The philosophy of Stoicism - Massimo Pigliucci

TED-Ed2 minutes read

Zeno of Cyprus, the founder of Stoicism after a shipwreck, emphasized virtues like self-control and tolerance through the philosophy's rational structure of the universe called logos, influencing leaders like Marcus Aurelius and modern psychological approaches. Stoicism teaches practical wisdom, temperance, justice, and courage while advocating for humane treatment of all, with figures like Seneca embodying its principles and influencing leaders like Nelson Mandela.

Insights

  • Zeno of Cyprus, after a tragic shipwreck, founded Stoicism, a philosophy promoting virtues like self-control and tolerance.
  • Stoicism, rooted in the concept of logos, encourages practical wisdom and virtues like temperance and courage while also advocating for humane treatment of others, inspiring leaders like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius and influencing modern psychological approaches.

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Recent questions

  • What is Stoicism?

    A philosophy focusing on virtues and rationality.

  • Who founded Stoicism?

    Zeno of Cyprus.

  • What are the key virtues of Stoicism?

    Self-control, tolerance, wisdom, temperance, justice, courage.

  • How has Stoicism influenced modern psychology?

    Through rational emotive behavioral therapy and logotherapy.

  • How did Stoicism influence leadership?

    Figures like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius embodied Stoic principles.

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Summary

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Stoicism: Philosophy of Virtue and Resilience

  • Zeno of Cyprus, after losing everything in a shipwreck in Athens around 300 BCE, delved into philosophy by studying with noted philosophers, eventually founding Stoicism, a philosophy centered on virtues like self-control and tolerance.
  • Stoicism, originating from the Stoa Poikile where Zeno and his followers gathered, emphasizes a rational structure of the universe called logos, teaching individuals to navigate life with practical wisdom, temperance, justice, and courage.
  • Stoicism, despite focusing on personal improvement, advocates for humane treatment of all, with figures like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius embodying its principles in leadership and resilience, influencing figures like Nelson Mandela and modern psychological approaches like rational emotive behavioral therapy and logotherapy.
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