The Nature of Stoicism and Happiness

Stoicism posits that true happiness is governed by internal virtue rather than external events. It emphasizes that virtue, defined as moral righteousness, is the greatest good and is essential for achieving happiness. This framework suggests that outcomes are insignificant compared to one’s ability to act virtuously, similar to how an archer's worth is in their aim, not necessarily in hitting the target. However, this leads to questions about the practicality and desirability of such ideals, especially in extreme situations like loss or suffering, where the philosophy may seem less about genuine truth and more about coping mechanisms.