The Stoic Simple Blog

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by Phil Van Treuren

Stoicism isn’t just some dusty old philosophy — it’s also a practical toolkit for navigating modern life. When I was introduced to it years ago, I was amazed to discover that the lessons of the ancient Stoics were both simple and profound.

Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca weren’t just ivory tower thinkers. They were real people dealing with real problems. They figured out some pretty amazing stuff about how to live a good life, and their wisdom is just as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

Here’s a list of the most surprising life lessons I’ve learned from studying the Stoics. I hope they’re as helpful to you as they have been to me!

#1: I’m Not Required to Have an Opinion on Everything

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Ever feel like the world is demanding your take on every little thing? From sports to politics, we’re expected to always have something to say — or, more importantly, to hurry up and “pick a side.”

I used to have strong opinions about everything — even stuff I knew little about. Admitting that I didn’t have enough information to form an opinion about something? That would have been showing weakness.

Stoic philosophy — Marcus Aurelius, specifically — helped me realize that I didn’t have to play that game. Avoiding hasty judgments isn’t weak; neither is refusing to join a “tribe.” And it’s okay to decide that some issues just aren’t worth my mental energy.

Now I don’t hesitate to say “Sorry, I don’t have an opinion on that.” And it’s made my life a lot happier.

#2: Help and Harm Are Only Found Within Myself

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Epictetus taught that both help and harm come from within us . . . and when I first read about this concept, I thought it was nuts.

Like most human beings, I had spent my whole life assuming that anything helpful or harmful to me could only come from other places. From other people.

But Epictetus was exactly right: human beings are born with all the tools we need to face life’s challenges. And most “bad” situations only hurt us because we decide they do.

Once I took Epictetus’s advice to heart, I realized that the greatest help and harm really springs from my own mind. And that made the world a lot less intimidating.

#3: I Wasn’t Given Resilience Just to Have an Easy Life

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Reading Epictetus also introduced me to this powerful truth: human beings aren’t born strong just to have it easy.

I’m not talking about physical strength; I’m talking about our ability to reason and remain resilient in the face of incredible challenges. We’ve got thousands of generations of toughness built into us, and our minds were shaped to tackle adversity.

Epictetus made me stop looking at challenges as something I have to face.

No, I get to face them. I get to go to work. I get to adapt to changes.

Birds weren’t given wings just to walk everywhere . . . and we weren’t born resilient just to have an easy life. This is what human beings were made for.

#4: I Can Choose to Be Happy Wherever I Am

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Before reading the words of Stoic philosophers like Seneca, I was always thinking that happiness was “somewhere else.” In some exotic locale, in some far-away destination, in some distant adventure.

But Stoicism taught me that the grass isn’t greener on the other side — it’s greener where you water it.

Travel is great, but those exotic locations are made of the same stuff as your back yard. If you can’t find happiness here, you probably won’t find it there either.

Socrates nailed it when he asked a friend: “How can you wonder your travels do you no good, when you carry yourself around with you?”

Happiness isn’t about where you are. It’s about who you are. And that’s something you can work on right where you’re standing.

#5: No One Does Wrong Willingly

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Ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m smarter than they are”? It’s a trap we all fall into sometimes . . . and for many years, those kind of thoughts stopped me from understanding how much I have in common with everyone else.

The Stoics helped me realize that everyone thinks they know something that other people don’t. It’s how human minds are wired. We all think we’re the smartest ones in the room, and that we make the best choices.

Socrates said “no one does wrong willingly.” People do what they think is smart, based on what they know.

Once I understood that we’re all just doing the best we can with what we’ve got, I became a lot more patient with everyone (including myself).

#6: My Hopes and My Fears Are Basically the Same Thing

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Seneca wrote that Hope and Fear are pretty much the same thing . . . and it took me a while to understand just how powerful that concept is.

Hope and Fear both take us out of the present moment. They both make us focus on stuff that hasn’t happened yet. Stuff that might not happen at all.

This doesn’t mean Hope is all bad, of course. But Seneca taught me to not let it (or its kindred phantom, Fear) distract me from what’s happening right now.

Studying Stoicism helped me understand that the best way to shape my future is by focusing on what I’m doing in this moment. It’s where all the real work happens.

#7: I Don’t Constantly Need More Information and News

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I used to be the kind of person who was always checking for breaking news, afraid to miss a single headline. I constantly chased after more information, more facts, more data.

Stoic philosophy (and especially the lessons of Epictetus) taught me that chasing after every new bit of information is like trying to count every drop in the ocean. It’s exhausting and, honestly, pretty pointless.

Instead, I’ve learned to focus on what’s right in front of me. The small stuff. The ordinary things. I don’t need to know everything to live a good life, and I don’t need to see every headline to be happy.

#8: There’s Comfort in Knowing the World Will Continue Without Me

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Thinking about how I’m just a tiny blip in the grand scheme of things used to bother me (a lot).

I wanted my life and my accomplishments to be etched in stone; to last forever. I didn’t like that they were really just written in sand, soon to be washed away by the waves.

But the words of Marcus Aurelius and other ancient Stoics helped me appreciate the truly beautiful thing about our world: those waves will keep on coming. The mountains will still stand. The valleys will still be green.

I’ve learned to take profound comfort from knowing that the world will keep spinning, even when I’m gone.

Thanks to Stoicism, I’ve become more grateful for the time I have here — and I’ve learned to find peace in knowing that this amazing world will be here for others long after I’m gone.

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by Phil Van Treuren

“To nature: What the turn of your seasons brings me falls like ripe fruit. All things are born from you, exist in you, return to you.” — Marcus Aurelius

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In the fable A Dog Who Follows Gladly, an old ranch dog who’s nearing the end of his life is asked if he misses running in the valley.

“I do miss it,” the old dog answers. “But I can be just as happy lying here on the porch. It’s nice to think that the valley will keep on being the valley — even if I’m not running in it.”

As a human being, you’re hard-wired to think of yourself as the most important thing in the world. Because of how we’re built, it’s almost impossible for our minds to accept that we’re just tiny, trivial fragments of a vast universe; minor characters in an endless play, on stage for the briefest of moments.

Taking solace in the thought that the valley will keep on being the valley — even if we’re not running in it — isn’t easy. Even Marcus Aurelius, one of history’s greatest Stoics, found it difficult to perpetuate that kind of mindset.

But the hard work is worth it, as Marcus understood. There’s a profound comfort in knowing that the beauty, structure and flow of this magnificent world will continue, even when we’re gone.

“Soon you’ll be ashes . . . a mere name, at most. And even that is just a sound. An echo.”

Marcus Aurelius

It seems that our lives are sculpted from immortal stone, that our accomplishments are etched in steel. In reality, our names are only scratched in sand . . . and all traces of them will soon be washed away by the ceaseless waves.

But don’t lament the loss of your name; instead, celebrate the perpetuity of the waves and the mountains and the valleys and the oceans. Be grateful that our glorious world, so perfectly suited for human flourishing, will be seen and heard and felt by countless others in the future.

Be happy for them. Be happy that the universe will keep on being the universe, even if you don’t happen to live in it anymore. Be grateful that no one — regardless of how important we all think we are — will ever be able to snuff it out like a candle, denying its grandeur to the rest of humanity.

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The similarities between Stoicism and Buddhism aren’t evidence of an ancient cultural exchange. They’re a testament to universal truths about our cognitive and emotional nature.

by Phil Van Treuren

Stoicism and Buddhism emerged independently, separated by vast distances and cultural divides. The founders of these schools of thought probably never knew of each other’s existence . . . but they arrived at remarkably similar conclusions about the best ways to promote well-being.

Both philosophies emphasize accepting what we can’t change and focusing on what we do control — primarily our own thoughts and responses. Both recognize the impermanence of external circumstances, the importance of mastering our reactions, and the value of cultivating inner peace.

It’s tempting to imagine clandestine meetings between the founders of Stoicism and Zen Buddhism, exchanging profound ideas that would shape their respective philosophies. But the most likely explanation for the similarities is much simpler: both schools of thought studied the human mind and identified the most effective techniques for thinking logically.

Stoicism, like Buddhism, wasn’t created out of thin air; it was identified and codified by expert observers of the human condition. These ancient thinkers were, in essence, early psychologists. They studied the mind and cataloged the best methods of using reason to promote happiness and resilience.

The human mind, whether in ancient Greece, Rome, India or China, operated on the same fundamental principles (and still does today, thousands of years later). Both Stoics and Buddhists had access to this universal “laboratory” of human experience. Through rigorous testing and refinement, they identified optimal ways to approach life’s challenges, manage our emotions, and find contentment.

Even if we lost every written word about Stoicism or Buddhism, these concepts would inevitably be rediscovered again and again (assuming our minds stay fundamentally the same). They’re not arbitrary philosophies, but reflections of how our human intellect best functions.

When we explore these ancient teachings, we’re not just studying abstract philosophical concepts. We’re also reconnecting with timeless insights about our own human nature — wisdom that’s been proven effective across diverse cultures and millennia.

When most people hear the word “Stoic,” they might picture a stern-faced ancient Roman in a toga, unmoved by life’s ups and downs. But Stoicism isn’t just some dusty relic of the past; it’s a practical philosophy that’s more relevant today than ever before.

These four “pillars” aren’t everything that Modern Stoicism teaches, but they’re the foundation that supports most of the philosophy. Let’s take a look at each one, and what they mean to Modern-Day Stoic philosophy.

1. The Dichotomy of Control

Imagine you’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean. You can’t control the weather, the waves, or the wind. But you can control how you steer the ship, adjust the sails, and respond to the conditions around you.

That’s the essence of the Dichotomy of Control. It distinguishes between stuff that’s 100% in our power and stuff that’s not. Most things are not at all in our control (getting older and dying, the weather, almost everything in the world around us). A few things are somewhat in our control (other people’s actions and opinions, how much money we make, where we live).

But only THREE things are 100% in our control:

1. Our Attitudes
2. Our Judgments
3. Our Responses

You don’t have complete control over anything else in the world. That goes for the people in your life, your possessions, your reputation, your health.

All that other stuff can be taken away. But your attitude, your judgments, and your responses to the world can’t be.

According to the Dichotomy of Control, we shouldn’t let our happiness or well-being depend on stuff that’s not 100% in our control, because it can change. Instead, we should accept the stuff we can’t control and derive happiness only from the things in our power.

2. Overcoming Unhelpful Emotions and Reactions

I say “overcoming” and not “removing” because we’ll never stop having initial reactions like anger, fear, and envy. We’re all human beings! Stoicism teaches us to identify those unhelpful reactions (or “impressions”) and allow them to disrupt us as little as possible.

Epictetus told his students, “Don’t let the force of an impression carry you away. Say to it ‘hold on, let me see what you really are. Let me put you to the test.’“

It’s like when you’re watching a scary movie. The fear you feel isn’t really about what’s happening on screen – it’s about the soundtrack, the lighting, and your own imagination. Stoicism teaches us to recognize those knee-jerk reactions and not let them control us.

3. Finding Opportunity in Every Obstacle

Ancient Stoics taught that we should frame every challenge we face as an opportunity to practice a human virtue. Every situation offers some kind of opportunity to better yourself and grow.

Annoying stuff lets you practice patience; discomfort lets you practice endurance; losing lets you practice humility . . . and so on.

I’m not saying you should pretend difficult situations are fun, but framing challenges as opportunities makes them a little less difficult to face.

It’s like looking at life as a gym for your character – every obstacle is just another chance to get stronger.

4. Helping Others for the Common Good

This is the biggest thing most people get wrong about Stoicism. The ancient Stoics taught that we have a responsibility as human beings to help others without a desire for personal gain, recognition, or praise.

Human beings were designed by nature to build communities and help each other, so it’s natural to us and benefits humanity as a whole. Stoicism isn’t about becoming an emotionless robot; it’s about becoming a better person who contributes positively to the world around them.

That’s Modern Stoicism in a nutshell – a practical philosophy for navigating life’s choppy waters with grace, resilience, and purpose.

Life’s big questions often lead us to philosophy. Two schools of thought that grapple with existence are Stoicism and Nihilism. They offer different views on how to face life’s challenges.

Stoicism emerged in ancient Greece. It teaches that virtue is the highest good. Stoics believe in living in harmony with nature and reason. They focus on what’s within our control.

Nihilism, on the other hand, is a more recent philosophy. It suggests that life has no inherent meaning or value. Nihilists argue that traditional beliefs and values are unfounded.

These philosophies diverge in their approach to life’s purpose. Stoics find meaning in virtue and wisdom. They aim to cultivate inner peace through self-discipline.

Nihilists reject the idea of universal meaning. They view life as inherently purposeless. This outlook can lead to a sense of freedom or despair, depending on the individual.

Emotions play a different role in each philosophy. Stoics seek to master their emotions. They believe negative feelings stem from faulty judgments about events.

Nihilists don’t place the same emphasis on emotional control. Some may embrace a full range of emotions as part of the human experience.

Ethics also differ between these schools of thought. Stoicism has a strong ethical component. It emphasizes virtues like wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control.

Nihilism doesn’t provide a specific ethical framework. Some nihilists argue that without inherent meaning, morality is subjective or non-existent.

Both philosophies can impact how people face adversity. Stoics strive to remain calm in difficult situations. They focus on accepting what they can’t change.

Nihilists might approach challenges with a sense of detachment. If nothing matters, setbacks may seem less significant.

The concept of happiness varies between these philosophies. Stoics find contentment through living virtuously. They don’t rely on external circumstances for fulfillment.

Nihilists may reject the pursuit of happiness as meaningless. Some find peace in embracing life’s absurdity.

These philosophies have influenced modern thinking. Stoic ideas are popular in self-help and therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy draws on Stoic principles.

Nihilism has left its mark on existential philosophy and art. It’s seen in works that question traditional values and meaning.

People often misunderstand both philosophies. Critics accuse Stoics of suppressing emotions. They see nihilists as promoting despair or immorality.

In reality, both offer nuanced perspectives on life. Stoicism doesn’t advocate for emotional repression. It aims for emotional resilience.

Nihilism doesn’t necessarily lead to negativity. Some find it liberating to create their own meaning in life.

Both philosophies continue to evolve. Modern thinkers adapt ancient Stoic teachings to today’s world. Nihilism spawns new philosophical offshoots.

Understanding these philosophies can enrich our worldview. They offer tools for navigating life’s complexities. Whether we embrace one or neither, they prompt us to examine our beliefs and values.

Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, offers practical wisdom for modern life. At its heart are four key virtues that guide followers toward a fulfilling existence. These virtues form the backbone of Stoic thought and practice.

The Four Stoic Virtues

Wisdom tops the list. It’s about making good choices and understanding what’s truly important. Stoics believe wisdom helps us navigate life’s ups and downs with grace.

Justice comes next. This virtue focuses on treating others fairly and with respect. It’s not just about following laws, but about doing what’s right for everyone.

Courage is the third virtue. It doesn’t mean being fearless. Instead, it’s about facing challenges head-on and standing up for what you believe in.

The last virtue is temperance, or self-control. This means managing your emotions and desires. Stoics aim to respond to situations calmly, rather than reacting impulsively.

These four virtues work together. They help Stoics lead balanced, ethical lives. But how can we apply them today?

How to Apply the Rules of Stoicism

Start with wisdom. Before making decisions, take a step back. Ask yourself if your choice aligns with your values. Will it benefit you and others in the long run?

Practice justice by treating everyone with kindness and respect. This includes people you disagree with or don’t like. Remember, we’re all human and deserve fair treatment.

Show courage by facing your fears. Speak up when something’s wrong. Take risks that align with your values. It’s not easy, but it’s how we grow.

Exercise temperance and self-control by pausing before you act. When you’re angry or upset, take a deep breath. Think about how you want to respond, not just react.

Living by these virtues isn’t always simple. It takes practice and patience. But Stoics believe the effort is worth it. They say following these principles leads to a happier, more meaningful life.

Stoicism isn’t about suppressing emotions or being cold. It’s about living thoughtfully and ethically. The four virtues guide us toward that goal.

As you go through your day, think about these virtues. How can you be wiser in your choices? More just in your actions? Braver in facing challenges? More controlled in your responses?

Small steps add up. By practicing these virtues, you might find yourself feeling more centered and at peace. You might handle stress better. Your relationships could improve.

Stoicism offers a practical approach to life’s big questions. It doesn’t promise easy answers. But it does provide a framework for living well.

The four virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance form the core of Stoic philosophy. They offer guidance for navigating our complex world. By embracing these principles, we can work toward becoming our best selves.

Stoicism has gained popularity in recent years. This ancient Greek philosophy emphasizes self-control and rational thinking. But is it unique? Are there other philosophies that share its core ideas?

The answer is yes. Many schools of thought have parallels with Stoicism. Let’s look at a few.

Buddhism, for instance, shares some key concepts with Stoicism. Both focus on accepting what we can’t change. They teach followers to detach from desires and external events. This approach aims to reduce suffering and find inner peace.

Existentialism also has things in common with Stoic thought. It stresses personal responsibility and creating meaning in life. Like Stoicism, it encourages people to face reality head-on. Both philosophies push us to make choices and own our actions.

Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy, echoes Stoic ideas too. It promotes living in harmony with nature and accepting the flow of life. Taoists, like Stoics, believe in not fighting against what we can’t control.

Epicureanism might seem different from Stoicism at first. It’s often associated with pleasure-seeking. But dig deeper, and you’ll find similarities. Both philosophies value simplicity and peace of mind. They just take different paths to get there.

Cynicism predates Stoicism and influenced its development. Cynics rejected societal norms and material possessions. They sought virtue through a simple life. This aligns with Stoic ideas about focusing on what truly matters.

Mindfulness, a modern practice with ancient roots, shares ground with Stoicism. Both encourage being present in the moment. They teach observing thoughts without judgment. This helps manage emotions and reduce stress.

Pragmatism, a more recent philosophy, has Stoic-like elements. It focuses on practical consequences of actions and beliefs. This echoes the Stoic emphasis on rational decision-making based on reality.

Humanism also overlaps with Stoicism in some ways. Both place high value on reason and ethics. They emphasize human potential for growth and self-improvement.

These philosophies aren’t carbon copies of Stoicism. Each has its own unique aspects and approaches. But they all share some common threads. They offer ways to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and resilience.

Why do these similarities exist? Perhaps because humans face similar problems across cultures and times. We all grapple with change, suffering, and the search for meaning. Different thinkers have come up with related solutions to these universal issues.

Understanding these connections can enrich our perspective. It shows that wisdom isn’t confined to one tradition or time period. We can learn from various schools of thought to build a more balanced worldview.

Exploring these philosophies might lead you to unexpected insights. You may find new tools for facing life’s ups and downs. The key is to keep an open mind and see what resonates with you.

Ancient Greece birthed Stoicism. Modern Europe gave rise to Existentialism. These philosophies offer distinct approaches to life’s big questions. But what sets them apart?

Stoics believe in a rational universe. They see virtue as the highest good. For them, wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control are key. Stoics aim to accept what they can’t change. They focus on controlling their reactions.

Existentialists reject universal meaning. They argue we create our own purpose. Jean-Paul Sartre famously said, “Existence precedes essence.” This means we define ourselves through choices. Existentialists emphasize individual freedom and responsibility.

Stoics seek inner peace through reason. They believe happiness comes from aligning with nature’s laws. Marcus Aurelius wrote, “You have power over your mind – not outside events.” This captures the Stoic emphasis on mental discipline.

Existentialists grapple with life’s absurdity. They often discuss anxiety and alienation. Albert Camus explored these themes in “The Stranger.” His character Meursault embodies detachment from societal norms.

Both philosophies deal with suffering. Stoics aim to endure hardship with grace. Epictetus taught, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters.” Existentialists see struggle as inherent to the human condition. They encourage facing it head-on.

Stoicism values emotional restraint. It teaches us to observe feelings without being ruled by them. Existentialism embraces the full range of human emotions. It sees passion as vital to authentic living.

Freedom plays different roles in each philosophy. Stoics find freedom in accepting fate. Existentialists see it as a fundamental aspect of being human. They believe we’re “condemned to be free.”

Ethics differ between the two schools. Stoics have clear moral guidelines based on virtue. Existentialists reject universal moral codes. They argue each person must create their own ethics.

Time perception varies as well. Stoics focus on the present moment. They avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Existentialists emphasize our finite existence. They urge us to live fully in the face of mortality.

These philosophies offer contrasting worldviews. Yet both provide tools for navigating life’s challenges. Many find value in combining aspects of each approach. The key is understanding their core principles and applying them thoughtfully.

A transcript of author Phil Van Treuren talking about the common misconception that Stoicism teaches us to be “indifferent to the world.”

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Stoicism is not about being indifferent to what happens in the world. It does teach us to accept what we really can’t control. But throughout history, Stoics have fought bravely for things they really could change.

Stoics aren’t afraid to try to change the world for the better if the really can.

Stoicism actually differs from many other philosophies because it teaches that we have a responsibility as human beings to be active in our communities and improve them.

Over the last 2,000 years Stoicism has been studied by military leaders, political leaders, business magnates, you name it . . . all examples of people who absolutely weren’t indifferent to the world.

A transcript of author Phil Van Treuren discussing the concepts of “good” and “bad” in Stoic philosophy, and Stoicism’s view of possessions, money, health and other “externals.”

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Stoicism teaches us that we should only use the labels “good” and “bad” for the stuff that’s 100 percent under our control. Completely under our control.

And that’s only three things: our attitudes, our judgments, and our responses to stuff that happens around us. Classifying other stuff that’s external as good or bad (or similar labels) is just bestowing them with powers that they don’t really have.

The stuff around us can be classified in many different ways, but the only things that are “good” and “bad” to us should be our attitude, judgments and responses.

Stoicism on Possessions, Money & Other Externals

Stoics think that possessions, money,  physical abilities, our circumstances — and all other external things to our own choices —  aren’t really intrinsically good or bad at all. They don’t have an intrinsic value.

Instead, the good can be found in how we judge and utilize and respond to those external things.

There are some external things we might prefer over others . . . I would prefer to have lots of money rather than no money at all; I would prefer to be healthy rather than sick; I would prefer to have lots of friends rather than have everyone dislike me.

But in the end, the stuff that we find meaning and happiness from shouldn’t come from those external things.