Stoicism as a philosophy for an ordinary life | Massimo Pigliucci | TEDxAthens

Summary

This video explores the fascinating origins and teachings of Stoicism, a philosophical school founded by Zeno of Citium in ancient Athens. It traces the philosophy's evolution from the Hellenistic period through Roman thinkers like Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus. Stoicism teaches how to live according to nature, focusing on virtue, wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. It introduces the dichotomy of control: distinguishing between what is within our control and what isn't. The video also emphasizes applying Stoic principles to daily life and provides examples of how we can embody Stoic virtues in our roles, relationships, and challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, turned to philosophy after losing everything in a shipwreck, beginning his journey by studying Socratic works.
• 😀 Stoicism, which gained popularity in the Hellenistic and Roman worlds, focused on improving life through rationality, virtue, and social interaction, often practiced in public spaces like the Stoa.
• 😀 Key Stoic philosophers included Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus, with influential works like 'The Meditations' still widely read today.
• 😀 Stoicism was one of the few philosophies in ancient times to attract women, with figures like Porcia Catonis living and teaching Stoic principles.
• 😀 Stoicism teaches that we should live according to nature, focusing on human nature’s two core aspects: sociality and reason.
• 😀 The two pillars of Stoicism are the four cardinal virtues (practical wisdom, courage, justice, temperance) and the dichotomy of control (distinguishing what is within and outside of our control).
• 😀 According to Epictetus, we can control our opinions, motivations, and desires, but not our body, property, or reputation.
• 😀 The Stoic metaphor of an archer shows that while we control the effort, we cannot control the outcome, and we should focus on our actions rather than results.
• 😀 In practice, Stoicism encourages focusing on what we can control, such as preparing for an interview or being the most lovable person in a relationship, rather than obsessing over outcomes.
• 😀 Epictetus' approach emphasizes living with integrity and fulfilling one’s duties in various roles (e.g., as a parent or a worker), balancing responsibilities and social expectations with personal values.

Q & A

Who was Zeno of Citium and what significant event shaped his life?

Zeno of Citium was a Phoenician merchant who lost everything in a shipwreck. After this, he moved to Athens, where he discovered philosophy and eventually founded Stoicism.

What was the origin of the Stoic school of philosophy?

Stoicism originated when Zeno of Citium started studying philosophy in Athens. He was initially taught by Crates, a Cynic philosopher, and later founded his own school, which became known as Stoicism.

How did Stoicism differ from other ancient schools of philosophy in terms of location?

Unlike other schools such as Plato's Academy or Aristotle's Lyceum, Stoicism was practiced in public spaces like the stoa (the open market) to engage with everyday people.

Who were some of the prominent figures influenced by Stoicism?

Prominent figures influenced by Stoicism include Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus. Stoicism also influenced later philosophers like Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, and Baruch Spinoza.

What is the core principle of Stoicism?

The core principle of Stoicism is to live according to nature, which involves understanding and applying reason to improve social living and interactions with others.

What are the four cardinal virtues in Stoic philosophy?

The four cardinal virtues in Stoicism are practical wisdom (the knowledge of what is good), courage (especially moral courage), justice (how to treat others), and temperance (doing things in the right measure).

What is the 'dichotomy of control' in Stoicism?

The 'dichotomy of control' is the Stoic idea that some things are within our control (such as our opinions and actions), while others are not (such as our body, reputation, and external events). Stoics focus on what is within their control.

How did Epictetus explain the difference between what is in our control and what is not?

Epictetus explained that we have control over our opinions, desires, and actions, but not over our body, property, or reputation. He emphasized focusing on our intentions and efforts rather than outcomes.

What metaphor did Stoics use to explain how we should focus on what is within our control?

Stoics used the metaphor of an archer: while you can control the preparation and aiming of the shot, the outcome (hitting the target) is beyond your control. Focus on doing your best, not on the result.

How did Stoic philosophy address the idea of playing social roles in life?

Stoic philosophy teaches that we all play various roles in life, such as being a parent, a friend, or a worker. A happy life is one where these roles are balanced with integrity, practical wisdom, and temperance, ensuring that we fulfill our duties without compromising our values.