What Makes A Stoic?

Reflection on the meaning of Stoicism and qualities that make a Stoic.

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. 

One can’t productively function when emotionally reasoning. Intervention or prevention of the stress response, therefore, is imperative to sustain cognitive and physical performance. Stoics knew this and spent a lot of time developing tools to manage the mind.

These are the characteristics of the rational soul: self-awareness, self-examination, and self-determination. It reaps its own harvest… It succeeds its own purpose.

-Marcus Aurelius

Our judgements and actions ultimately comprise who we are. Stoicism provides tools for awareness, understanding, and improvement upon our thoughts and subsequent behaviors. 

When we acknowledge much of life is outside of our control the focus can narrow on what is controllable, the mind. 

Lose control of the mind, lose control of everything.

Our perspectives, behaviors, attention, choices, and habits belong to us. We don’t own anything else. 

Management of our true possessions can be practiced with the help of Stoic philosophy. 

You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

-Marcus Aurelius

Stoicism is a tool for living that is available to anyone regardless of belief system. There are no rules, traditions, or expectations. Focus is on the internal and continuous improvement.

To follow Stoicism doesn’t indicate anything other than interest self-improvement for the greater good. 

The cardinal virtues of courage, discipline, wisdom, and justice are the core of the philosophy and the essential tenets that practitioners strive for. 

Being a Stoic embodies the practice of being the best version of yourself. 

Living virtuously. 

Optimizing yourself for both fulfillment and service to the world.

What you say or believe is far less important than what you do. 

How Does One Become a Stoic?