Stoicism

Breakfast with Seneca: A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living

By David Fideler

Introduction

Stoicism stands on two pillars:

  1. Knowledge is key to happiness and a good life.
  2. Philosophy is therapy for the soul.

Eight Key Points:

  1. Live in harmony with nature to find happiness.
  2. Virtue, the excellence of one's character, is the only true good.
  3. Some things are within our control, others are not.
  4. We can't control what happens to us, but we can control our judgments and responses.
  5. Negative events are opportunities to create better situations.
  6. The ultimate reward is virtue, a state of inner joy.
  7. Real philosophy means making progress.
  8. Contribute to society.

Virtue

Virtue is the highest good and the key to a well-lived life. Stoics see virtue as knowledge and expertise in living well. They identify four cardinal virtues:

  1. Wisdom: Understanding what is good, bad, and indifferent, and making sound judgments.
  2. Courage: Facing fears and challenges, especially in danger or adversity.
  3. Temperance: Practicing self-control and moderation.
  4. Justice: Committing to fairness, honesty, and respect for others.

These virtues are interdependent and form the foundation of a virtuous life. Practicing them leads to eudaimonia, a flourishing life.

Knowledge

Study not to know more, but to know better.

Friendship

Spend time with a few chosen thinkers and their works. Those who travel constantly have many acquaintances but no real friends.

Travel

A wise person gains profound experiences from travel because their mind is prepared. Others seek spectacle after spectacle.

Freedom & Joy

Freedom is the prize we seek. It means not being enslaved by false judgments, extreme emotions, anger, compulsions, unhappiness, or anxiety. Anger is the worst emotion; it can change you permanently.

Adversity

Challenges and adversity test and develop our character. Expect occasional bumps and major obstacles. Don't desire hardships, but the virtue to endure them.

Premeditation of Adversity

Rehearse potential negative events in your mind. If they occur, you'll be mentally prepared and less shocked.

Say to yourself each morning: Today I will meet meddling, ungrateful, overbearing, deceitful, envious, and unsocial people. Prepare for them.

stoicism 10 examples

1. Navigating Career Uncertainty

Imagine you're fresh out of college, stepping into the job market brimming with ambition. You send out countless applications, but weeks pass with no callbacks. The silence feels deafening, and doubt starts to creep in. Here, stoicism guides you to focus on what you can control: refining your resume, expanding your skill set, and networking. Instead of being paralyzed by rejection, you view each setback as a stepping stone, understanding that external outcomes aren't always aligned with your efforts. This mindset transforms anxiety into proactive growth.

2. Coping with Social Media Pressure

In the age of Instagram and TikTok, it's easy to fall into the comparison trap. Scrolling through feeds filled with highlight reels can make you question your own achievements. Stoicism teaches that external validations are fleeting and often beyond our control. By centering on your personal values and progress, you shift your focus inward. You appreciate your journey without the need for external approval, finding contentment in self-growth rather than likes or follows.

3. Dealing with Relationship Challenges

Suppose you're going through a rough patch with a close friend. Misunderstandings have escalated, leaving both parties hurt. Stoicism encourages open communication while accepting that you can't control someone else's reactions or feelings. You approach the situation with empathy, expressing your perspective without expectations. By releasing the need for a specific outcome, you alleviate personal stress and create space for genuine reconciliation or respectful parting.

4. Facing Health Concerns

Imagine receiving a diagnosis that requires significant lifestyle changes. The initial shock can be overwhelming, spiraling into fear of the unknown. Stoic philosophy helps by focusing your energy on what you can influence—your treatment plan, dietary adjustments, and mental well-being. Accepting the reality without resignation empowers you to take proactive steps, turning a daunting situation into an opportunity for personal transformation and resilience.

5. Overcoming Creative Blocks

As an artist or writer, hitting a creative wall can feel like losing a part of yourself. Frustration mounts with each attempt that doesn't meet your expectations. Stoicism advises patience and perseverance. By detaching from the pressure of creating a masterpiece every time, you allow yourself the freedom to explore and make mistakes. Embracing the process over the product, you often find inspiration returning when you least expect it.

6. Managing Workplace Stress

In a high-pressure job, deadlines loom and demands pile up. It can feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Stoicism teaches prioritization and presence. You tackle one task at a time, fully engaging without letting worries about future projects cloud your focus. Recognizing that you can't control others' expectations, you set realistic goals for yourself, reducing stress and boosting productivity.

7. Handling Public Speaking Anxiety

You've been asked to present at a major conference, and the thought ties your stomach in knots. Stoicism suggests shifting your perspective. Instead of fearing judgment, you concentrate on delivering value through your speech. By preparing thoroughly and accepting that you can't control the audience's reactions, you free yourself from crippling anxiety. This allows you to speak confidently and authentically.

8. Confronting Environmental Fears

With climate change news often bleak, it's easy to feel despair about the planet's future. Stoicism helps by focusing on actionable steps within your reach. You adopt sustainable practices, support environmental organizations, and perhaps inspire others to do the same. While you can't single-handedly halt global warming, contributing positively alleviates feelings of helplessness and promotes collective action.

9. Dealing with Family Dynamics

Family gatherings sometimes stir up old tensions. A critical comment from a relative can trigger frustration or anger. Stoicism encourages you

Stoicism examples

1. Navigating Career Uncertainty

Imagine you're fresh out of college, stepping into the job market brimming with ambition. You send out countless applications, but weeks pass with no callbacks. The silence feels deafening, and doubt starts to creep in. Here, stoicism guides you to focus on what you can control: refining your resume, expanding your skill set, and networking. Instead of being paralyzed by rejection, you view each setback as a stepping stone, understanding that external outcomes aren't always aligned with your efforts. This mindset transforms anxiety into proactive growth.

2. Coping with Social Media Pressure

In the age of Instagram and TikTok, it's easy to fall into the comparison trap. Scrolling through feeds filled with highlight reels can make you question your own achievements. Stoicism teaches that external validations are fleeting and often beyond our control. By centering on your personal values and progress, you shift your focus inward. You appreciate your journey without the need for external approval, finding contentment in self-growth rather than likes or follows.

3. Dealing with Relationship Challenges

Suppose you're going through a rough patch with a close friend. Misunderstandings have escalated, leaving both parties hurt. Stoicism encourages open communication while accepting that you can't control someone else's reactions or feelings. You approach the situation with empathy, expressing your perspective without expectations. By releasing the need for a specific outcome, you alleviate personal stress and create space for genuine reconciliation or respectful parting.

4. Facing Health Concerns

Imagine receiving a diagnosis that requires significant lifestyle changes. The initial shock can be overwhelming, spiraling into fear of the unknown. Stoic philosophy helps by focusing your energy on what you can influence—your treatment plan, dietary adjustments, and mental well-being. Accepting the reality without resignation empowers you to take proactive steps, turning a daunting situation into an opportunity for personal transformation and resilience.

5. Overcoming Creative Blocks

As an artist or writer, hitting a creative wall can feel like losing a part of yourself. Frustration mounts with each attempt that doesn't meet your expectations. Stoicism advises patience and perseverance. By detaching from the pressure of creating a masterpiece every time, you allow yourself the freedom to explore and make mistakes. Embracing the process over the product, you often find inspiration returning when you least expect it.

6. Managing Workplace Stress

In a high-pressure job, deadlines loom and demands pile up. It can feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Stoicism teaches prioritization and presence. You tackle one task at a time, fully engaging without letting worries about future projects cloud your focus. Recognizing that you can't control others' expectations, you set realistic goals for yourself, reducing stress and boosting productivity.

7. Handling Public Speaking Anxiety

You've been asked to present at a major conference, and the thought ties your stomach in knots. Stoicism suggests shifting your perspective. Instead of fearing judgment, you concentrate on delivering value through your speech. By preparing thoroughly and accepting that you can't control the audience's reactions, you free yourself from crippling anxiety. This allows you to speak confidently and authentically.

8. Confronting Environmental Fears

With climate change news often bleak, it's easy to feel despair about the planet's future. Stoicism helps by focusing on actionable steps within your reach. You adopt sustainable practices, support environmental organizations, and perhaps inspire others to do the same. While you can't single-handedly halt global warming, contributing positively alleviates feelings of helplessness and promotes collective action.

9. Dealing with Family Dynamics

Family gatherings sometimes stir up old tensions. A critical comment from a relative can trigger frustration or anger. Stoicism encourages you to control your response. You acknowledge your feelings but choose not to react impulsively. By setting healthy boundaries and approaching interactions with compassion, you maintain your tranquility and potentially improve relationships.

10. Embracing Life's Transitions

Life is full of changes—moving cities, changing careers, starting or ending relationships. These transitions can be unsettling. Stoicism provides a foundation by accepting change as a constant. You focus on adapting and growing, viewing each new chapter as an opportunity rather than a loss. This mindset turns uncertainty into excitement for what lies ahead.

Embracing stoicism in these scenarios isn't about suppressing emotions but about navigating them with awareness and intentionality. It's like being the eye of a storm—calm amidst chaos—not because the storm ceases, but because you've found your center.

Stoicism invites us to cultivate inner peace regardless of external circumstances. It's a timeless tool, especially relevant in our fast-paced, unpredictable world.

Finding a job

Applying for a job can feel like standing at the edge of a vast ocean, the waves of uncertainty crashing at your feet. Stoicism offers a compass to navigate these turbulent waters with grace and resilience. The Stoics teach us to focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot—a principle known as the Dichotomy of Control.

When you submit a job application, countless factors lie beyond your influence: the decisions of hiring managers, the qualifications of other candidates, the internal politics of the organization. Obsessing over these elements is like trying to command the tides. Instead, channel your energy into aspects firmly within your grasp:

Marcus Aurelius wrote, "You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." By internalizing this, you approach the job hunt not as a desperate quest but as an opportunity for self-expression and growth.

Consider viewing each application as a step along your path, not a final destination. Amor Fati, the love of fate, encourages embracing whatever outcomes arise. If an opportunity doesn't materialize, it's not a failure but a redirection. Seneca reminds us, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

It's also vital to align your pursuits with your core values. Stoicism emphasizes living in accordance with nature and virtue. Ask yourself:

By seeking positions that resonate with your authentic self, you infuse the process with purpose beyond mere employment.

Remember, rejection is not a reflection of your worth. It's simply part of the journey. Each "no" is a teaching moment, a chance to refine your approach and strengthen your character. The Stoics viewed challenges as the raw materials for excellence.

On another note, have you explored how modern interpretations of Stoicism can be blended with mindfulness practices? Combining these philosophies can further enhance your resilience and presence during the job search. Techniques like mindful breathing can anchor you in the moment, soothing anxieties about the future.

Ultimately, applying Stoic principles transforms the job hunt from a source of stress into an enriching personal expedition. You're not just seeking a job; you're practicing a way of life that fosters inner peace and unwavering confidence.

Finding a suitable business

Embarking on the journey to find a business that truly resonates with you is like setting sail towards a distant horizon—you need a sturdy compass and a clear sense of direction. Stoicism offers that compass, guiding you to align your professional pursuits with your deepest values and virtues.

First, embrace the Stoic principle of Living in Accordance with Nature. This means tuning into your true self—your passions, talents, and what fundamentally drives you. Reflect on questions like:

By understanding yourself, you can identify business ideas that aren't just profitable but also meaningful.

Next, consider the Dichotomy of Control, a core Stoic concept. Focus on what you can control—your actions, decisions, and efforts. You can't predict market fluctuations or guarantee customer behavior, but you can:

Remember, fretting over externals drains energy from what truly matters: building a business that reflects your principles.

Stoicism also emphasizes Virtue as the Highest Good. Incorporate the four cardinal virtues into your business model:

  1. Wisdom: Make informed decisions. Continually learn about your industry and seek advice from trusted mentors.
  2. Courage: Take bold steps when necessary. Don't let fear deter you from pursuing innovative ideas.
  3. Justice: Treat customers, employees, and partners fairly. Build a reputation for integrity.
  4. Temperance: Maintain balance. Avoid overextending resources or making impulsive decisions.

By embedding these virtues, your business becomes an extension of your character, fostering trust and respect in the community.

Engage in Negative Visualization, a Stoic exercise of contemplating potential obstacles. Ask yourself:

This isn't pessimism—it's building mental fortitude. When difficulties arise, you'll be less shaken and more prepared to find solutions.

Moreover, practice Amor Fati, the love of fate. Embrace all outcomes as necessary steps on your path. If a particular venture doesn't succeed, view it as valuable experience rather than a failure. Each misstep offers lessons that bring you closer to finding the perfect fit.

Consider also how your business can serve a greater purpose. Marcus Aurelius wrote, "What brings no benefit to the hive brings none to the bee." Aligning your enterprise with a mission that contributes positively to society enriches both you and those you serve.

On another level, have you thought about incorporating mindfulness practices into your entrepreneurial journey? Combining Stoic principles with mindfulness can enhance clarity and reduce stress. Techniques like meditation can help you stay present and make decisions that are both rational and empathetic.

As you navigate this path, remember that finding a business that fits you is as much an inner journey as it is an external pursuit. By continually aligning your actions with Stoic teachings, you're not just building a business—you're cultivating a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Contribute to Society

Donate food to a reputable food bank. Give water to service workers on a hot day. Help setup tables and chairs at community events.