Philosophy

Timeless Wisdom, Being Calm and a Fulfilling Life

Civilization has spread across the world, making it possible to live a life without ever needing to run from a lion that just wants nothing but to devour you or needing to spend a night in a forest without a tent and basic supplies like food. In past times this world we see today was just maybe a dream to our ancestors yet people are more stressed and filled with uncertainty these days. There is some ancient wisdom for guidance through these seemingly harsh realities and that is stoicism, but what is stoicism and why even fathom the idea of it?

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophical school of thought, it emphasizes reason and self-control. This school of thought teaches that virtue, the highest good, is based on knowledge and the wise live in harmony with Divinity and its laws that govern nature and are indifferent to the sufferings or misfortunes, pleasures or pains of human beings. Stoic philosophers believe that people should focus on what’s within their control, things like what they say, what they do and think individually. They shouldn’t be affected by external events and circumstances...which seems impossible off course, but it isn’t. 

One key stoic belief is that happiness comes from understanding and living in harmony with nature, while accepting life’s circumstances with a calm and rational mind-set. This gives us the first reason why stoicism need to considered. Having a calm mind-set will not only minimise stress but it will also help you have the proper rationality to analyse situations for what they are in order to come up with a more suitable solution. Instead of stressing and failing to remain calm, which is not only pointless and time consuming but also stupid and naive, given the fact that it never changes nothing but only exacerbate the problem. 

Although this school of thought was founded a time long ago, long before the idea of you and that of your parents was even conceived, it still offers practical tools to cope with modern-day issues. These tools can help us face adversity with calmness, manage our emotions, and cultivate a sense of purpose. If ever one considers to embrace stoic teachings, he or she welcomes improved mental health, relationships, and also an overall satisfactory life, why wouldn’t you consider that ?

Stoicism can also offer moral and ethical guidance as it provides a framework for making virtuous choices, which develops a strong moral compass. A strong moral compass facilitates balance and harmony because it compels a person to act right and treat others with respect and dignity. When people can trust you to uphold good morality they are more inclined to do the same. In that way balance and harmony stay alive. Furthermore by focusing on the things we can control, stoicism helps us become more resilient and adaptable, leading to a sense of empowerment in the face of adversity. This indeed should be considered, for who doesn’t want to be bold? 


It’s impossible to talk stoicism and not mention Marcus Aurelius. He is among the most notable stoic philosophers, known for his famous work, which is a book titled ‘meditations’ which teaches how to adhere to stoic standards and live a happy life. Marcus Aurelius attributed his actions, thoughts and success to practising stoic methods.

Ryan Holiday another successful person who emphasised the works of stoicism thorough his success. Ryan Holiday is the author of ‘the daily stoic’. It is a popular book that provides a daily dose of Stoic wisdom to help guide readers through life’s challenges. The book offers 366 meditations based on the teachings of prominent Stoic philosophers like , Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. The book presents a Stoic quote for each day accompanied by modern commentary, providing readers with practical advice for applying ancient wisdom to their daily lives. The book covers various themes, including personal growth, life management, and mindfulness.

As you navigate the world with its complexities, mysteries, fears and uncertainties of modern life, the wisdom of stoicism can provide an abundant source of hope and guidance. By embracing its timeless principles and incorporating its practical tools into our daily lives, we can cultivate the inner strength and resilience needed to face any challenge, emotionally or physically. Ultimately, the goodness and beauty of stoicism lies in its ability to transform our perspective, helping us to find peace, purpose, and contentment amidst the chaos of the world around us. Why not give stoicism a chance ?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Resilience

Building a Future Despite Our Troubled Lives Life has a way of throwing challenges at us, yet we push forward, determined to build something better ...not just for ourselves, but for the generations that follow. Despite our bad habits, past mistakes, and the struggles we carry, we still dream of a future where our kids' kids can have more than we did. The reality is, the world doesn’t always play fair. If you don’t fit in, if you don’t belong to the right crowd, you’re left out. And in some spaces, being an outsider is a disadvantage you can’t afford. I’ve seen this firsthand. I’ve felt it in the way people treat you when you don’t meet their expectations or when you refuse to conform. I remember the day I lost him...a brother to us all. That loss hit harder than I could have imagined. I shed tears alone in that forest, trying to process the weight of it. Some losses leave wounds that don’t heal easily, only scars that remind you of what was taken. That pain was like swallowing a s...
Read more

THE PHOENIX NEVER RISES : The myth of rebirth from ashes

The Phoenix Never Rises: The Myth of Rebirth from Ashes We have all heard the story of the phoenix. In case you didn’t, here is an enlightenment. During the covid-19 pandemic, I spent time reading history which is how i stumbled into greek mythology. According to greek mythology, the story of the phoenix is a myth that originates from ancient Greek culture. The phoenix is a mythical bird that lives for hundreds or even thousands of years. When it reaches the end of its life, it builds a nest and sets itself on fire, burning to ashes. From these ashes, a new phoenix rises, reborn and renewed, symbolizing resurrection, immortality, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. The myth represents themes of transformation, resilience, and the idea that after destruction or hardship, there can be renewal and a fresh start. It’s a comforting thought, a symbol of resilience that gives hope to those struggling. But is it true? Does pain automatically transform us into something greater...
Read more

The Battle Between Focus and Love

A Reflection on Purpose, Solitude, and Distraction There comes a time when every person must choose between discipline and distraction, between solitude and connection, between emotion and focus, a war within. In a world that constantly demands our attention, we must ask ourselves, is love a force that strengthens us, or is it merely a beautiful distraction? For years, my narrative was built on books, hip-hop, and my own writings. Tools that helped me make sense of my pain and turned my struggles into something understandable, something bearable. Fatherhood gave me purpose, and prayer fueled that purpose. But then love came, and suddenly, everything changed. At first, I saw love as an interruption to the disciplined life I had built. It was pleasurable, but it also dismantled the solitude that had kept me sharp. I was always fine when I stayed lonely. But was I truly fine, or was I just comfortable? This dilemma is not mine alone, it is universal. How much space should love occupy in a...
Read more