Apart from the fact that virtue is the only good and vice is the only bad, Stoicism is notoriously sketchy on “self-help” steps and details. We know we are called to be courageous, just, self-controlled, and wise. We are told that it is unStoic to be cowardly, unjust, greedy, and ignorant. The challenge in Stoicism is how to interpret each virtue and integrate them all into our day-to-day living. 

Unfortunately, there are no answers I can give you that will tell you what you should do because I do not know your personal circumstances. Even if we were close friends, I would still be giving you advice that follows my interpretation of your reality. Epictetus alludes to this “problem” in the very first chapter of his Discourses: 

When you must write something to your friend, grammar will tell you what words you must write; but whether you should write or not, grammar will not tell you. And so, it is with music as to musical sounds; but whether you should sing at the present time and play on the lute, or do neither, music will not tell you. 

Epictetus, Discourses, 1.1.3 

My biggest quarantine questions and answers... 

Given Epictetus’ comments, I won’t tell you what to do in this quarantine. However, I would just like to share two questions I have asked myself. The questions and answers I provide are mine alone and not indicative of what you (or anyone else) should do. They are NOT the Stoic response. They are just my Stoic response to this situation. 

I encourage you to give your own set of questions and answers some thought, especially if it helps you find focus and purpose during this unusual time. 

I share these thoughts with you in case you find them helpful. 

While confined in a two bedroom flat with no garden, what lies within my control? 

Some of my answers: 

• My attitude towards my situation and the people with whom I share my home 
• The meals I choose to prepare with the food I am able to obtain 
• The ability to follow an indoor exercise routine and carve out space in my day to complete it 
• The way in which I fulfil my obligations towards my employer 
• The amount of news I choose to read or watch and how I fact check it 
• My ability to carve out time to call family and friends to see how they are and what I can do for them 

What do I consider to be my specific obligations in a lockdown? 

Some of my answers: 

• A careful consideration of the frequency, duration and purpose of my time outside and the message that sends to others 
• The offering of my spare room to a friend in need 
• Offering online exercise classes to encourage friends who need a little encouragement to stay active 
•  Cooking healthy foods that support the immune system during this time 
• Showing my appreciation to family, friends, and those workers who I am relying on to keep me safe, well and my home functioning (e.g. those working in health, food, agriculture, and utility services) 
• Ordering food from a fledgling independent restaurant every week to ensure their survival 

I encourage you to give your own set of questions and answers some thought, especially if it helps you find focus and purpose during this unusual time. 

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Kai Whiting is a researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism based at UC Louvain, Belgium. He tweets @kaiwhiting and blogs over at StoicKai.com 

 

 

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