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What is Stoicism?
An Ancient Philosophy for Modern Resilience
Stoicism is more than just an ancient philosophy, it’s a way of living that helps us navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and calm. It’s a mindset that focuses on what we can control and teaches us to accept what we cannot. This practical philosophy has shaped my life, and you’ll see its influence woven into many of the reflections and practices on this blog.
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
The Core of.Stoicism
At its heart, Stoicism is about mastering the self, rather than trying to control the external world. It was founded in ancient Greece by Zeno of Citium and later developed by notable figures like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
Stoicism teaches that the path to inner peace comes from focusing on what we can control—our thoughts, reactions, and actions—and letting go of everything outside our control, like other people’s opinions, external events, and outcomes.
The Four.Key Virtues of Stoicism
Wisdom
The ability to see things clearly and act with good judgment. Stoicism encourages us to use reason to navigate life’s challenges, making decisions based on understanding rather than impulse.
Courage
Not just physical bravery, but the courage to face life’s difficulties with strength and composure. Stoicism teaches us to remain calm and steady, even in the face of adversity.
Justice
Acting with fairness and integrity in all situations. Stoicism emphasizes that we should always strive to do what is right, both for ourselves and for others.
Temperance
Self-control and moderation in all things. Stoicism teaches us to avoid excess, stay balanced, and not be ruled by our desires or emotions.
Why Stoicism Matters to Me
In my own journey, Stoicism has been a guide for building mental resilience. As an INFJ, I’ve always found myself thinking deeply about life, but often, my mind can get caught up in things beyond my control. Stoicism gave me a framework to focus on what truly matters—my own thoughts, actions, and responses to life.
It has helped me navigate difficult times, remain steady in uncertainty, and find peace in the face of challenges. In the same way that martial arts teaches discipline over the body, Stoicism teaches discipline over the mind.
Stoicism’s.Practical Teachings
What makes Stoicism unique is how practical it is. Here are a few of the core teachings that have helped me in my personal growth:
Focus on.What You Can Control
One of the most important lessons in Stoicism is to focus on what you can control your thoughts, actions, and decisions. Everything else is beyond your power and not worth your mental energy. This teaching has helped me find peace in situations that would otherwise feel overwhelming.
Embrace.Adversity as Growth
Stoics believe that challenges are opportunities to grow stronger. Whether it’s a difficult situation or an emotional setback, every challenge can be used to build resilience. For me, this means seeing discomfort not as something to avoid but as something that strengthens my mental and emotional resolve.
Live in.Accord with Nature
For the Stoics, living a good life means living in harmony with nature and accepting things as they are, not as we wish they were. This means accepting change, uncertainty, and the flow of life with grace and resilience.
The Stoics.Who Inspire Me
Marcus Aurelius
As a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius left behind his personal reflections in Meditations. His writings are a reminder to stay calm, clear-headed, and focused on what matters, even when life gets overwhelming.
Epictetus
Once a slave, Epictetus became one of the most influential Stoic teachers. He emphasized that while we can’t control the world around us, we can always control how we respond to it.
Seneca
A Roman statesman and philosopher, Seneca wrote extensively about managing emotions and facing adversity with strength. His letters and essays provide practical advice on how to live a meaningful, balanced life.
For INFJ personality types like me, Stoicism provides a framework for staying grounded. It reminds me to stop overthinking things I can’t control and instead focus on what I can do in the present moment. The combination of Stoic philosophy and learning about the INFJ personality type has shaped the way I approach my journey of personal growth, and it’s a core element of what I write about on this blog.
[ Click Here to read more on Why Stoicism as an INFJ Just Makes Sense to me ]
Dive Deeper.Learn More
What Is An INFJ?
INFJs are known for being deep thinkers, reflective, and empathetic. We spend a lot of time in our heads, thinking about the bigger picture, trying to understand the world, and making sense of our place in it. We’re often called old souls because we tend to think deeply about life, meaning, and..
What Is Stoicism?
Stoicism is more than just an ancient philosophy, it’s a way of living that helps us navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and calm. It’s a mindset that focuses on what we can control and teaches us to accept what we cannot. This practical philosophy has shaped my life…
Explore The Letters of Eli
Read The Past Letters of Eli. The Letters capture reflections on balance, self-discipline, and simplicity, stoic principles for finding purpose and peace in a chaotic world. Each letter offers practical insights, thoughts and ideas that help INFJs live with clarity, intention, and inner peace…
Simplicity.Self-Discipline.Inner Balance
Start your week off with some inspiration and join others transforming their lives through Stoic insights. Every Sunday, I share personal letters and practical steps that have helped me live with greater balance, purpose, and discipline.
