Stoicism in The Shawshank Redemption

Like Stories of Old8 minutes read

Alexander the Great's death ushered in the Hellenistic period in Ancient Greece, where philosophies like the Stoa focused on finding order in life through understanding nature and the universe. The key to living well lies in aligning our actions with what we can control, finding happiness in the present moment without excessive desires for the future.

Insights

  • Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC marked the shift from the Classical era to the Hellenistic period in Ancient Greece.
  • Hellenistic philosophies like the Stoa emphasize aligning with the universe's determinism, finding happiness in the present moment, and focusing on what is within our control to live well.

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Recent questions

  • What marked the transition from the Classical era in Ancient Greece?

    Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC.

  • What did Hellenistic philosophies like the Stoa focus on?

    Finding order in life through nature, cosmos, and soul.

  • How is the universe viewed in Hellenistic philosophies?

    As determined, with life experienced as events in a river of time.

  • Where does the key to living well lie according to Hellenistic philosophies?

    In distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable factors.

  • Where is true happiness found in Hellenistic philosophies?

    In enjoying the present without excessive desires and attaching right judgments to emotions.

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Summary

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Transition from Classical to Hellenistic Philosophy in Greece

  • Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC marked the transition from the Classical era to the Hellenistic period in Ancient Greece.
  • The Hellenistic philosophies, like the Stoa, focused on finding order in life by looking at nature, the cosmos, and the soul.
  • The universe is seen as determined, with man experiencing life as a series of events within a river of time.
  • The key to living well lies in distinguishing between what is within our control and what isn't, aligning our opinions with the transformations of the universe.
  • True happiness is found in enjoying the present without excessive desires for the future, attaching the right judgments to emotions.
  • It is crucial to direct actions towards a goal with uncertain outcomes, embracing the beauty of acting without expectations and living immediately.
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