It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Stoicism is a practical philosophy focused primarily on the practice of four virtues: courage, wisdom, temperance (i.e. discipline), and justice. Emphasis is placed on attempting to control what you can while accepting or avoiding what you cannot in the attempt to live your best life both for yourself and others regardless of circumstance.
Being good for the sake of being good.
The influence of Stoic philosophy can be seen throughout history since Zeno began speaking at the Stoa Poikile (Painted Porch) in 300 BCE. Inspired by the contributions of previous philosophers, namely Socrates, Plato and the Cynics, Stoicism developed into a recognized life philosophy available to all.
World leaders like Marcus Aurelius and Theodore Roosevelt have practiced its methods.
Some of the most powerful stories of triumph over adversity involve individuals using Stoic mindsets to include Epictetus, Victor Frankl, and James Stockdale.
Psychology has adopted its principles in various therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and exposure therapy.
New terms have been created that summarize its concepts such as growth mindset, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
A Stoic is a practitioner of Stoicism. Someone who attempts to live according to its principles. Being described as stoic implies calmness, especially under pressure. The adjective stoic historically suggests emotionless or unaffected by adversity. It’s quite the opposite in regard to someone who embodies Stoicism. A Stoic understands the battle between the emotional and rational mind is where energy is often best spent. A Stoic isn’t without emotion. A Stoic attempts to be super aware of emotion so it can be effectively managed to maintain rational thinking.
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