Where does Stoic self-reliance come from?

Are Stoics self-reliant?

Yes, always. At least they aim to be. The Stoic ideal of autarkeia, or self-sufficiency, is the basis of Stoic self-resilience and independence. Stoic self-reliance is not simple sufficiency like growing your own food and depending on your own resources to survive. For a Stoic, self- reliance is psychological independence. It is charting a course of action and following it without trying to change course to please someone.

This Stoic concept of self-reliance is particularly well explained by Seneca is his various letters to his friend Lucilius.

The Stoic life entirely depends on one’s character, on how one thinks and acts. It does not depend upon what others choose to do or on other externals. Stoics are naturally self- reliant because they don’t depend on externals for their fulfilment. A wise person

... is sufficient unto himself for a happy existence. - Seneca, Moral Letters, 9

While Stoics are not hermits but social beings, they do not depend on others for their happiness. Instead, they find satisfaction within their own mind, reasoning, and virtue.

Stoic self-reliance involves mastering one’s own emotions and not allowing external events to dictate inner peace.

Wisdom and virtue as the only paths

How do Stoics develop self-reliance? How do they guide themselves? How do they refrain from looking to others to tell them what to do or how to live? How do they become self- reliant in their thinking and actions?, When their actions are wise and are guided by virtue, they don’t need anyone’s guidance or appoval. They will know what to do and when.

For Stoics, the good life means the pursuit of wisdom and the practice of virtue. They are only paths to happiness and independence.

In his Moral Letter (31), Seneca describes how one should focus on developing inner virtue rather than seeking validation from others. Seneca emphasizes the value of self-discipline and mental fortitude as the foundation for self-reliance and personal strength.

Allegiance to virtue

Seneca speaks about the importance of committing oneself to virtue and philosophy as a means of developing self- sufficiency. Why? When you align your thoughts with virtue, you withstand hardships and live independently of the influence of others.

Self-respect and inner worth

Self respect and inner worth are essential for self-reliance. To achieve these, Seneca encourages us (Moral Letters, 42) to hold ourselves to high standards and not rely on praise or approval of others for our sense of self-worth. Instead we should value our own character and internal vitues.

Takeaways

Stoic self-reliance is psychological independence.

It can be cultivated only through wisdom and virtue.

The purpose of Stoic self-reliance is to chart your own life and be responsible to your own happiness.

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