The man, though, whom you should admire and imitate is the one who finds it a joy to live and in spite of that is not reluctant to die. For where’s the virtue in going out when you’re really being thrown out? - Seneca, Letters From a Stoic, Letter 54.

Joyfulness is not a quality that is often attributed to the philosophy of Stoicism. Yet any true student and practitioner of Stoicism would agree that joy, though not necessarily the fundamental goal, is most certainly an emotion that comes often as a Stoic.

The quote above from Seneca ties in a paradoxical idea that the Stoics promote: we must fully engage and enjoy life yet we must not be reluctant to die. How do we contend with these seemingly contradictory viewpoints?

Acceptance of morality

The practice of memento mori is perhaps one of the most popular Stoic ideas. It is rather simple: remember that you will die, that you are mortal, that you will not be here forever.

Practicing death meditation sounds utterly dreadful. It’s a practice that scares most (as death does). Yet the Stoics were adamant that we take the time every day to ponder on our mortality.

It serves a very practical function: it puts us in a state of mind in which we value our time. Many people get stuck in their daily routines, taking for granted that tomorrow will come. That is far from fact – we can die at any moment. In awareness of this truth, we find ourselves motivated to live. What that means exactly depends on the person, but it could mean valuing your family time, getting up early and working hard, exercising, or simply enjoying the sunset.

That all being said, the fundamental reason why we must ponder and accept death is that it is natural. The Stoics understood that life would not be life without death. Hence, if we enjoy life, how could we not at the very least accept death?

Nothing is evil which is according to nature. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 2.17

Enjoying Life

This leads into the joyful life of the Stoic. First, I must state the caveat that joy is not the primary goal of Stoicism. Virtue is the only good, remember. However, the practice of Stoicism does seem to lead to joy as a by-product (and what a wonderful by-product it is!).

Enjoying life often stems from the memento mori practice I discussed in the earlier section. Without the proper perspective that we are mortal and will die someday, we can find ourselves directionless. On the other hand, if we have a proper perspective of life, understanding that it is directly attached to our death, then death meditation can lead into joy.

Consider that you are driving home on a regular Wednesday. You get stuck in traffic (again). You can’t wait to get home to see your family and enjoy a nice meal with them. You are tired and exhausted from your workday, and this traffic isn’t helping.

If you simply think: “this traffic may be unpleasant, but I won’t be here forever. I won’t be alive forever. Someday, I may look back and consider this situation rather blissful.”

You then move your gaze to the setting sun, the same sun that has looked down upon you your entire life. Instead of taking it for granted, you are filled with joy and appreciation. What a beautiful thing, a sunset is, after all.

The interesting thing about the above example is that we can practice this at virtually every present moment.

Are you angry that your kids won’t stop fighting? Remember that you and they will die someday, and that maybe this experience can be changed into a positive one.

Are you bored at work, staring at your screen? Remember that you will die and consider looking down at the wood at your desk – the patterns, the texture, the order that is inherent in Nature.

As I hope the above examples illustrate, joy can be found as a Stoic in virtually any situation in life if we only practice adopting the right perspective.

Closing remarks

I feel obliged to restate that joy is not the primary goal of the Stoic. Virtue is, indeed, the only good. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t feel joy in our daily lives. I will end with yet another wonderful quote from Seneca:

I do not wish you ever to be deprived of gladness. I would have it born in your house; and it is born there, is only it be inside of you. - Seneca, Letters From a Stoic, Letter 23

Brandon is most well-known for his podcast, The Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses philosophical ideas both solo and with guests. He also coaches individuals to help them be their best selves, writes articles, plays music, manages projects, and several other things.

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