Mastery: The Life-Altering Power Of Stoicism

Issue No. 13 | March 27th, 2023 | Read Time: 3 Minutes

Happy Monday Everyone!

If you’re someone who is just beginning to enter the world of Stoicism, it can seem overwhelming and cause confusion as to what exactly Stoicism can offer. 

Some of the most famous Stoics lived nearly 2,000 years ago, these being Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. Their teachings tend to have a difficult learning curve in the beginning, but once you begin to understand its core foundation, it becomes easier to digest.

So how exactly can the Philosophy of Stoicism change our lives? I think the best place to start is understanding its Four Virtues.

The Four Virtues of Stoicism

:

1. Wisdom - The continuous pursuit of knowledge. As well as having the wisdom to know the difference between what we can change, and what we cannot.

2. Temperance - Another term for self-restraint, it is the pursuit of learning how to control our desires and indulge them within moderation. To not give in to the luxuries and comforts of life and be willing to exercise control over ones mind.

3. Justice - The acknowledgment of our duty to society and how to better involve ourselves within our community and create relationships with those around us.

4. Courage - To not be overwhelmed by fear. To understand its existence, but still be willing to stand up against it in order to achieve ones ultimate desire. Courage isn’t about being fearless, but to be willing to rise against adversity without backing down.

These Four Virtues are the foundation to what Stoicism aims to teach. I believe these pillars are the core to what personal-development represents because it applies to every aspect of ones ultimate character.

These qualities are all ones we should aim to adopt in our lives. They can guarantee a heightened sense of awareness as well as the ability to master our minds to avoid the anxiety and stress that plagues us helping us to inevitably alter our lives for the better.

As Seneca said in his letters to Lucilius, Stoicism isn’t a way to pass the time or cure boredom; but

"it moulds and builds the personality, orders one's life, regulates one's conduct, shows one what one should do and what one should leave undone."

To finally finish off by saying. . .  

"Without it no one can lead a life free of fear or worry." 

Its teachings may be close to 2,000 years old, but with it’s ability to survive after thousands of years, it should prove its continued relevance even to our modern era.Now that you have a better understanding of the Virtues of Stoicism and what its intention is, don’t hesitate continuing to pursue learning more about it.Because as you know, Stoicism is all about the continuous pursuit of knowledge. So never cease to stop learning, and live with the courage to overcome adversity just as the Stoics did before us so you can live a life bound for success.Until next time,Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I'm Currently Reading -

I'm currently reading

Atomic Habits

by James Clear for the second time because of its timeless principles on how to build better habits and eliminate negative ones. 

• If you'd like to see my notes pertaining to any of the other books I have previously read, then check out my websiteisaiahctaylor.comto view my entire library of notes and summaries.

Quote Of The Week

• "The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." — Walt Disney