Stoicism

“Will I be known as the philosopher? The warrior? The tyrant...?” (An analysis of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and stoicism) In today’s world, it seems as though society’s favorite thing to do is focus on the negative. Almost every time someone turns on the news, it is filled with violence, turmoil, pain, and blame. One of the first questions asked after an incident is who is to blame? One side is often shown, but if the whole story was publicized, the media would be filled with different…

The most important thing about Stoicism is understanding that things that are external are out of your control and things that are internal are in your control. That concept is important because in Stoicism our happiness should not depend on the external world; it is dependent on our state of mind. The way you think affects your behavior and Stoicism is about how you live your life. It is focused on how you learn to be self disciplined about your thinking so you have the ability to overcome…

pain? Emperor Marcus Aurelius sought to answer these questions. Aurelius was a follower of Stoicism, a philosophy which he felt could answer them. The Meditations, Book One, is Aurelius’ thoughts on the matter of Stoicism. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar showcases Stoicism in one of its main characters - Marcus Brutus. The character Marcus Brutus in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar was a devout believer in Stoicism because he was honorable, constant, and was unemotional in times of pain. Aurelius knew…

talked about. Stoicism, Skepticism, and life after death are few solutions offered to these ailments. However, do these ideas provide us any logical answers to death, futility, and suffering? Stoicism Stoicism is an ancient Greek solution that means to be withdrawn from a situation indifferently. Stoics accept the fact that our existence life has been destined for everyone. Stoicism can be considered a detachable way of thinking. Stoicism does not solve the problem of death. However, Stoicism…

another, especially in their lifestyle choices, their doctrines share many similarities. Cynicism and Stoicism both agree that a fulfilling life is achieved by seeking self-sufficiency and living in accordance with nature. The main difference between these philosophies is the way that they are applied. Since the Stoics apply these concepts in a more reasonable and less rigid way than the Cynics, Stoicism is a major improvement on Cynicism. The core of Diogenes’ and Epictetus’ doctrines is to…

three lines that best represent how Aurelius is a Stoic) Often, the philosopher Marcus Aurelius is referred to as a stoic, or a person who believes in stoicism. Although there are many arguments of what it actually means to be a stoic, or even more basic than that, what stoicism means, it is safe to say that there are three main principles of stoicism. Those who are stoic will often believe concepts such as individuals cannot place blame on anyone in their life except themselves. This concept is…

Why do people keep journals? When someone writes their personal ideas down they keep them in a journal, so there is a place to express pent up emotions. Marcus Aurelius wrote his ideas in his journal with no intention for it to be published.Marcus was born in Rome to a wealthy and highly political family, which was able to give him opportunities with emperors he would never have otherwise. He also was skillful philosopher as well as a leading emperor in Roman history (Bunsen). Marcus Aurelius…

Are You Smarter Than a Cow? “In Analysis: Colin Wilson Quote” “The average man is a conformist, accepting miseries and disasters with the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain.” That was a quote by Colin Wilson. Wilson wrote on philosophy, sociology, music, literature, and the occult. Colin Wilson left school once he turned sixteen and never went to college. He had many jobs including a laboratory assistant, dishwasher, and factory worker. Wilson was even part of the Royal Airforce. The first…

find pleasure through modesty and learning. Both philosophies have benefits and disadvantages and they can each offer something unique to its followers that the other cannot. Yet, there is about as much reason in arguing in favor of Epicureanism or Stoicism as there is in arguing for a “right” religion. What both Epicurus and Lucretius try and fail in doing is to find the perfect way to achieve balance and meaning in their own lives and the lives of their…

The average man is a conformist, accepting miseries and disasters with the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain, were all written by an amazing author who is commonly known for her radical philosophy and conceptions. This well-known author is Ayn Rand, an objectivist, or one who believes in concepts such as self-reliance or importance of the individual before the group. Rand essentially founded the objectivist movement by portraying characters within her fictional work in such a way that her…