Across cultures, whether secular or religious, cosmopolitan or tribal, the question of how to live remains central.
How should we navigate life’s challenges? How should we treat others and conduct ourselves? And ultimately, how should we prepare for death?
For many, the answer has been Stoicism.
By this, I don’t mean suppressing emotions or maintaining a stiff upper lip. Many misunderstand Stoicism — the philosophy isn’t about emotional suppression. Instead, Stoicism involves self-reflection, reading philosophical texts and practicing mindfulness— similar to Buddhism or some forms of Christianity.
Back in October, thousands participated in Stoic Week, an international event and social science experiment organized by the University of Exeter in England.
The initiative aims to educate people about Stoicism’s relevance while collecting data on its impact.
Stoic Week is an annual event that invites you to ‘live like a Stoic for a week.’
According to Modern Stoicism, since 2012 nearly 40,000 people have signed up for Stoic Week. Participants complete a questionnaire before starting and another at the end to assess how much following Stoic life guidance has benefitted them.
Findings are interesting.
Participants report a 9% increase in positive emotions, an 11% decrease in negative emotions and a 14% boost in life satisfaction after just one week.
Longer-term follow-ups confirmed these improvements among continued practitioners.
Stoicism originated in Hellenistic Greece and gained prominence during the Roman Empire. Its influence persists today, including in the famous Serenity Prayer recited in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, echoing a principle expressed by Epictetus: “Make the best of what is in our power, and accept the rest as it happens.”
Stoicism’s emphasis on virtue ethics aligns with a search for a meaningful way to live. Middle age prompts many to seek deeper reflection on life’s purpose and the inevitability of death — a central concern in Stoic writings.
Stoicism’s practical exercises interest me.
Each morning, many stoics meditate by envisioning the day ahead and considering the four cardinal virtues — courage, temperance, justice and wisdom.
They also practice Hierocles’ circle, expanding their concern outward from family and friends to humanity and nature.
Another exercise, “premeditatio malorum,” involves visualizing potential misfortunes to lessen their emotional impact.
Throughout the day, stoics strive for mindfulness, reminding themselves to act ethically in daily decisions.
Some daily practices conclude with an evening meditation, journaling about the day’s events and how challenges were handled— asking questions like, “What bad habit did you correct today?” as Seneca advised.
While Stoicism may not appeal to everyone, its ethical framework and focus on moral character resonate across traditions, from Buddhism and Christianity to secular humanism.
However, modern Stoicism faces challenges, particularly its original metaphysical views. Ancient Stoics believed in a divine rational principle called Logos, which modern science no longer supports. Yet, the idea that the universe follows rational principles still holds relevance.
Ultimately, Stoicism offers a path for those seeking meaning, purpose and ethical living. Its enduring appeal lies in its capacity to help folks understand themselves, their place in the world, and how to live well — a universal pursuit.
The dawn of the upcoming new year will, no doubt, prompt many to reassess how they are living.
All New Years’ resolutions aside, a closer look at stoicism might be a good place to start— in terms of lasting behavioral change.