In Stoicism, virtue is considered the highest good – period. While many philosophies view virtue as a good among others, Stoicism takes it a step further by declaring that virtue is the only true good. But why is this the case? To understand this, we must explore key Stoic principles, particularly the dichotomy of control and the role of reason in human nature.

The dichotomy of control and virtue

At the core of Stoic philosophy lies the dichotomy of control, a concept primarily articulated by Epictetus, a former slave-turned Stoic philosopher. This principle states that some things are up to us, and some things are not. The things that are up to us include our judgments, choices, and actions. On the other hand, things beyond our control include external events, other people’s actions, and even our own death.

For Stoics, virtue must be grounded in what is within our control. Why? Because basing our happiness on things outside our control leads to misery and suffering. Imagine someone who ties their happiness to wealth, reputation, or even the health of their loved ones. These things, while important, are ultimately unpredictable and impermanent. If your happiness depends on things that can be taken away or that fluctuate beyond your influence, you are setting yourself up for inevitable disappointment.

The Stoics argue that the only reliable source of happiness is virtue, because virtue is something that resides entirely within our control. Unlike external circumstances, our moral character, choices, and actions are ours to govern. This makes virtue the foundation for a life of inner peace and resilience.

Death as a practical example

A key example of how Stoics apply the dichotomy of control is their perspective on death. Death is one of the greatest sources of fear and anxiety for most people. However, the Stoics remind us that death is not within our control. Whether it happens tomorrow or decades from now, we cannot dictate the time or manner of our passing.
Instead of living in fear of death, Stoicism encourages us to accept it as a natural part of life. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, often reflected on mortality. He saw death as a reminder to live virtuously and fully in the present moment. By focusing on how we live rather than how long we live, the Stoics teach us to shift our attention to what truly matters – our character and actions.

Reason and human nature

Another fundamental reason why virtue is the highest good in Stoicism is tied to human nature and reason. The Stoics believed that humans are unique because of their capacity for rational thought. While other animals act on instinct, humans can reflect, deliberate, and make moral choices.

Marcus Aurelius frequently refers to the “divine mind” in his writings. By this, he means the rational mind that nature has given us, which sets us apart from other living creatures. According to Stoicism, this rational faculty is part of living in accordance with nature.

To live virtuously means to live in harmony with our rational nature. The Stoics believed that reason enables us to distinguish between what is good and what is indifferent. External things like wealth, pleasure, and status are “indifferent” because they do not determine our moral character. What truly defines us is our ability to act justly, wisely, courageously, and temperately – the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism.

By living according to these virtues, we align ourselves with the natural order of the universe. This alignment brings eudaimonia, often translated as happiness or flourishing, but more accurately described as living in harmony with oneself and the world.

Virtue as the only reliable source of happiness

Stoics see virtue as the only good because it is the only thing that cannot be taken away from us. External goods like money, health, and relationships are transient and vulnerable to outside forces. However, our character and choices remain within our control no matter what happens.

This idea is at the heart of Stoicism: true happiness comes from living a virtuous life. Unlike fleeting pleasures or material success, virtue provides lasting fulfillment, regardless of external circumstances. By focusing on what is within our control – our actions and moral character – we become resilient to life’s challenges.

Conclusion

In Stoicism, virtue is the highest good because it is the only reliable source of happiness and moral excellence. Grounded in the dichotomy of control and human reason, virtue aligns us with our nature and the natural order of the universe. While external circumstances may be beyond our influence, our moral character and actions remain entirely within our control.

Ultimately, the Stoic belief that virtue is the only good provides a practical guide to living a life of inner peace, resilience, and fulfillment, no matter what external challenges we face.

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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