THE ORIGIN OF STOICISM
- theimprovescape
- Jan 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 23, 2023
Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and was later adopted and developed by the Romans. The Stoic philosophy teaches that individuals should focus on understanding and accepting the natural order of things and to not allow themselves to be controlled by their emotions. The philosophy emphasizes on virtue, wisdom, and self-control as the keys to a fulfilling life.
The Stoic philosophy was founded by Zeno of Citium in the 3rd century BCE. Zeno was heavily influenced by the Cynic philosophy, which emphasizes on living a simple and virtuous life. He taught in the Stoa Poikile, or the Painted Porch, in Athens, which is where the philosophy gets its name.
The Stoic philosophy quickly gained popularity among the people of ancient Greece and Rome, and it was embraced by many prominent figures such as the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. The Stoics believed that the universe was governed by a rational principle, which they called the Logos. They believed that by understanding and living in accordance with the Logos, individuals could lead a
virtuous and fulfilling life.
One of the key principles of Stoicism is the idea of "virtue" or "aretē". The Stoics believed that virtue was the highest good and the ultimate goal of human life. They taught that individuals should strive to live a virtuous life by practicing wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control.

Another important aspect of Stoicism is the idea of "apatheia" or emotional equanimity. The Stoics believed that individuals should strive to be indifferent to external events and not allow themselves to be controlled by their emotions. They taught that by remaining calm and detached, individuals could maintain a clear and rational mind, which would enable them to make wise decisions.
Stoicism also emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with nature. The Stoics believed that the universe was governed by natural laws and that individuals should strive to live in harmony with these laws. They believed that by living in accordance with nature, individuals could lead a virtuous and fulfilling life.
In conclusion, Stoicism is a philosophy that emphasizes on virtue, wisdom, and self-control as the keys to a fulfilling life. It teaches individuals to focus on understanding and accepting the natural order of things and to not allow themselves to be controlled by their emotions. The philosophy originated in ancient Greece and was later adopted and developed by the Romans. It continues to be a popular philosophy in the modern world and is known for its practical wisdom and emphasis on living a virtuous and fulfilled life.
Tip: How Setting Goals can Change Your Self-Improvement JOURNEY:
Setting goals is an important aspect of self-improvement as it helps you focus your efforts and stay motivated. When you set specific, measurable, and achievable goals, you have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and a plan to get there. This allows you to stay focused on your priorities and make steady progress towards your desired outcome. Additionally, setting goals helps you to keep track of your progress and make adjustments along the way if needed. Setting goals also gives you a sense of purpose and direction in life, and the sense of accomplishment when you reach your goals can be incredibly motivating and empowering. Overall, setting goals is a crucial step in the self-improvement process, as it helps you to stay motivated, focused, and on track to achieving your desired outcome.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury." - Marcus Aurelius
This quote from Marcus Aurelius reflects the Stoic idea of not letting negative emotions such as anger and resentment control us, but instead to rise above and be a better person. It encourages us to be the best version of ourselves, and not to sink to the level of those who have wronged us. It is also a reminder that true power lies in self-control and inner-strength, and not in seeking revenge.
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