The Four Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism

The Core of Stoic Philosophy: Understanding and Practice

It’s one thing to amass knowledge about Stoicism, delving into its rich philosophical heritage and understanding its tenets. Yet, it’s an entirely different endeavor to live out these principles, embedding them into the fabric of our lives.

While absorbing the teachings of Stoicism provides the theoretical foundation necessary for growth, the actualization of these teachings through practice is what molds an individual’s character.

While immersing ourselves in the study of Stoic philosophy can yield a wealth of knowledge, it is equally vital to put Stoic principles into practice and strive towards becoming a virtuous individual. While it’s essential to study Stoic philosophy to gain knowledge about it, what’s equally important is practicing it to develop virtues. We can spend a significant amount of time learning about Stoicism, but without putting it into practice, it won’t lead to personal growth. Therefore, it’s crucial to work towards becoming a virtuous person by implementing Stoicism in one’s daily life.

The journey of Stoic philosophy not only enriches our intellect with profound knowledge but also calls for the application of such wisdom in the forge of daily existence. The true essence of Stoicism transcends the boundaries of mere academic inquiry; it demands an active engagement with its principles aimed at the cultivation of virtue within ourselves.

This transformation from knowledge to practice is not just beneficial but essential. Without the application of Stoic principles in our daily routines and decisions, the pursuit of Stoicism remains an intellectual exercise devoid of its transformative power. Thus, embarking on the path toward virtue involves not only learning about Stoicism but, more critically, practicing it. Through this practice, we can achieve personal growth and progress towards the ideal of becoming a virtuous person.

Epictetus on the Virtuous Life

In the context of Stoic practice, Epictetus, a luminary in the pantheon of Stoic philosophers, offers invaluable insights. His life and works, particularly “The Discourses” and the “Enchiridion,” serve as beacons for those seeking guidance on the Stoic path. Epictetus’s teachings are anchored in the practical application of Stoicism, making his philosophy profoundly accessible and actionable.

At the heart of Epictetus’s teachings lies the pursuit of virtue. For him, virtue is not an abstract ideal but the very essence of a well-lived life. It is the highest good, an indispensable foundation upon which the edifice of moral life is constructed. Virtue, in the Stoic sense, encompasses the cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Each of these virtues represents a crucial aspect of moral excellence and, together, they form the bedrock of a life aligned with reason and nature.

Wisdom, for Epictetus, involves the discernment of what is within our control and what is not, guiding us to invest our efforts wisely. Courage empowers us to face life’s challenges with resilience, enabling us to uphold our principles in the face of adversity. Justice directs us to act with fairness and integrity, ensuring that our actions contribute positively to the well-being of others. Lastly, temperance teaches us moderation, helping us to navigate desires and passions without becoming enslaved by them.

Thus, the cultivation of these virtues is not merely an academic exercise but a dynamic and ongoing process of self-improvement. It demands a conscious effort (prosoche) to apply Stoic principles in every aspect of life, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and setbacks into lessons in resilience. By striving to embody these virtues, one not only navigates the vicissitudes of life with grace but also contributes to the betterment of humanity as a whole.

In this discourse, we will delve deeper into the cultivation of virtue as espoused by Epictetus, exploring how the active practice of Stoic principles can lead to the development of a moral character. Through understanding and implementing Stoicism in our daily lives, we can embark on a transformative journey towards becoming not just knowledgeable about Stoicism, but truly virtuous individuals.

Practicing Stoicism, in his view, involves developing these virtues in every aspect of one’s life. Virtue leads to eudaimonia, or a state of flourishing and true happiness because it aligns one’s actions with reason and the nature of the universe.

By prioritizing virtue over external goods or outcomes, we can maintain tranquility and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Below is a modern interpretation of the teachings of Epictetus:

Imagine a ship’s captain risking everything—not by facing a storm head-on, but by a slight, careless turn into the wind. It doesn’t take a grand mistake to cause a disaster; sometimes, just a moment of inattention can lead to loss.

Life works much the same way. If you let your guard down, even briefly, everything you’ve worked for can slip through your fingers.

So, stay sharp. Pay attention to your thoughts and actions. You’re not just protecting something trivial; you’re guarding your self-respect, your consistency, and your peace of mind—qualities that keep you stable and unshaken by stress, fear, or turmoil.

Essentially, you’re safeguarding your freedom. Ask yourself, what’s the price tag on these things? Before you trade them for something else, make sure that what you’re getting in return is truly valuable.

Knowing how fragile my own will is, I keep the four cardinal virtues posted in my home office and in my work office, and I carry a coin with the four virtues inscribed on it in my pocket every where I go. This is to constantly remind me to filter all that what I do through these four virtues. For the Stoics, the four virtues are thought of as four tightly interlocking chapter traits. They cannot be practiced independently. Properly cultivating virtue is to develop all four character traits simultaneously.

The Four Pillars of Stoic Virtue

Practical Wisdom

Definition: Practical wisdom pertains to the capacity to navigate complex situations in the best available fashion. It involves ethical understanding, problem-solving, and decision-making based on a deep understanding of one’s environment (Becker, 1998).

Importance: Practical wisdom is a guide for everyday conduct. It’s the ability to recognize the ‘good’ in a given situation and how to achieve it. Without this cardinal virtue, the other virtues could not be applied consistently or effectively (Seddon, 2009).

Application: In real-world contexts, practical wisdom might be observed in someone who, facing a moral or ethical dilemma, is able to identify a course of action that accounts for both ethical obligations and situational nuances.

Courage

Definition: Courage is the virtue of doing the right thing, both physically and morally, under all circumstances—even when it entails risk or the possibility of negative repercussions (Hadot, 1995).

Importance: Courage allows one to act in accordance with their moral convictions, thereby making it essential for the preservation of justice and the pursuit of virtue.

Application: A modern application of this virtue might be a whistleblower who exposes corporate fraud despite risking their career.

Justice

Definition: Justice involves treating every human being, regardless of their status in life, with fairness and kindness (Long, 2002).

Importance: In the context of Stoicism, justice is not just a social requirement but a natural one; it stems from the Stoic concept of living in accordance with Nature and Reason (Robertson, 2013).

Application: Justice can be seen in actions like fair trade, equitable law practices, and social initiatives that aim to balance inequalities.

Temperance

Definition: Temperance is the exercise of moderation and self-control in all spheres of life (Graver, 2007).

Importance: Temperance provides balance and is the foundation of self-discipline. It enables us to master our desires and act in a rational, measured manner.

Application: Examples include abstaining from excessive consumption of food or alcohol and controlling emotional reactions in stressful circumstances.

Conclusion

The four Stoic virtues – Practical Wisdom, Courage, Justice, and Temperance – stand tall like sturdy pillars, guiding ethical conduct and leading to a life of fulfillment. They are intricately intertwined, their presence indispensable to each other for their complete manifestation and effectiveness. Like ancient treasures, these virtues transcend time, providing timeless guidance as ethical compasses for both individuals and communities.