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In crises, people often turn to the experience of the past. One example is ancient Greek stoicism, which is now gaining popularity again. Exploring how Stoic ideas can be used to calm down in difficult times
What is stoicism
Stoicism is a philosophical school of the times of Ancient Greece, which includes many different directions and branches. Stoicism was born shortly after the death of Alexander the Great. As professor of philosophy and stoic Massimo Pigliucci argues, “at this time, people faced major changes in the political and social sphere and did not control anything.” The fact is that the death of Alexander led to the collapse of his empire into several Hellenistic kingdoms, fighting for influence in the eastern Mediterranean.
Thus, ancient authors lived in an era of wars, uprisings, natural disasters, disasters and epidemics. During this period, one of the fundamental principles of Stoicism was developed. It was formulated by Lucius Annei Seneca, one of the main Stoic philosophers: “If you cannot change the world, change your attitude towards this world.” This principle can be represented as a simple double structure. Everything in the world can be divided into what we can control and what we cannot. The stoic secret to finding peace and inner stability is to shift your focus from the second to the first. The philosopher Epictetus emphasized this even more precisely: “People are not tormented by things, but by ideas about them.”
Basic Lessons of the Stoics
Due to its universality, Stoicism has continued to exist for over 2 years. Moreover, since the end of the XNUMXth century, it has been reborn as a full-fledged movement, and regular crises only spur interest in it. Let us analyze the main aspects of the Stoic worldview.
We do not control events, but determine their meaning for ourselves.
Everything that happens around is interpreted by our brain as “bad” or “good”. With this realization comes the ability to control definitions. It is necessary to strive for calmness and mitigation of harsh reactions.
You must always put yourself to the test
If you stay in your comfort zone all the time, your life can be destroyed by someone who takes you out of it. To prevent this from happening, get out of it regularly on your own. This is the only way to learn the flexibility that comes in handy in times of real crisis.
Remember that nothing lasts forever
Researcher Vladislav Nikolaenko emphasizes: “The phrase Memento Mori (from Latin “remember death”), beloved by the Stoics, reminds us that everything can end at any moment. What was given by life, whether it be material values, loved ones, love or friendship, will one day be claimed back. Sometimes this is expressed in theft, sometimes in treason and betrayal. “Everything will pass”, “God gave, God took” – all these are the laws of the universe, over which we have no power.
Keep looking inside yourself
One of the fundamental principles of Stoicism is introspection. Ask yourself questions about life every day and answer them honestly. Only in this way can you begin to better understand what is happening to you. Marcus Aurelius expressed it this way: “Nowhere does a person retire so calmly and serenely as in his own soul. Especially the one who has something inside that you just have to look closely, as it will immediately become easier. This relief, in my opinion, is nothing but peace of mind. It is to this solitude that you indulge constantly, thus renewing yourself.”
Anger never helps
Stoics believe that anger only takes energy and life resources without providing anything in return. Therefore, it is impossible to give rage the opportunity to control the body.
Imagine the worst
Do not avoid your fears, but constantly analyze them. Moreover, sometimes imagine the worst. For example, that you were fired from your job, your relationship with your partner collapsed, and your car was stolen. You can even imagine your own death.
The Stoics believed that such negative visualization would make it possible to cherish life, a partner, a car, and work even brighter.
Marcus Aurelius recommends: “Start every day by saying to yourself: “Today I will meet with opposition, ingratitude, insolence, betrayal, anger and selfishness – and all of them will be caused by the ignorance of offenders, their inability to distinguish good from evil.”
Take care of your mind
You don’t give your wallet to a stranger or your car keys to a random passerby. You won’t let your house be demolished for a new highway. So why do you so easily give the keys to your mind to any stranger who gets in there with his ideas and slogans?
Be yourself
The main goal of a person in life is to remain himself and not lose his personality under any circumstances. Marcus Aurelius wrote about it this way: “Be like a rock: the waves are constantly breaking against it, but it stands motionless, and the agitated waters subside around it.”