedom did not depend on external circumstances, but rather on the ability to control one's mind and emotions. By achieving autarky, a person becomes free from external influences and is able to live according to his own nature and virtue.
Self-discipline and virtue in Stoicism
For the Stoics, autarchy was not just a matter of emotional and mental control, but also involved self-discipline and the pursuit of virtue. They believed that autarchy could only be achieved through the cultivation of virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. Through practicing these virtues, a person could become autarchic and live in accordance with rational and virtuous nature.
Autonomy and personal responsibility
In Stoicism, autarchy is also related to personal responsibility and the ability to take control of your own life. The Stoics believed that each individual had the power to choose how to react to external circumstances and that it was each person's responsibility to seek autarchy and live according to virtue, regardless of the difficulties and challenges they faced.
Self-sufficiency and acceptance of destiny
Although autarchy involves the pursuit of independence and self-sufficiency, the Stoics also emphasized the importance of accepting one's destiny. They believed that some things were beyond human control and that it was necessary to accept and adapt to the inevitable circumstances of life. Autarky was not about denying reality or avoiding suffering, but rather finding peace of mind through acceptance and adaptation.
Autonomy and interpersonal relationships
In Stoicism, autarky also extends to interpersonal relationships. The Stoics believed that an autarchic person did not depend on others for their happiness and satisfaction. Although they valued relationships and community, they emphasized the importance of cultivating one's virtue and finding inner satisfaction rather than depending on others for one's happiness.
Self-sufficiency and the pursuit of happiness
For the Stoics, autarky was the key to achieving lasting happiness. They believed that true happiness did not depend on external circumstances, but rather on the ability to find internal satisfaction and live according to virtue. By seeking autarky, a person frees himself from worries and external influences and finds true happiness and peace of mind.
Self-reliance and daily practice
In Stoicism, autarchy is not only a theoretical concept, but also a daily practice. The Stoics believed that autarky was something that could be cultivated and developed through constant practice. This involved applying Stoic principles in everyday life, such as controlling emotions, cultivating virtue, and accepting one's fate. Through daily practice, a person could become increasingly autonomous and achieve happiness and peace of mind.
The importance of autarky in Stoicism
In Stoicism, autarky is considered an essential quality for living a virtuous life and achieving lasting happiness. The Stoics believed that autarchy allowed a person to find internal satisfaction and tranquility, regardless of external circumstances. By seeking autarky, a person frees himself from worries and external influences and finds true happiness and peace of mind.
