Four Common Myths & Misconceptions About Stoicism

from Phil Van Treuren

Stoic philosophy is experiencing a huge resurgence because of great modern writers like Ryan Holiday and Donald Robertson and so many others. But because it’s so popular, there are plenty of other influencers out there who are promoting a kind of “Pseudo-Stoicism” that gives lots of people the wrong impression about what the philosophy is all about.

Let’s look at some common wrong impressions people have about and debunk the four biggest misconceptions and myths about Stoic philosophy.

1. Stoicism is a way to get rid of your feelings and emotions

Stoicism does not teach the suppression or elimination of emotions. Instead, it emphasizes understanding and mastering them. Stoics believe in trying to overcome the impact of negative emotions like fear and anger, and experiencing more positive emotions like happiness and gratitude.

The goal is not to become emotionless, but to look closely at the impressions we have and choose to stop getting upset about so much stuff.

2. Stoicism teaches you to withdraw from the world

This is a really big one that people get wrong about Stoicism a lot, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.

The average person might hear the word “philosophy” and think of some sage living alone on a mountaintop, but Stoicism encourages active participation in society and fulfilling your roles and duties as a human being.

Think about some of the most famous Stoics: Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor, Seneca was a statesman, and Epictetus started a school and engaged in teaching. These guys were deeply involved in their communities and the world around them.

What Stoicism advises against is becoming overly attached or upset by external circumstances, not withdrawing from them.

3. Stoicism is a religion

Stoicism deals with questions about stuff like our place in the world, but it’s a philosophy, not a religion.

Think of Stoicism like a guidebook with tips on how to optimize your thinking and live a good life. You can use Stoic philosophy if you’re a religious person, if you’re not religious, you can use it in conjunction with therapy, with lots of other kinds of beliefs.

Stoicism doesn’t require you to get rid of anything in your life except for negative thinking.

4. Stoics think that money and possessions are bad

Stoicism doesn’t argue that money and possessions are inherently good or bad. Instead, it just warns against placing too much value or reliance on them. Stoics think that you can be a good person and live a happy life without lots of money, or with lots of money.

What you possess isn’t as important as how you utilize it, and knowing that you can still be happy even if you lose it.