A Comprehensive Guide to Stoicism (ft. Ryan Holiday)

In examining the backstory of the Stoic philosophy, we explore Zeno's path from merchant to philosopher and how Stoicism emerged amid the political confusion following the death of Alexander the Great.

Zeno, Stoicism Founder, Was a Phoenician Merchant Shipwrecked In Athens Who Discovered Philosophy After Hearing Socrates

Zeno Founded His Stoic School At the Stoa Poikile in Athens After Studying Philosophy

Zeno began his life as a Phoenician merchant, dealing in the expensive Tyrian purple dye. A catastrophic shipwreck led him to Athens, where he came across someone reading Socrates' story. The tale sparked his curiosity in philosophy; he started following Crates, a cynic philosopher, and embarked on a decade-long journey of exploration and learning. Ryan Holiday notes that during this period, Zeno visited the Oracle at Delphi and received the cryptic advice that wise conversations, particularly with philosophers who had passed like Socrates, which he later interpreted to be an encouragement towards reading, played a significant role in his intellectual development. Despite his extensive learning, virtually nothing survives of Zeno's writings, except titles recorded by Diogenes Laertes and scattered references.

With a practical take on philosophy as a toolkit, not an end in itself, Zeno established his school on Athens' Stoa Poikile, where he would often engage with his students. The Stoic name comes from this Porch (Stoa Poikile). Manson credits Zeno with promoting ideas of detachment and acting in accordance with nature and the cosmos' rational order. The school's location is described by observers as a commonplace, akin to a general store or university cafeteria, where open philosophical discussions were frequent.

Stoic School Emerged Amid Greek Turmoil Post-Alexander's Death

Disruption of Greek City-States and Foreign Influences Led To a Meaning Crisis Addressed by Philosophical Schools

After Alexander the Great's untimely demise in 323 BC, the resulting power vacuum plunged Greece into chaotic disarray. City-states previously accustomed to relative autonomy were now ensnared by larger foreign entities, and Greek society faced a surge of international influence. Merchants and returning soldiers brought back a mixture of new ideas and philosophies that led to a cultural ...

The history of Stoic philosophy is marked by the contributions of several notable thinkers, each of whom brought unique perspectives and teachings to the school of thought.

Cleanthes, Zeno's Successor, Championed Voluntary Hardship and a Simple, Ascetic Life

Cleanthes: A Practical and Engaged Stoic vs. Early Stoics

After Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, it was Cleanthes who took over the Stoic school. A former manual laborer and boxer, he embodied the ethos of voluntary hardship and simple living, which became characteristic of Stoicism under his guidance. Rather than an intellectual, Cleanthes was a 'classic disciple,' focused on evangelizing and maintaining Stoicism's practical aspects. The decision to appoint him head of the school was significant due to his modest background. Ryan Holiday notes that compared to earlier Stoic philosophers, Roman Stoics like Cleanthes were more practical, managing the minutiae of empire governance.

Chrysippus Systematized Stoicism, Writing 700+ Works and Establishing It As a Comprehensive Philosophy

While the specific details are not provided in the transcript, it is well-known in historical records that Chrysippus was a pivotal figure in Stoicism. He is known for his massive written output, which none have survived, however, it's acknowledged that he systematized Stoicism into a comprehensive philosophy. He advanced Stoicism by refining elements from other schools of thought and applied practical metaphors from his experience as a runner to illustrate Stoic principles. Additionally, he is credited with innovating propositional logic and addressing the issue of free will versus determinism.

Seneca, Stoic, Faced Moral Challenges as Nero's Advisor

Seneca's Writings Offer Insights on Mortality, Anger Management, and Tranquility

Seneca, a Roman senator and Nero's advisor, is known for the moral quandaries he faced while navigating Nero's court. Facing accusations and exile, he was later reinstated as an advisor, which put him in morally ambiguous positions as he tried to mitigate Nero's destructive impulses. Seneca's scholarly output—composed under these circumstances—offers deep insights into mortality, coping with fear and passions, and finding tranquility. His practice of journaling and negative visualization offer valuable tools for personal reflection and managing emotions. His forced suicide under Nero’s command is seen as a testament to living in accordance with philosophical ideals, facing death with alignment to his Stoic be ...

Mark Manson and Ryan Holiday embark on a comprehensive discussion to break down the core principles of Stoicism, examining its foundational framework and virtues, and delving into the Stoic ethos of focusing on what is within one's control.

Stoic Framework: Logic, Physics, Ethics

Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, is noted for his tripartite framework which encompasses logic, physics, and ethics. This framework acts as the guiding structure of Stoic philosophy, with each component interlacing to form a comprehensive view of the world and one's place within it.

Stoic Goals: Understanding Physics, Developing Logic, Living Virtue

Ryan Holiday reflects on the Stoic's pursuit in the realm of physics as an endeavor to understand why we are here and how the world works. Although their specific beliefs in physics may now be considered outdated, their enthusiasm and intuitive sense of the universe remain commendable. Within the logic aspect, Holiday appreciates their deductive reasoning skills even if their educational logic might seem less relevant today. Most strikingly, Holiday finds their work in ethics—including the psychological aspects—both intuitive and profoundly wise, given the absence of experimental psychology during their time.

Four Stoic Virtues: Courage, Temperance, Justice, Wisdom

Stoicism is anchored in four cardinal virtues: courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom. These virtues are integral to achieving eudaimonia, or a flourishing life, and are cultivated through practices such as negative visualization and amor fati.

Stoics Believed These Virtues, Cultivated Through Negative Visualization and Amor Fati, Were Key To Achieving Eudaimonia

Courage, often the first virtue discussed, includes both moral and physical aspects. Holiday suggests that there cannot be an honorable life without risk and that true moral courage encompasses speaking truth to power, thinking independently, and even acting alone when necessary. He narrates the story of Agrippinus, who maintained his independence before Nero, exemplifying Stoic courage.

Temperance is approached as a multifaceted concept involving restraint, moderation, and self-control. Holiday sees temperance as essential to applying willpower aptly across various facets of life.

Justice in Stoicism is about treating others well, aligning with the Christian ethic to love thy neighbor and to act with honor and integrity. Holiday further notes the necessity of empathy and avoiding harsh judgments as facets of justice.

Lastly, wisdom is required to discern the relevant from the indifferent. It is essential for focusing on what can be controlled and for navigating life prudently.

Stoicism: Focus On What's Within Control

Stoicism emphasizes embracing life's inevitable challenges through mental discipline and controlling one's response to external events.

Stoics Embraced Life's Inevitable Challenges Through Mental Discipline

Placing significant emphasis on individual agency, Holiday points out that Stoics believed one does not control the occurrences in life but rather how one responds to them. He captures the es ...

Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, holds a significant place in Western history due to its enduring principles which guide thinkers, leaders, and the general populace through times of crisis. Its teachings on self-control, resilience, and wisdom continue to resonate in modern society.

Stoicism Has Impacted Western History, Resonating With Thinkers, Leaders, and the Public

Throughout Western history, Stoicism has been a guide to living a meaningful and virtuous life. Its influence has percolated through various historical periods, such as the Enlightenment and the American Civil War, offering wisdom on self-control in times of tumult. The life of Cato inspired generations, even when writing about Stoicism was outlawed by emperor Domitian due to its seen challenges to certain powers.

Ryan Holiday points out historical patterns where Stoicism becomes particularly popular during societal crises. The Stoic wisdom contained in the play "Cato" influenced many notable figures, including George Washington. Stoicism has been integrated into Christianity and the principles held by the founding fathers of the United States, manifesting in modern Western thought, like the serenity prayer, which shares the essence with Stoic, Christian, and Buddhist philosophies.

Holiday and Mark Manson discuss the timelessness and adaptability of Stoic thought, acknowledging its over 2000-year influence from ancient Greece to the Roman Empire. Stoicism's cultural adoption by the Romans and the Greek language's status in philosophy demonstrates the profound impact of Stoic thought. Influential Roman emperors, such as the first Emperor Augustus, were impacted by Stoic teachers, shaping their reigns and their philosophical approaches to governance.

Later Stoics' Practical Problem-Solving Orientation Enhances Crisis Appeal

The practical problem-solving orientation of Stoicism appeals during times of crisis. James Stockdale, a navy pilot, applied Stoic principles after being introduced to Epictetus, and these teachings helped him navigate the extreme challenges of capture and torture during the Vietnam War. Marcus Aurelius practiced Stoic principles such as self-control and resilience even with unparalleled power.

Holiday’s mention of Marcus Aurelius's "view from above" highlights how the Stoics practiced mental discipline to maintain perspective. Figures like George Washington were influenced by classical ideas including Stoicism, which is telling of its foundational role in shaping historical leadership.

The Core Principles and Practices of Stoicism Continue Evolving and Remain Relevant Today

Stoic Thought: Adaptable, Timeless, Impactful

Psychotherapy advances, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are indebted to Stoic philosophy's parallels, which have aided therapists like Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis in their practical efficacy in treating patients. These psychological frameworks adhere to Stoic ideas about the importance of processing interpretations rather than understanding desires and motives. The hosts suggest that Stoicism, due to its emphasis on virtues, provides individuals and societies with beneficial guidance in facing adversity.

Holida ...