What is the meaning of life?

Why are we on Earth?

Who are you, really?

Abstract and theoretical questions like this are exactly what Stoicism is NOT about, .

Stoicism is a practical philosophy, concerned with every-day life and struggles people like you and me encounter.

I mean, Stoicism has become really popular in the half a dozen years or so. Even the famous sports teams like the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and San Antonio Spurs are teaching this philosophy to their players.

But its popularity is not why I am telling you about it. The reason you should learn about Stoicism -- and try to become a Stoic -- is because it has stood the test of time. The things Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius were talking about 2000 years ago are still true today.

Anyway, let's get to it, shall we?

The most important practice in the Stoic philosophy is distinguishing between things in and outside your control. If you do just this one thing, you will have a better and happier life than 90% of other people.

(Okay, I came up with these 90% out of thin air but you get the point.)

Does the following sentence sound familiar:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

It's the famous serenity prayer, practiced by the addiction recovery community (i. e. people recovering from alcohol addition, drug addiction, etc.).

Obviously, they got it from the Stoics because they know how powerful it is.

Now, the intro wouldn't be complete if we only talked about the serenity prayer. There are also the 4 stoic virtues. Let's take a quick look at each, with a few bullet points.

Justice

• Also means morality, righteousness, fairness and kindness.
• Stoics weren't only talking about legal justice (they probably didn't have a problem with breaking dumb laws).
• Everyone should get what they deserve.
• Everyone in the society should be equal.
• Don't do wrong by other people.

Courage

• Can also mean 'fortitude' (fortress of the mind).
• Includes endurance of pain and discomfort in general.
• Being unmoved by fear.
• Opposite of being a coward.
• 'The state which stands on guard over correct thinking in dangerous situations.'

Moderation

• Also includes mindfulness
• Moderation in pleasures and desires.
• Knowing what is enough.
• 'Harmony and good discipline in the soul in respect to normal pleasures and pains.'
• A good example for practicing moderation is how much you eat and drink.

Wisdom

• Understanding the most important things in life.
• Knowing what you should and should not do.
• Knowing what brings happiness.
• Knowing what is good and bad.

A Brief History Lesson

The intro wouldn't be complete without a couple historical facts.

Zeno of Citium founded Stoicism in the early 3rd century BC (early 3rd century = around 290 BC).

Marcus Aurelius was the last famous Stoic philosopher and probably the most popular one. He lived in the 2nd century AD and ruled as Emperor of Rome for 20 years.

Marcus was the last of the 'five good emperors', succeeding Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian and Antoninus Pius when the Roman Empire was at the height of its power.

His death marked the end of the golden era for the empire. First his incompetent, non-Stoic son Commodus ruled for a dozen years. Then Rome lived through a period called 'the year of the five emperors'. A complete opposite of the golden era during the Nerva-Antonine dynasty.

But I digress -- let's get back to the topic.

Among other notable Stoics are Seneca and Epictetus. Seneca was among the richest people in Rome and an advisor to Nero, who had him killed. Epictetus was a former slave who later became a famous philosopher.

* * *

So what are the action steps, how can you take advantage of this philosophy? How can you live a better and happier life?

First, know what is in your control and what is outside of it. If something is in your control, you can change it if you want to. If something is not in your control, don't get upset about it or overthink it.

Second, get the book The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. Read 1 page every day and you're set.

Baby steps ...

If you want to do more, sign up for Ryan Holiday's weekly newsletter or do your own research.

And, other than knowing what is in your control, don't forget the 4 stoic virtues: Justice, Courage, Temperance and Wisdom.

See you around,

Filip