Stoicism : A Negative Impact On A Person 's Life

When most individuals learn about the Ancient Greeks, they often associate the words city-state, democracy and art. But the subject that becomes most apparent to the public and associated with the Ancient Greeks is perhaps philosophy. According to the textbook, philosophy is defined as “the word of wisdom” (Benton et al 66). Philosophy is vaguely not assimilated with religion even though they are similar. There are several branches of philosophy. Two of which were very common in Ancient Greece and they were Stoicism and Epicureanism. According to the textbook, stoicism is defined as being “less concerned with formulating a systematic philosophy than with providing an approach to everyday living” or in other words, accepting the consequences of daily life’s activities and accepting them in a positive approach (102). These beliefs are also taught in the modern world but most people do not know that these beliefs derived from the Ancient Greeks (or what is still documented). In simple terms, stoicism is simply the perception of individuals is what determines all other outcomes in life. Also, another branch of philosophy is Epicureanism. According to the textbook, Epicureanism is defined as the philosophy of “self-indulgence and pleasure seeking” (102, 103). In simple terms, it

Stoicism made the transition from an intriguing foreign philosophy to a popular practice because it was taken up by several high profile figures. Scipio Africanus, the original esteemed Roman Stoic died in 129 BCE, but about 40 years later a new crop of celebrated Romans took up the Stoic practice. During the fall of the Roman Republic a group of famed orators, generals, and statesmen including Marcus Junius Brutus (85-42 BCE), Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BCE), Pompey the Great (106-48 BCE), and Cato the Younger (95-46 BCE) all professed themselves Stoics. This group of powerful statesmen and leaders practicing Stoicism disseminated it throughout Rome. Octavian (63 BC- 14 AD) who later became Caesar Augustus had a Stoic tutor and many

As Epictetus opens his handbook with the line, “Some things are up to us and some are not up to us,” a precedent is set for the entire following of the nature in his teachings (Hackett, 5). We are not merely an individual seeking something better in life, but an individual who can control his/her own path as long as we follow the context of staying true to ourselves and not wandering outside of our own capabilities. “Our bodies are not up to us, nor are our possessions, our reputations, or public offices, or, that is, whatever is not our doing,” is a prime example of what we cannot control, death being one of these (Hackett, 5). Our control is limited to what we can grasp and be in power of, and whatever is out of that reach should not be looked

As a slave Epictetus was severely tortured on a rack for another’s mistake and in turn received a broken leg, which never correctly healed. “ See, it’s just as I told you.” I was never more free than I was on the rack.” In addition, Stockdale ‘s leg was also damaged during his various hardships as a POW. Through these brutal hardships Stockdale finds strength in Epictetus words. For example, Stockdale was recognized by his captors in regard to holding a leadership position in the prisoners of war resistance with better hopes of challenging the Vietnamese’s treatment of prisoners. In accordance to Stoicism Stockdale did not take the leadership position with hopes of change but it was principally in his control and part of his essential duty

Epictetus presents many themes through his aphorisms from free will, to the divine plan and many more. The one that will be focused on today are Value Judgements. This theme is present in the aphorism I have selected, number 9. The aphorism states “Illness interferes with the body, not with one’s faculty of choice, unless that faculty of choice wishes it to. Lameness interferes with the limb, not with one’s faculty of choice. Say this at each thing that happens to you, since you will find that it interferes with something else, not with you” (Epictetus, The Handbook, 14).

self-sacrifice in effort to do what one feels is right or just? Is it descriptive, or perhaps prescriptive? Two prominent Greeks, Thucydides and Plato, began providing answers to these questions over 25 centuries ago as they analyzed and wrote critically about life's ethical implications. They shined contrasting light on what is right, just, and good; as well as ways to achieve true happiness. In short, each gave an opinion on how to garner the Good Life. Let's start by taking a look at Thucydides,

Epicurus believed that we do not have the power over certain things but the things that we have power over can be cause action. Things that can require us to have power over such as making bad decisions or wrongfully thinking. Epicurus explains “The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, and unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others”. Things that are not in our control we tend to worry about the most such as poverty, wealth and reputations. As Epicurus describes, “Aiming therefore at such great things, remember that you must not allow yourself to be carried, even with a slight tendency, towards the attainment of lesser things”.

Epicurus believed that the idea of pleasure was important but had to restrained. He contributed to modern hedonism. He created the garden a sort of ancient Utopia that he used as a base for his teachings and claimed that all were welcome but must reject their old lives and society. His guide to the good life included the use and creation of Tetrapharmakos, which had four points that people should live by to attain the good life. These included, God is nothing to fear, one if Epicurus’ biggest idea was in his riddle, if god is so powerful and willing to help others, then why does evil exist? And if is not so powerful and is not willing then why are they called gods and why are they worshipped? Death is nothing to worry about, there is not immoral

The lord shall provide a person with what they need- nothing more and nothing less, therefore a person should not feel envious of those who have more, nor shall they fall to the temptations of obtaining “better” than what they have already been given. This matches well with stoicism, because Epictetus says, in order for a man to be truly free, he must first “extinguish his desire for all things, including life itself” (Pg.1 Epictetus). Both of these beliefs, in the end, are stating that for one to find a life of happiness, they must first give up all that worries and consumes

After the death of Aristotle, philosophy that targeted greater complex depths was outrun by philosophy that focused on mere everyday lives. With the rise and fall of Skepticism, Cynicism, and Epicureanism there was an influence that survived years impacting life and that was Stoicism. Zeno of Citium who believed that the world had an ultimate plan and everything--including nature, animals, and humans, were there for a reason (Hergenhahn & Henley, 2014, p. 66). The reason Stoicism was easily used is because it was well-suited with the way Romans highlighted their law and order giving the extensive coverage displayed by many philosophers, including Marcus Aurelius.

Stoicism emerged in Hellenistic Greece as a new way of reasoning. A way of fulfilling one’s spiritual duty. It quickly became one of the most important Post Classical Greek philosophies. For the purpose of my analysis, I have focused on the period 100 BC to 100 CE. During that time period, Stoicism became extremely influential in the Roman Empire. It was no longer just a Greek school; it became a semi-official Philosophy for the Roman elite. Throughout this time period, Christianity also began to emerge. Through influential missionaries, like Saint Paul (10-67 CE), Christianity began to spread and gain recognition, despite the fact that the Roman Empire was predominately pagan during the first century. Ironically, many early Christian

The exact quote is, “Give thyself time to learn something new and good, and cease to be whirled around,” (257). In life, knowledge is power, and exposing ourselves to new concepts and ideas always gives us new knowledge for new challenges. One can never be prepared enough for the trials of life, yet the best we can do is keep an open mind to new informations in order to easily bounce back from failures. This is something I believe in heartily and take in whatever knowledge I can from failures in order to prevent it from happening again. This quote heavily influences Stoicism, as the philosophy states that positive and negative experiences should not hinder us, but only teach

Philosophical education is a fundamental aspect of Stockdale’s survival as a POW in Vietnam. He was able to use philosophical wisdom as a means to question various factors and roles in regard to living as a POW. If he absent-mindedly forgot to read the Epictetus novel given by one of his professors would his fate be different? As a POW he not only incorporated historical ideologies but also applicably highlighted key aspects of practical knowledge, which is often lacking in todays world. Stoic philosophy has vast practical application in accordance to all aspects of life. Stockdale as well as all philosophical wisdom seekers believe life is constantly consisting of education. Nevertheless, Stockdale took control of his studies and later lectured

How might someone make the world a better place? It could be through little things like, not complaining, or by being self reliant, or by controlling your temper. This description lightly describes the concept of stoicism. Now think about what the kind of person Marcus Brutus, from William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”, is. There is much evidence from Marcus Aurelius, the author of “The Meditations”, and from the works of Shakespeare, that Marcus Brutus leads a stoic

Epictetus strong belief that the only control we have is within our own actions, and the rest is out of our hands, is a true valid argument because if the pure thought of changing a person is fairly difficult, the mere thought of controlling someone is terrifying since the only person that should be in control of oneself is oneself. However, certain flaws are presented in his beliefs such avoiding situations that may cause pain like the death of a loved one. It is understandable that death and other events are out of our reach, but it is impossible to see loved ones just as humans and not be disturbed if something tragic were to occur. Like today, it is out of our control to see families being split due to the massive deportation order. All