This short explainer will provide you with a straightforward understanding of what Amor Fati is and how you can use it in your Stoic practice. Definition Of Amor Fati The phrase “amor fati” is Latin for “love of one’s fate.” It describes the attitude whereby one not only accepts everything…
This short explainer will provide you with a straightforward understanding of what Memento Mori is and how you can use it in your Stoic practice. Definition Of Memento Mori The phrase “memento mori” is Latin for “remember you must die.” It is a reflection on the impermanence of life and…
Stoic philosophy is driven by four guiding virtues - wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. They are the principles that students should seek to practice if they are to exemplify the character of a Stoic. The virtues are thought to be derived from the teachings of the Greek philosopher Plato, who…
We can find out what Stoicism is by searching for summaries of the philosophy, reading the many books written on the subject or even listening to the podcasts now being produced regularly. There are even courses, groups and conferences at our disposal to allow us to get to the root…
Check out the infographic or text below for a very brief timeline of the origins of Stoicism, the philosophy founded over two thousand years ago by Zeno of Citium! Around 301 BC The first Stoics The founder of Stoicism, Zeno of Citium, begins teaching in the colonnade in the Agora of Athens known as…
If you're new to Stoicism, or just in need of a refresher, here are 101 short sentences covering the key concepts of the philosophy! Origins Stoicism was founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens around 300 BC. The name is derived from the “Stoa Poikile” (“Painted Porch”) where Zeno taught…
Stoic from beginning to end Thanks to three surviving histories, we know more about the life of Marcus Aurelius than perhaps any other Stoic or ancient philosopher. Cassius Dio's Roman History, Herodian's History of the Empire from the Death of Marcus, and the multi-authored Augustan History give us valuable insights…
Born into slavery When he became a teacher of Stoicism, the philosopher Epictetus told his students that a person’s caliber is revealed by difficult circumstances. So, when a difficulty occurs, they should think of it as God pitting them, as a trainer might, against a tough training partner. It wasn't…
A dramatist dramatised Lucius Annaeus Seneca’s story reads like a soap opera. This fact hasn't gone unnoticed by poets, composers, and playwrights throughout the 2000 years since he walked the earth. Chaucer, Dante, Monteverdi, and more found special places for the man known as Seneca the Younger in their works.…
Who was Cato the Younger? Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis was born in Rome in 95 BC. He is famed for his influence on the politics and politicians of early Rome, which was based on Cato’s strong Stoic affinity. He was a rare example of a politician who didn’t just talk…