[View Handbook] For the Stoics, the only thing that we have complete control over is our thoughts. It’s normal that we are constantly bombarded with perceptions because our brain is designed by nature to scan everything that we sense in the external world. This so-called “flight-or-fight” response is the same instinct we share with other animals that Mother Nature designed for our own survival. For example, if somebody tries to say something that would endanger…
[Back to Handbook] Ancient stoics use different type of techniques to deal with complexities of life that conforms to their main philosophy of living in accordance with nature and living a life of virtue. These techniques revolves around a theme of achieving inner peace, enduring pain, preparing setbacks, dealing with anxiety and putting your life on control all of which points to ultimate goal of the highest good which is to be happy. This handbook…
[View Handbook] Temperance basically means moderation or self-control. The emperor Marcus Aurelius countlessly reminded himself not to be compulsive in his book "The Meditations". He always said that what sets us, humans apart from animals is our ability to control our impulses. Animals are slaves to their senses and desires and he warns about external temptations that could potentially enslave us with our senses. In the modern age, drugs, alcohol and other forms of indulgence…
[View Handbook]As with other philosophies in Ancient Rome, the stoics believe that the only thing that matters to achieve happiness (highest good) are virtues. They are good habits that guarantee a good life. External things like wealth and fame may not necessarily bring you happiness in life it’s all about your behavior to them. For example, you may have plenty of money but if you don’t practice temperance in your expenditure you will no longer…
[View HandBook] The ancient stoics believe that the universe is governed by the “logos” – a force that keeps the universe in an orderly and rational way. It exists in the universe at a cosmic level such as the force that keeps planets rotating around the sun as well as at the atomic level and the way…