Man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them. - Epictetus, Encheiridion, 5

In times of change, uncertainty, and volatility, the ability to be tranquil in the face of turbulence can be challenging. When faced with conflict, social upheaval, or threats of violence, remaining calm may seem, at times, nothing short of impossible. Yet for the Stoics—who lived through periods of plagues, exile, and extreme political unrest—tranquility wasn’t a luxury. It was the result of a practiced discipline.

We tend to think of peace as something that must exist around us before it can exist within us. The Stoics took a different approach and asked, instead, “How can I stay grounded when the world feels upside down?”

Turbulence is the norm, not the exception

The modern world may feel uniquely chaotic—but the truth is that every generation has faced storms—including those who lived in the time of the ancient Stoics.

Seneca wrote extensively about finding harmony in the face of grief, fear, and injustice.

Epictetus, born a slave in a wealthy household, taught his students how to build a resilient spirit in the face of hardship. For the Stoics, then, the question wasn’t how to escape turbulence—it was how to remain steady within it. Their answer? Focus only on what’s truly yours to control: your actions, your perspective, your character.

What tranquility really means

To the Stoics, calmness wasn’t passivity. It

wasn’t about being numb or pretending that everything was simply fine. It was about aligning with reason, accepting reality, and choosing virtue over any other possible reaction.

When thinking about how to apply that approach today, tranquility might be visible in a teacher who keeps showing up with care, even as support systems falter; an emergency nurse who grounds herself in breath and purpose between critical patient crises; or a community member who avoids the temptation to succumb to rhetoric about ways to support the vulnerable and instead supports those neighbours directly through acts of kindness

Tranquility is not something that requires or relies on the absence of conflict. It is, instead, the presence of clarity no matter what might be occurring.

Tools for remaining steady

What sets Stoicism apart is its practicality. Again, it’s not about abstract ideals—it’s about daily choices that shape your inner landscape. When facing difficulty, it can be useful to consider some of the basic Stoic principles to help cultivate peace:

Consider the dichotomy of control

At the core of Stoic thought is a simple question: “Is this within my control?” If the answer is no—if it’s someone else’s behaviour, the news cycle, economic instability, or the actions of another—the Stoic will choose to let it go. And if the answer to that question is yes—if it’s their response, choice, or judgment—the Stoic will take full responsibility.

Practice negative visualization

Rather than avoid unpleasant thoughts, Stoics practice imagining loss and challenge. This isn’t pessimism—it’s preparation. It can build appreciation for what we have and strength for when change arrives. By considering what might happen, it’s easier to accept the circumstances of hardship without suffering.

Focus on inner dialogue and journaling

Marcus Aurelius wrote himself reminders in his Meditations to stay aligned with his values. Journaling today can serve the same purpose: to examine your fears, record your gratitude, and return to your principles. Even a few minutes of reflective breathing, walking, or solitude can bring internal calm.

The calm is carried within

A Stoic does not rely on external peace to be at peace. Tranquility becomes a personal practice, not a passive mood. Stoic calm is deeply active. It involves discernment, discipline, and compassion—not just for others, but for each of us as our own person. It allows us to stand in the middle of the whirlwind and choose to move with purpose rather than panic.

The world may remain turbulent. But the Stoic does not ask it to be otherwise. They build an inner refuge, one choice at a time—and from that center, move forward.

Andi Sciacca serves as the Chief Academic Officer and as the Director of Accreditation & Assessment for the European Graduate School. She also holds a government position with the City of Milwaukee as the Environmental Sustainability Program Coordinator for the FEED MKE Program.

---