Zeno, a wealthy trader, lost everything in a shipwreck in 300 BC. Instead of reacting with anger or sadness, he maintained his composure, demonstrating the core of Stoicism: acceptance and indifference. Stoicism teaches that we have control over how we react to events, not the events themselves. This philosophy, founded by Zeno, emphasizes the importance of perspective, self-worth, and living with what is essential. It has been practiced by notable figures such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, and continues to be relevant today, influencing modern therapies like Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy and Logotherapy. By adopting Stoic principles, we can lead happier, more fulfilling lives, focusing on what we can control and letting go of external expectations.
Vocabulary (content related)
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute | Unconditional, without exception | The Stoic philosophy is based on the absolute principle of acceptance and indifference. |
| Cosmopolitan | Literally means “citizen of the world” | The Stoics preached unity and togetherness, creating a cosmopolitan society. |
| Emotional Extremes | Strong feelings or reactions | Stoics avoid emotional extremes, instead maintaining composure in challenging situations. |
| Epictetus | A former slave and prominent Stoic philosopher | Epictetus’ teachings emphasized the importance of self-control and inner strength. |
| Indifference | A lack of concern or interest | The Stoics believed in accepting the things outside of one’s control with indifference. |
| Internalize | To take something into one’s mind or consciousness | We should internalize the knowledge we gain, rather than relying on external validation. |
| Justice | Fairness, morality, and righteousness | Stoics believe in living with justice, treating others with kindness and respect. |
| Reframing | To change one’s perspective or point of view | Stoics teach us to reframe our mindset, focusing on what we can control rather than what we can’t. |
| Renunciation | To give up or renounce something | Stoics practice renunciation, letting go of external desires and attachments. |
| Socrates | A Greek philosopher who influenced Stoicism | Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, was influenced by the teachings of Socrates. |
| Stoicism | A school of thought emphasizing reason, self-control, and inner strength | Stoicism is a philosophy that teaches us to focus on what we can control and accept what we can’t. |
| Unconditional | Without conditions or exceptions | The Stoic philosophy is based on the unconditional principle of acceptance and indifference. |
Key Points
- Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, lost his entire fortune in a shipwreck, but instead of being angry or sad, he focused on maintaining his composure.
- The core of Stoicism is the definition of acceptance and indifference, and it teaches us to focus on what we can control and accept what we can’t.
- Stoicism is not just about being unemotional, but rather about viewing the world in a certain way and living a life of inner strength and self-control.
- The Stoics believed in the importance of women’s education and equality, and they allowed women to learn and become Stoics themselves.
- Stoicism teaches us to expect the unexpected and to focus on what we can control, rather than getting upset about things outside of our control.
- The Stoics practiced “voluntary discomfort” to increase feelings of gratitude and to prepare themselves for future misfortunes.
- Stoicism emphasizes the importance of living with less and focusing on what is truly important in life, rather than trying to accumulate wealth and material possessions.
- The four main virtues of Stoicism are wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice, and they are essential for living a good life.
- Nelson Mandela, a former prisoner and president of South Africa, was influenced by Stoicism and used its principles to guide his actions and decisions.
- Stoicism has been applied in modern medicine, particularly in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy and Logotherapy, to help people overcome negative thought patterns and find meaning and purpose in life.
- Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control and to accept what we can’t, and it helps us to steer through past and present storms into calmer and more peaceful waters.
Vocabulary Mastery Quiz
Question 1:
- A) Cosmopolitan refers to a person who is a citizen of a specific country.
- B) Cosmopolitan refers to a person who is a citizen of the world.
- C) Cosmopolitan refers to a person who is a citizen of a city.
- D) Cosmopolitan refers to a person who is a citizen of a village.
Question 2:
- A) Stoicism was a way of life that was only practiced by wealthy people.
- B) Stoicism was a way of life that was only practiced by slaves.
- C) Stoicism was a way of life that was open to anyone and everyone.
- D) Stoicism was a way of life that was only practiced by philosophers.
Question 3:
- A) The Stoic principle of “voluntary discomfort” is aimed at increasing feelings of sadness.
- B) The Stoic principle of “voluntary discomfort” is aimed at increasing feelings of gratitude.
- C) The Stoic principle of “voluntary discomfort” is aimed at increasing feelings of anger.
- D) The Stoic principle of “voluntary discomfort” is aimed at increasing feelings of fear.
Question 4:
- A) According to Stoicism, one should judge the success of their work based on the outcome of their external hopes.
- B) According to Stoicism, one should judge the success of their work based on the amount of effort they put in.
- C) According to Stoicism, one should judge the success of their work based on the number of followers they have.
- D) According to Stoicism, one should judge the success of their work based on the amount of money they make.
Question 5:
- A) Nelson Mandela was a Stoic who punished his enemies after being released from prison.
- B) Nelson Mandela was a Stoic who urged his people to seek revenge after being released from prison.
- C) Nelson Mandela was a Stoic who urged his people to relax and rebuild after being released from prison.
- D) Nelson Mandela was not a Stoic.
**Answer Key:**
Question 1: The correct answer is B) Cosmopolitan refers to a person who is a citizen of the world.
Question 2: The correct answer is C) Stoicism was a way of life that was open to anyone and everyone.
Question 3: The correct answer is B) The Stoic principle of “voluntary discomfort” is aimed at increasing feelings of gratitude.
Question 4: The correct answer is B) According to Stoicism, one should judge the success of their work based on the amount of effort they put in.
Question 5: The correct answer is C) Nelson Mandela was a Stoic who urged his people to relax and rebuild after being released from prison.
Grammar Section
The grammar point for this passage is the use of the subjunctive mood in clauses expressing doubt, uncertainty, or possibility.
Example: “It’s because although the situation is bad, we’ve learned to expect rain. It’s something that is unavoidable, we can’t control the weather; although it sucks, the rain passes and the light returns.”
Question 1: Which of the following sentences uses the subjunctive mood correctly?
- A) I suggest that he takes a break.
- B) It’s essential that she be at the meeting.
- C) I doubt that it will rain tomorrow.
- D) I wish I was you.
Question 2: Which of the following sentences uses the subjunctive mood to express doubt or uncertainty?
- A) I’m sure that he will come.
- B) It’s possible that it may rain.
- C) I doubt that he is telling the truth.
- D) I wish I had more money.
Question 3: Which of the following sentences uses the subjunctive mood to express a wish or desire?
- A) I hope that he will come.
- B) I wish I were you.
- C) It’s necessary that he attends the meeting.
- D) I’m sure that she will succeed.
Question 4: Which of the following sentences uses the subjunctive mood to express a condition that is contrary to fact?
- A) If I were you, I would not do that.
- B) I wish I had more time.
- C) It’s possible that he may come.
- D) I’m sure that she will succeed.
Question 5: Which of the following sentences uses the subjunctive mood to express a suggestion or recommendation?
- A) I suggest that he takes a break.
- B) It’s essential that she be at the meeting.
- C) I recommend that he applies for the job.
- D) I’m sure that he will come.
**Answer Key:**
Q1: B) It’s essential that she be at the meeting.
Q2: C) I doubt that he is telling the truth.
Q3: B) I wish I were you.
Q4: A) If I were you, I would not do that.
Q5: C) I recommend that he applies for the job.
