THE STOIC UNIVERSE

Stoicism is a philosophy of life in the fullest sense. Through its three interrelated disciplines of logic, ethics, and physics, Stoicism helps us understand our relationship to ourselves, the cosmos, and other people. Let’s look briefly at these three disciplines and how they can help us live a good life today.

Logic

How do we know what is true and what isn’t? What is the best way to debate a topic? These were some of the questions the ancient Stoics asked and answered. Stoic logic covered many of our rational thinking activities. Today, logic is as important as ever. We don’t want to be deluded about the world around us or mistakenly believe that false things are true. For example, if you read an article on how to have the best sleep of your life, how do you know if it’s true? If an impulsive idea pops into your mind – I need to buy new kitchen gear – how do you decide whether it’s a good idea? Stoic logic helps us evaluate propositions made by others and propositions we form in our own minds. It enables us to think clearly and accurately about the world so we can make wise decisions that serve our principles and goals.

Ethics

The Stoics built their ethics around the belief that humans are rational and social. We find our greatest happiness when we successfully interact with other people. To the Stoics, that meant showing patience, kindness, and tolerance even when other people do not. Stoicism teaches us how to deal with all kinds of people – even those who are selfish, frustrating, or otherwise misguided – while still preserving our inner peace and freedom.

Physics

In ancient Stoicism, “physics” referred to the study of the natural world and the cosmos. The Stoics believed the universe is imbued with a divine spirit (pneuma) and that humans, animals, plants, and the Earth – everything under the sun – share in this divine cohesion. As you read ancient Stoic texts, you will encounter many beautiful and moving references to cosmic nature. Some Stoics today share the ancient belief that nature is divine, rational, and providential. Other Stoics prefer to interpret these passages metaphorically, reading them as statements on the interconnectedness of all things. Whether you choose to interpret Stoic nature as divine or not, I encourage you to cultivate the sense of awe, wonder, and gratitude that flows from the contemplation of the natural world.

EXAMINING THE INNER CRITIC

Day 5: Your Internal Compass

We must set before our eyes the goal of the Supreme Good, towards which we may strive, and to which all our acts and words may have reference – just as sailors must guide their course according to a certain star. Life without ideals is erratic. - Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius, 95.45–46

Seneca tells us to think carefully about our goals in life, instead of cruising through life directionless or on autopilot. Where do you want to go, and why? When you know where you’re headed, every step of the journey becomes more meaningful.

1. It’s 10 years in the future and you’re looking back. List three aspirations your future self would be proud of.
2. Develop three concrete, big-picture goals that match up to these aspirations. What routines and habits can you develop to help you reach these goals and aspirations? List two things you can do this week to support each concrete goal.

Day 6: Filtering the Nonessential

Do what is necessary, and whatever the reason of the animal which is naturally social requires, and as it requires. For this brings not only the tranquility which comes from doing well, but also that which comes from doing few things. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.24

Marcus Aurelius reminds us to think carefully and critically about what matters. The goal is to develop the habit of asking yourself, “Is this really necessary?” This applies to decisions about where to go, what to do, and whom to spend time with. When you filter out unnecessary distractions, you leave room for reflection, meaning, and fulfillment.

1. Make a list of tasks and activities you perform on an average day. Review the list and think carefully about how important or meaningful each activity is. Can you eliminate any from your life? If so, cross them off. Which uplifting project or bigpicture goal will you replace it with?
2. How can you ensure that nonmeaningful activities don’t make their way back into your schedule? What mental filters can you use? Develop a mantra – a simple phrase – you can repeat to remind yourself to cut mindless or harmful habits.

THE ROAD TO ACCEPTANCE

Day 38: Building Good Habits

If you want to do something, make a habit of it; if you want not to do something, refrain from doing it, and accustom yourself to something else instead. The same principle holds true in the affairs of the mind also; when you are angry, you may be sure, not merely that this evil has befallen you, but also that you have strengthened the habit and have, as it were, added fuel to the flame. - Epictetus, Discourses, 2.18, 4–5

The ancient Stoics understood the power of habit. If you allow your mind to ruminate on the negative (for example, you don’t want to go to work), you are creating a mental habit (in this instance, of dissatisfaction). Will you turn your thoughts toward wisdom and excellence or misjudgment and dissatisfaction?

1. Identify a mental habit you would like to change. What are some triggers that often set off your bad habit?
2. When you feel a bad habit coming on, what could you think about instead? Select a mantra, a virtue, or a positive goal (like tranquility or happiness) to focus on. Consider keeping a log to record your progress over the next week.

Ancient Stoics sometimes referred to philosophy as the “art of living”: each of us is an artist sculpting our own life. The material we work with is not external goods (money, social status, career success) but our own mind and character. By using the material available to us we can create a work of great beauty and excellence

LIVING WITH VIRTUE

Day 62: The Art of Living

Philosophy does not profess to secure for people any external possession. Otherwise it would be undertaking something that lies outside its proper subject-matter. For as wood is the material of the carpenter, bronze that of the statuary, just so each person’s own life is the subject matter of the art of living. - Epictetus, Discourses, 1.15, 2

Ancient Stoics sometimes referred to philosophy as the “art of living”: each of us is an artist sculpting our own life. The material we work with is not external goods (money, social status, career success) but our own mind and character. By using the material available to us – ourselves – we can create a work of great beauty and excellence.

1. What about your current life feels like art? Do you wish to make more of it?
2. What are the tools you use as the artist of your own life? (Examples: reading, journaling, meditation, structured routines, various mental techniques.)

Day 68: Web of Compassion

The first thing which philosophy undertakes to give is fellow-feeling with all people; in other words, sympathy and sociability. - Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius, 5.4

Stoicism aims to support individuals, but at its core exist collective principles: affection, kindness, and the ability to engage with and respect others. Stoics believe that humans are naturally social animals, made to live together and cooperate. But it also distinguishes between emotional compassion, which leads to burnout, and rational compassion. When we act with rational compassion, our kindness springs from a deep and steady understanding of our kinship with other people (not from an emotional reaction). This enables us to stay strong and caring, no matter what happens around us.

1. Do you agree that we should show “fellow-feeling” to all humans, not just our family and friends? In what ways does your life touch people in other cities or other countries?
2. Describe the experience of caring for someone. Write about your affection for this person. How does your affection enrich your life?

Day 82: What Rules You?

Hasten to examine your own ruling faculty and that of the universe and that of your neighbor: your own that you may make it just: and that of the universe, that you may remember of what you are a part; and that of your neighbor, that you may know whether they have acted ignorantly or with knowledge, and that you may also consider that their ruling faculty is akin to your own. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.22

Marcus lists three aspects of life we should routinely examine: our mind, the universe, and the people around us. These aspects correspond to the three Stoic disciplines of logic, physics, and ethics. To live as the great Stoics, take time throughout your busy day to examine your choices and actions in all three disciplines.

1. In the past day, how have you tried to see things clearly and accurately? How often have you paid attention to your thoughts, attitude, and choices?
2. In what ways have you shown compassion to the people around you? What helps you remember that people do wrong involuntarily?
3. What connects you to the larger human experience?

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