Must Know Stoic Terms
Embarking on a journey through Stoic philosophy invites us into a world where resilience, virtue, and wisdom are the pillars of a fulfilling life. Stoicism, a Hellenistic philosophy founded in the early 3rd century BCE, offers timeless insights into living harmoniously within the bounds of nature and reason. At its core, Stoicism teaches us to distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot, encouraging a life of inner peace and moral integrity. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the principles and practices of Stoicism provide a grounding force, guiding us toward personal growth and emotional resilience.
To delve into Stoicism is to familiarize oneself with a rich tapestry of concepts and terms that encapsulate the essence of this enduring philosophy. From the pursuit of virtue (arete) and the practice of mindfulness (prosoche) to the acceptance of fate (amor fati) and the cultivation of global kinship (cosmopolitanism), Stoic terminology offers a lens through which we can reframe our perspectives and actions. These terms not only define key aspects of Stoic thought but also serve as practical tools for self-improvement and ethical living.
In this blog post, I offer a curated selection of Stoic philosophy terms that I have found most helpful in my practice of Stoicism. By learning these terms they can both inspire and inform newcomers and advanced practitioners of Stoicism. This glossary spans the fundamental principles of Stoic ethics, such as wisdom (sophia), courage (andreia), justice (dikaiosyne), and temperance (sophrosyne), to more nuanced concepts like the view from above (oikeiosis) and the dichotomy of control. Each term is accompanied by a definition that distills its significance within the Stoic framework, offering a gateway to deeper understanding and application as we journey along the Stoic Wisdom Path.
Core Concepts and Practices
As we explore these terms, we embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and philosophical exploration. Stoicism challenges us to confront our perceptions, emotions, and actions, steering us towards a life marked by serenity, purpose, and compassion. Whether you seek guidance in personal resilience, ethical clarity, or a deeper connection with the world around you, the wisdom of Stoic philosophy remains as relevant and profound today as it was in ancient times.
Welcome to the enriching world of Stoic philosophy, where each term opens a new door to understanding how to live well. Let us journey together through these foundational concepts, embracing the lessons they hold for cultivating a virtuous and contented life.
Key Stoic Terms
- Amor Fati: The love of fate; embracing everything that happens in life as necessary and beneficial, even if it appears negative.
- Apatheia: Freedom from destructive emotions, achieved through understanding the nature of external events and one’s control over reactions.
- Arete: Virtue. Goodness and human excellence, living up to one’s potential.
- Ataraxia: A state of serene calmness; freedom from disturbance in the soul, akin to apatheia.
- Autarky: Self-sufficiency; inner contentment independent of external circumstances, achieved through virtue.
- Courage (Andreia): The moral strength to face adversity and fear with resilience, acting rightly regardless of external situations.
- Cosmopolitanism: The idea that all humans belong to a single community, based on mutual respect and understanding, beyond political or social divisions.
- Dichotomy of Control: The distinction between what is within our power (our thoughts and actions) and what is not (external events).
- Enchiridion: A manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, based on the teachings of Epictetus.
- Epictetus’s Discourses: Lectures by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, recorded by his pupil Arrian, offering practical guidance on Stoic principles.
- Eudaimonia: Often translated as happiness or flourishing; the ultimate goal of life in Stoicism, achieved through virtuous living.
- Fate (Heimarmene): The acceptance of events as determined by the natural order and divine reason, embracing life’s occurrences with equanimity.
- Justice (Dikaiosyne): The practice of fairness, kindness, and social responsibility, treating others with dignity and respect.
- Katalepsis: The grasping of an impression or the firm understanding of a concept, leading to true and unassailable judgment.
- Logos: The rational principle that governs the universe, embodying reason and the natural law.
- Memento Mori: The meditation on mortality; a reminder of the inevitability of death, encouraging one to live virtuously and appreciate the present moment.
- Nature (Physis): The essential qualities and processes of the natural world, which Stoics respect and follow as a model for living in harmony.
- Negative Visualization (Premeditatio Malorum): Contemplating potential misfortunes to lessen the impact of adverse events and appreciate what one has.
- Oikeiosis: The natural inclination towards self-preservation and the rational and social nature of human beings, leading to an affinity for others.
- Preferred Indifferents: Things considered beneficial to a virtuous life (e.g., health, wealth) but not essential for happiness.
- Prohairesis: The faculty of choice or moral will, emphasizing the role of individual judgment and intention in ethical actions.
- Prokomton: In Stoic philosophy refers to “something that lies before one” or “something presented” and encompasses the external events, circumstances, or objects that one may encounter in life. In Stoic thought, which emphasizes the distinction between what is within our control and what is not, prokomton primarily relates to those aspects of life that are external and not directly controlled by the will. Prokomton is significant in Stoic ethics because it forms the basis for experiences and situations upon which a person must exercise judgment and response.
- Prosoche: Mindful attention; continuous vigilance and awareness of one’s thoughts, actions, and impulses.
- Stoic Indifference (Adiaphora): Things outside of virtue and vice as indifferent, not inherently good or bad, and not affecting one’s moral character.
- Stoic Sage: An idealized figure representing the perfect Stoic, living in complete harmony with reason and virtue, undisturbed by external events.
- Sympatheia: The interconnectedness of the universe; the Stoic belief in mutual interdependence among all things.
- Temperance (Sophrosyne): Self-control and moderation in all aspects of life, avoiding excess and maintaining balance.
- The View from Above (Oikeiosis): A meditative exercise visualizing the world from a higher perspective to gain a rational understanding of the human place within the cosmos.
- Unpreferred Indifferents: Things considered detrimental to a virtuous life (e.g., illness, poverty) but not a barrier to happiness if approached with virtue.
- Virtue (Arete): The highest good in Stoicism, encompassing wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance as the foundation of ethical living.
- Wisdom (Sophia): The knowledge of what is good and evil, guiding choices and actions in accordance with reason and virtue.
- Xenia: Hospitality; reflecting the Stoic value of cosmopolitanism, it emphasizes the importance of treating strangers and foreigners with kindness and respect.
The Stoic Elder
Welcome to the Stoic Wisdom Path, a sanctuary for timeless Stoic teachings tailored for the modern mind. At the helm of this voyage is Russell (AKA the Stoic Elder), a seasoned Chief Complaint Officer and a devoted Krav Maga instructor and practitioner. With a life journey as rich and varied as the philosophies he espouses, Russell brings a unique perspective to the ancient wisdom of Stoicism. Decades ago, Russell embarked on a spiritual quest, aspiring to become an ordained pastor. However, he soon discovered that his beliefs diverged from the traditional confines of the church. This pivotal realization led him down a different path, one that eventually guided him to the stoic teachings that would resonate deeply with his core values and outlook on life. Stoicism, with its emphasis on virtue, wisdom, and the power of self-mastery, offered Russell the philosophical grounding he sought. He immersed himself in the study of this profound school of thought, completing the Stoicism Essential Studies Course at the College of Stoic Philosophers. His commitment to understanding and living according to Stoic principles is further exemplified by his current endeavor—a year-long exploration of Stoicism in the Marcus Aurelius Program. The Stoic Wisdom Path blog is Russell's platform for sharing the insights and lessons he has gleaned from his extensive study and personal practice of Stoicism. It is designed to make the rich and practical teachings of Stoicism accessible to all, regardless of their background or beliefs. Through this blog, Russell aims to inspire his readers to embrace a Stoic approach to life, equipping them with the tools to navigate its challenges with grace, resilience, and virtue. Join Russell on this journey of philosophical exploration and self-discovery. Whether you are new to Stoicism or looking to deepen your understanding of this ancient wisdom, the Stoic Wisdom Path offers a compass for living a life of purpose, balance, and profound contentment.
