William Stephens on the 6 Core Themes of Stoicism (Episode 110)
Jan 5, 2024
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William O Stephens, Author of 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics, discusses the 6 core themes of Stoicism including self-control, seeing things as they are, living in accordance with nature, role ethics, how virtue depends on knowledge, and how Stoicism is aspirational.
Self-control is essential in stoicism, emphasizing the importance of managing one's desires and beliefs.
Stoicism encourages seeing things as they are, accepting the natural order and limitations of human beings.
Living in accordance with nature involves aligning one's actions and choices with reason, embracing individual talents, and fulfilling roles in various aspects of life.
Deep dives
Self-control: Recognizing the importance of self-control in stoicism
Self-control is a central theme in stoicism, contrasting the popular notion of self-indulgence in our culture. Stoics emphasize that true control lies within oneself, primarily in one's own mind. Rather than seeking control over external factors, stoicism teaches that happiness comes from managing one's own desires and beliefs. By cultivating self-control, individuals can achieve tranquility and equanimity, avoiding negative emotions and living a virtuous life.
Seeing things as they are: Embracing stoic realism
Stoicism encourages individuals to see things as they are, rather than how they wish or fantasize them to be. Stoics recognize the world's natural order and the limitations of human beings. This includes acknowledging the inevitability of challenges such as illness, mortality, and change. By accepting these realities, stoics can develop a greater appreciation for the present moment and cultivate resilience in the face of life's ups and downs.
Living according to nature: Aligning with our own nature and the world
Living according to nature encompasses multiple layers within stoicism. It involves recognizing the order and laws of the universe, accepting our animal nature as mammals with basic needs and desires, and embracing our specific human nature as social, linguistic, and political beings. Stoics emphasize the importance of aligning one's actions and choices with reason and virtue. Understanding and embracing our individual talents and abilities, as well as the roles we fulfill in various aspects of life, allows us to live in accordance with our own nature and contribute positively to the world.
Virtue depends on duties and roles: Understanding the connection between virtue and fulfilling our roles
Stoicism emphasizes that virtuous behavior depends on recognizing and fulfilling our duties and roles in life. This includes understanding our responsibilities as neighbors, citizens, workers, and more. Stoics believe that by fulfilling these roles and performing the corresponding duties effectively, individuals can contribute to the common good and live with integrity. Recognizing the natural and acquired roles we possess helps guide our actions and promote justice, empathy, and cooperation.
Virtue depends on knowledge: The crucial role of knowledge in stoic virtue
According to stoicism, virtue relies on acquiring knowledge in various domains. This includes ethical knowledge of what is good, bad, and indifferent. Stoics also recognize the importance of understanding physics, logic, and other areas of knowledge to live an informed life. Building true and justified beliefs through critical thinking, evaluating evidence, and continuous learning is essential for stoics to progress towards greater wisdom and virtue. By overcoming ignorance and replacing false beliefs with knowledge, individuals can nurture their virtues and make better choices in alignment with stoic principles.
Stoicism as aspirational: Striving for the sage and continuous progress
Stoicism embraces an aspirational mindset, urging individuals to strive for the ideals of the sage. While acknowledging that achieving sagehood may be unattainable, stoics believe that continuous progress can lead to a virtuous life. Aspiring to be better, striving for wisdom, and acting in accordance with stoic principles in each moment allows individuals to shape their lives and reach higher levels of moral excellence. The aspirational nature of stoicism encourages constant self-improvement and the pursuit of individual and collective flourishing.
