Practice Makes Powerful: Putting Stoic Philosophy into Action

Only by exhibiting actions in harmony with the sound words which he has received will anyone be helped by philosophy. — Musonius Rufus

In this vast ocean of information, which is the characteristic of this fast-paced world we are living in, it is easy to get lost. We read books, we listen to podcasts, we go through articles—all for self-improvement. Yet without action, all these sound words remain mere concepts floating in the ether of our minds. Musonius Rufus, a great philosopher from the school of Stoicism, reminds us of the crucial truth: philosophy is only beneficial when it is lived.

The Essence of Understanding Stoicism

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy which teaches us how to face and lead our life of virtue, where the course of nature shows us the way dictated by reason. It is very profound for dealing with adversities, keeping inner peace, and gaining resilience. However, as Rufus points out, Stoicism is not an intellectual exercise:

Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Action

This is the large gap that remains between knowledge and practice in living out Stoicism. Below are several ways we may incorporate the Stoic philosophy into our daily lives:

1. Exercise Self-Control

One of the fundamentals for a Stoic is self-control. By holding one’s impulses and desires in check, one can take reasoned actions rather than be overwhelmed by transient emotional states. Start by pinpointing your weak areas—the areas where, as it seems to you, you lose control. This could be spending, eating, or reacting to stress. Set small achievable goals for doing better in those respects. For example, if you find it hard not to spend, you can work on creating a budget and sticking to it.

2. Embrace Discomfort

Stoicism has taught me to love discomfort as an organic part of life; by this, I do not mean we need to seek suffering but that we should not shy away from challenges. Engage in voluntary discomfort by taking cold showers, fasting occasionally, or practicing minimalism. For me, backpacking teaches me to live with less, while I live life. These acts build resilience and act as a preparation for the inevitable hardships you might face.

3. Daily Reflection

Self-reflection is a powerful tool for self-improvement. A few minutes every day of reviewing your actions and thoughts can do wonders. Did you respond virtuously in difficult situations? Were your actions according to the values of agreement at that time? Journaling comes in handy here as it will help you track progress and opportunities for growth. Using an app on your smartphone works, but I have found that actually using pen and paper works best. There are many good books out there to help you get started; the one I highly recommend is The Artist Way by Julia Cameron or The Daily Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday.

4. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is an indispensable part of Stoicism. By being grateful for what we have, we change our minds from lacking to plentiful. That one simple exercise can alter our entire approach to life. Begin each day by listing the three things you are grateful for. This act promotes optimism and reduces complaining.

5. Serve Others

Stoicism is a philosophy that greatly underscores service and being useful to the community. Find ways to serve others, whether through volunteering, offering support to friends and family, or simply performing random acts of kindness. It will not only benefit others but also help you maintain your course with Stoic principles.

It’s not about the results or how efficiently something is done; what truly matters is the sincere intention to do good. The main idea is to act with a singular motive: the pursuit of moral good in all acts.

The Ripple Effect of Stoic Living

Then it could be safe to say that as we shall live in accordance with Stoic teachings, such living will help not only our improvement but will cascade to influence those around us. Our actions shall be testimonials to the power of philosophy which others would seek in wisdom and virtue. It’s in this ripple effect of Stoic living that can create a more rational, compassionate, and resilient society. Let us strive to be the living embodiment of Stoicism, like a beacon guiding others through the stormy seas of life.

Epictetus, a pupil of Musonius Rufus, emphasized the importance of refraining from expounding on one’s philosophy in his teachings. Epictetus believed that true wisdom lies not in the words one speaks, but in the actions one takes. He believed that it is through our actions and behaviors that we reveal our true philosophy, rather than through lengthy explanations or debates.

According to Epictetus, talking excessively about one’s philosophy can often be a sign of vanity and a desire for recognition. Instead, he emphasized the importance of living a virtuous life and practicing what one preaches. He believed that the true test of a person’s philosophy lies in their ability to consistently apply it to their daily lives, rather than simply discussing it.

Epictetus taught his followers to focus on internalizing their philosophy and putting it into action, rather than seeking external validation or trying to convince others. He believed that true fulfillment and inner peace come from aligning one’s actions with their values and principles.

In essence, Epictetus advocated for a more humble and practical approach to philosophy. He believed that the true value of philosophy lies not in intellectual debates or eloquent speeches, but in its ability to transform individuals and guide them towards a more virtuous and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

To know exactly how right Musonius Rufus and Epictetus were, both believed that philosophy does not have its goal in theory, but in practice, one must practice.

For example, if we read about the Stoic principle of accepting and embracing adversity, it is not enough to simply understand the concept. We must actively practice facing and overcoming challenges in our daily lives. This could be as simple as taking on new tasks or responsibilities at work, or intentionally seeking out uncomfortable situations that push us outside of our comfort zones. By consistently applying this principle, we can transform the abstract idea into a tangible benefit – increased resilience and the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and composure. It is through these actions that we truly embody the teachings of Stoicism and become a shining example of modern Stoic virtue, inspiring others to do the same.