The 4 Virtues of Stoicism — Stoicism It’s Not Just a Philosophy, It’s a Way of Life.
Infinity Act
Stoicism it’s a philosophy of personal ethics based on information by the system of logic and in connection with nature. Teaches you how to take power over what is in your control. How to have control over your emotions, your desires, your actions. It’s about minimizing your negative emotions, your stress, depression, anger, or anxiety.
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius
4 Virtues of Stoicism
Wisdom Temperance Courage Justice
Take these Virtues all at once, also think about each one of them individually and what they mean to you.
“If, at some point in your life, you should come across anything better than justice, prudence, self-control, courage — than a mind satisfied that it has succeeded in enabling you to act rationally, and satisfied to accept what’s beyond its control — if you find anything better than that, embrace it without reservations — it must be an extraordinary thing indeed — and enjoy it to the full. But if nothing presents itself, that’s superior to the spirit that lives within — the one that has subordinated individual desires to itself, that discriminates among impressions, that has broken free of physical temptations, (as Socrates used to say) and subordinated itself to the gods, and looks out for human beings’ welfare — if you find that there’s nothing more important or valuable than that… then don’t make room for anything but it — for anything that might lead you astray, tempt you off the road, and leave you unable to devote yourself completely to achieving the goodness that is uniquely yours. It would be wrong for anything to stand between you and attaining goodness — as a rational being and a citizen. Anything at all: the applause of the crowd, high office, wealth, or self-indulgence. All of them might seem to be compatible with it — for a while. But suddenly they control us and sweep us away. So make your choice straightforwardly, once and for all, and stick to it. Choose what’s best. — Best is what benefits me. As a rational being? Then follow through. Or just as an animal? Then say so and stand your ground without making a show of it. (Just make sure you’ve done your homework first.)” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
I believe that we should all have our own opinions about what is good, what is bad and what is indifferent to us. Therefore this is my way of understanding about the Four Virtues of Stoicism:
Wisdom
It’s the virtue of wisdom that allows me to make the difference between what is good, what is bad, and what is indifferent. It’s the knowledge within myself to know what is what, and knowing that, to guide me in my actions more carefully.
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” — Epictetus
Temperance
I need to have temperance and moderation to don’t let my mind fall under the control of greed, laziness, anger or addiction. To have the ability of self-control, self-discipline, the ability to choose between short-term satisfaction or long-term well-being.
“Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, “Is this necessary?” — Marcus Aurelius
Courage
I need courage to guide me to do the right thing, despite my fear and insecurities. Courage to speak my mind and seek the truth. The courage to live.
“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” — Seneca
Justice
Not the law as we know it now, but more like the moral justice of how I act in relations with people and society. It’s more about kindness, understanding, respect and generosity.
“Just that you do the right thing, the rest doesn’t matter.” — Marcus Aurelius
That is why the philosophy of Stoicism believes that you cannot control the world around you, only the way you respond to it and that you must always respond with courage, temperance, wisdom and justice.
Originally published at https://infinityact.com on May 18, 2021.
