Being Stoic refers to displaying calmness, emotional resilience, and self-discipline, especially in the face of adversity. It doesnāt mean being emotionless or indifferent but rather maintaining control over oneās reactions to challenges and focusing on what truly matters.
Stoicism, as a philosophy, originated in ancient Greece and was developed by thinkers like Zeno of Citium, Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. It teaches practical wisdom for achieving a fulfilling life by aligning thoughts and actions with reason and virtue. Stoicism emphasizes:
1. Control of Emotions: Recognizing that emotions arise from our judgments about events, not the events themselves.
2. Focus on What You Can Control: Distinguishing between whatās within our power (thoughts, actions) and what isnāt (othersā opinions, external events).
3. Living Virtuously: Prioritizing traits like wisdom, courage, justice, and self-restraint as the foundation of a good life.
4. Accepting Fate (Amor Fati): Embracing lifeās challenges as opportunities to grow and accepting what cannot be changed with grace.
In modern terms, Stoicism is a toolkit for building resilience, finding purpose, and achieving peace of mind in a chaotic world. Itās about thriving, not just surviving, by focusing on internal strength and external contribution.