Stoicism is not a tool

People have developed eclectic worldviews and personal philosophies for centuries  –  combining concepts from multiple practices and disciplines to create something that resonated with the way they saw the world. We do that too. In light of scientific advancements and a strong understanding of the world, I certainly do not accept all of Stoicism’s archaic cosmological concepts wholesale. As such, I modify and adapt the model to fit what I know and how I see things. However, I still keep the moral tenets of Stoicism very much at the center of my personal philosophy. Because it is, after all, a philosophy of life.

There is a troubling trend nowadays to instead view Stoicism as something other than moral philosophy. Its effectiveness attracts it to all walks of life. But many who claim to identify with Stoicism do not recognize, adopt, or instill virtue ethics into their lives. Instead, they take the techniques of Stoicism – or some critical misinterpretations of Stoic practice – and apply them as means to some other end. They treat the philosophy not as a way of life, but a tool for their life.

Stoicism as a manipulation tool

Stoicism runs rampant among many communities, like business, politics, and the military. And while I would never insinuate that Stoicism does not apply to those areas of our society, I am suggesting that the way in which Stoicism is commonly applied does not comport with its stated purpose. Businessmen will apply Stoic practices to make themselves shrewd and cunning to maximize profit. Politicians, advocates, and others will use Stoicism’s techniques to better manipulate, tell stories, and otherwise achieve their objectives. Soldiers will ingrain Stoic concepts of assent and discipline and resilience into their ethos in order to withstand the hardships of war, endure traumas both self-inflicted and directed at others, and focus themselves on being a better fighter.

Using Stoicism the right way

Here’s the thing, Stoicism does not say that you cannot be a CEO or a senator or a soldier and still be a Stoic. Stoicism would make all three of those kinds of people better at their respective roles. But the goal of Stoicism is not to be a better thief, liar, or killer. It is to be a better person. By treating Stoicism as a means to an end, it sharpens the wrong side of the blade. It makes us more likely to harm others by committing immoral and vicious acts exceedingly well.
When applied correctly, when interpreted as the holistic life philosophy, instead of the tool that some make it out to be, Stoicism helps the CEO make decisions that benefit the company, the employee, and the customer. Stoicism helps the senator represent their constituents faithfully, stay true to their moral convictions, and not bow to the pressures of vice and temptation. Stoicism helps the soldier discern a lawful order, the strength to refuse an unlawful one, and the mindset of a protector instead of a weapon. It makes each of them a better person first and, by extension, a better practitioner of their craft second. But the goal is always on what is right for humanity, not what is convenient for the shareholder, the lobbyist, or the commander.

The Stoic view

All three of the most famous Roman Stoic philosophers sang this refrain. Marcus knew at his core that even when everyone else seems to think the wrong way is acceptable, it does not excuse you from doing what is right.

The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.19

Seneca showed us that, despite spending much of his life in pursuit of immense wealth and influence, he came to find that riches and power are nothing compared to virtue.

If anything except the honourable is good, we shall be hounded by greed for life, and by greed for the things which provide life with its furnishings – an intolerable state, subject to no limits, unstable. The only good, therefore, is that which is honourable, that which is subject to bounds. - Seneca, Moral Letters, 76

Epictetus warned his pupils about the ravenous void that comes from living without principle.

The essence of good is a certain kind of moral purpose; and the essence of evil is the lack of moral purpose. - Epictetus, Discourses

Remember that a person without principle is a tool for others’ ends. Your use of Stoic practices, without consideration for virtue, only makes you a better pawn in someone else’s game. Do not use Stoicism to pursue the vanity of fame, the materiality of wealth, the allure of power. And do not trust those who do.

John Kuna is a Stoic prokopton, writer, and dog lover. He likes digging deep into Stoic theory, but also writing accessible and inspiring Stoic content.

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