Why do you Need Stoicism? (plain and simple guide to a happier life)

 In the ancient city of Cyprus, there was a rich trader named Zeno. His life drastically changed when his boat sank, wiping out all his stuff. Imagine that happening to you – would you feel angry, sad, or like life cheated you? Well, Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, felt differently.

The Heart of Stoicism

According to Zeno,  it is about accepting things and not letting them control how we feel. Even when life throws unexpected curveballs, Stoicism teaches us to stay calm and in control.

 When Zeno’s ship sank, he didn’t freak out. Instead of crying over spilled milk (or in his case, sunken goods), he kept his composure. While people sometimes see Stoics as emotionless, it’s really about having a unique way of looking at life.

Stoicism Through Time:

It isn’t just about being tough; it’s a way of thinking that has lasted for ages. Its lessons are as useful today as they were thousands of years ago. It helps turn negative feelings from tough times into thoughts that shape how we see the world.

The ideology wasn’t only for the elite; anyone could be a Stoic, from slaves to emperors. Famous Stoics like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius showed that it’s not just a philosophy for tough guys but a guide for living well.

 Even when women were kept away from philosophy, Stoics like Musonius Rufus argued that they should be included. It was a philosophy for all, breaking old rules and bringing people together.

Facing Life’s Challenges:

Stoicism suggests we should expect challenges and be okay with knowing that bad things will happen. An exercise called “voluntary discomfort” teaches us to willingly take on challenges, building gratitude and mental strength. Cold showers are a good modern-day example you can use to practice it and build focus.

Finding Happiness Within: In a world pushing us to have the best stuff and look a certain way, it tells us to find happiness inside ourselves. It says that tying our happiness to things we can’t control, like possessions or achievements, isn’t a good plan.

Knowing What’s in Your Hands: Its overall big idea is to know what you can and can’t control. You can try hard to reach goals, but Stoicism says not to be sad if things don’t go as planned. Success, in Stoicism, is about the effort you put in, not just the results.

4 Stoic Virtues:

There are four important virtues you need to know about wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Wisdom is about figuring out what you can control. Courage means keeping on even when things get tough. Temperance is about doing more with less. Justice is the most important – we should be good to others because we’re all connected.

Stoicism in Modern Times:

It didn’t just stay in the past; it’s part of modern therapy. Therapies like REBT and Logotherapy use Stoic ideas to help people deal with tough thoughts and be emotionally healthier.

Conclusion:

So, Stoicism is like a guide to making life better by focusing on what’s inside us instead of what’s happening outside. Following Stoic principles can lead to a happier life, reminding us that everything has an end.