Following on from our look at some more advanced stoic practices, we now turn to a topic that is central to human existence—Stoicism and happiness. What is the Stoic approach to happiness? How does Stoicism guide us towards a life of contentment? Let’s delve into these questions.
The Stoic View on Happiness
In Stoicism, happiness is not about pleasure, wealth, or fame. Instead, it’s about living a virtuous life. Stoics believe that virtue—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance—is the highest good and the key to happiness. By living in accordance with virtue, we can achieve a state of tranquillity, or ataraxia, which is the Stoic ideal of happiness.
Stoicism and Contentment
Contentment, in Stoicism, is about accepting the world as it is. It’s about understanding the dichotomy of control—recognising what we can control and accepting what we can’t—and finding peace in that acceptance. It’s about aligning our desires with reality, rather than wishing for things to be different.
Practical Stoicism for Happiness and Contentment
So, how can we apply Stoic principles to cultivate happiness and contentment? Here are a few tips:
- Cultivate Virtue: Strive to live in accordance with the Stoic virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Make virtue your primary goal, and view other things—wealth, success, pleasure—as secondary.
- Practice Acceptance: Accept the world as it is, and focus on what you can control. When faced with a challenge, ask yourself: “Is this something I can control?” If it’s not, let it go. If it is, decide what action you can take and focus on that.
- Align Your Desires with Reality: Instead of wishing for things to be different, align your desires with reality. Desire what you already have, and you will always have what you desire.
- Cultivate Contentment: Practise contentment in your daily life. Appreciate what you have, enjoy the present moment, and find joy in simple things.
Conclusion
Stoicism presents a distinctive perspective on happiness and contentment. By anchoring ourselves in virtue, embracing reality, and aligning our desires with the world as it is, we can foster a profound sense of happiness and contentment.
As we continue our Stoic adventure, our next stop will be the Stoic reflections on mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
I trust that this deep dive into the Stoic approach to happiness has enriched your understanding of Stoicism. But as we journey on, let’s not forget that Stoicism isn’t merely a philosophy to be understood—it’s a way of life to be lived. So, let’s not just learn about Stoicism, let’s live it, embodying the wisdom of these philosophers in every step we take.
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