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What is Stoicism?

Let's Talk Religion・42 minutes read

Stoicism, an ancient Hellenistic philosophy, focuses on virtue as the sole intrinsic good, aligning oneself with the natural order and cosmic unity. Stoics emphasize self-control, accepting things beyond one's control, and pursuing true happiness through internal virtues and aligning with universal reason.

Insights

  • Stoicism, a philosophy founded by Zeno of Kittium and developed by Chrysippus, focuses on virtue as the sole intrinsic good, emphasizing living in accordance with Nature and the Divine Logos.
  • Stoics advocate for self-control, distinguishing between what is within one's control and external factors, promoting internal virtues over external conditions for achieving true happiness.

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Recent questions

  • What is Stoicism?

    Stoicism is an ancient Hellenistic school of philosophy that focuses on living in accordance with nature, pursuing virtue as the only true good, and understanding that external things are indifferent to true happiness.

  • Who founded Stoicism?

    Stoicism was founded by Zeno of Kittium, who studied under the cynic philosopher Karates, and later developed unique doctrines that emphasized virtue as the sole intrinsic good.

  • What are the main categories of Stoicism?

    Stoicism encompasses three main categories: logic, physics, and ethics, with logic serving as the foundation for the philosophy, crucial for understanding the other aspects such as the materialistic view of the universe and the importance of virtue.

  • How do Stoics view emotions?

    Stoics view emotions as misunderstandings or false attributions of value, advocating for self-control and approaching emotions with reason rather than complete detachment, leading to true contentment and the absence of pain.

  • How has Stoicism influenced modern thought?

    Stoicism has influenced modern thought, including cognitive behavioral therapy, by offering valuable perspectives on life, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's perceptions and judgments, and focusing on internal virtues rather than external factors for true happiness.

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Summary

00:00

"Modern Stoicism: Broazism vs. Classic Philosophy"

  • Stoicism, an ancient Hellenistic school of philosophy, is widely popular today, with dedicated YouTube channels, podcasts, books, and conferences.
  • Often portrayed superficially as a means to enhance productivity or gain success, this modern interpretation, termed "broazism," differs from the original Stoic philosophy.
  • Stoicism, originating in Athens, was founded by Zeno of Kittium, who studied under the cynic philosopher Karates, and later developed unique doctrines.
  • Zeno's successor, Chrysippus, significantly shaped classic Stoic teachings, although none of his extensive works survived, his influence remains evident.
  • Stoicism, a prominent Hellenistic philosophy, engaged in debates with other schools like the Skeptics, Epicureans, and Cynics, all tracing their roots back to Socrates.
  • The Skeptics emphasized uncertainty and suspended judgment, while the Epicureans valued pleasure in moderation as the highest good in life.
  • Stoics, however, believed virtue was the sole intrinsic good, dismissing wealth, health, or pleasure as valuable, focusing solely on virtue.
  • Stoicism encompasses three main categories: logic, physics, and ethics, with logic serving as the foundation for the philosophy, crucial for understanding the other aspects.
  • Stoic logic, developed by Chrysippus, differs from Aristotelian logic, focusing on propositions and their relationships to determine truth.
  • In Stoic physics, materialism reigns, with everything, including the soul and God, considered material, while an active intelligent principle, the logos, governs the universe.

16:11

Stoicism: Divine Unity, Ethical Living, Cosmic Sympathy

  • Stoics use terms like God, Nature, Logos, and Pneuma interchangeably to represent a monistic or pantheistic concept of a unified divine principle that governs all things.
  • Alexander of Aphrodisias describes this divine principle as a panuma that unifies substances, holds them together, and ensures harmony within the whole, reflecting a fundamentally monistic worldview.
  • Stoic writings focus on how God orders all things according to perfect reason, leading to the idea of determinism and the belief that everything is preordained.
  • Human beings, possessing rational minds, are seen as participating in the Divine Logos, aligning themselves with the natural order and ethical consequences of this alignment.
  • Stoicism emphasizes living in accordance with Nature, aligning oneself with the Divine Logos, and understanding that everything is interconnected in the universe.
  • The concept of cosmic sympathy, or sympathia, asserts that all elements in the universe are interconnected and interdependent, reflecting a core feature of stoic physics.
  • Stoicism's monistic worldview necessitates the idea of sympathia, where everything is connected due to the unity of all things in the universe.
  • Stoicism's ethical teachings focus on living in accordance with nature, pursuing virtue as the only true good, and understanding that external things are indifferent to true happiness.
  • Stoics emphasize the dichotomy of control, distinguishing between things within one's control and those outside of it, advocating acceptance of events beyond one's control as part of universal reason.
  • Stoic ethics stress the importance of controlling one's perceptions and judgments, focusing on internal virtues rather than external factors like fame or reputation, to achieve true happiness.

31:47

Stoicism: Embrace Acceptance, Control, and Reason

  • Stoicism is about accepting things as they come and letting go of what cannot be controlled.
  • It emphasizes self-control and aligning one's reason with the general reason of the universe.
  • Passions like distress, fear, lust, and delight are to be avoided or controlled.
  • Stoics view passions as misunderstandings or false attributions of value.
  • Self-control leads to true contentment and the absence of pain.
  • Stoics do not advocate for complete emotional detachment but rather approaching emotions with reason.
  • Marcus Aurelius exemplifies living as an emperor while maintaining stoic virtues.
  • Stoics believe in determinism but also uphold moral responsibility through compatibilism.
  • Stoics believe that inner nature influences how individuals react to external causes.
  • Stoicism has influenced modern thought, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and continues to offer valuable perspectives on life.

47:26

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