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Brilio.net - Have you ever heard the term Stoicism while surfing on social media? This concept is increasingly popular and is often discussed by various groups. Many people are interested in this philosophy because it is considered able to help face life's challenges more calmly and wisely.
But what exactly is Stoicism? You may wonder whether it is just a trend or whether it actually has values that can be applied in everyday life. Knowing the origins and essence of this philosophy can help you understand why many people find it relevant today.
In addition, understanding how to apply the principles of Stoicism can also give you a new perspective on dealing with various situations, both pleasant and stressful. That way, you can live a more peaceful and balanced life.
Summarized by brilio.net from various sources, Wednesday (28/8), we will discuss in depth the meaning of Stoicism, history and important figures behind it, and how you can apply this philosophy in everyday life.
Understanding Stoicism
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Stoicism is a school of philosophy originating from Ancient Greece, initiated by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC. AA Long in his book Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life, explains that this philosophy emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and using reason to achieve virtue and inner peace. Zeno taught that true happiness is achieved through self-control and serenity in the face of life's joys and sorrows.
Other important figures in Stoicism include Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Seneca, a Roman philosopher and statesman, wrote many essays and letters highlighting the importance of virtue and emotional control.
Epictetus, who was originally a slave, emphasized that we cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor, wrote "Meditations," a work of personal reflection on how to apply the principles of Stoicism to everyday life.
The essence of Stoicism is that we should focus on what we can control and accept with equanimity what we cannot change. This philosophy teaches us to live with virtues, including wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control. By applying these principles, we can achieve eudaimonia, or true happiness and well-being.
How to apply Stoicism in everyday life
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Donald J. Robertson in the book Stoicism and the Art of Happiness explains that applying Stoicism in everyday life can start by distinguishing between things you can control and things you can't. For example, you can't control the weather or other people's behavior, but you can control their reactions. By focusing on the things you can control, you will feel calmer and less stressed.
Another principle is to train yourself to accept the situation as it is and see every challenge as an opportunity to grow. When faced with adversity, try to see the positive side and learn from the experience. This will help you become more resilient and adaptive in dealing with various life situations.
In addition, the practice of self-reflection and meditation is also encouraged in Stoicism. Take time each day to reflect on your actions and thoughts, and evaluate whether you are living according to the values of virtue. That way, you can continue to improve yourself and live a more meaningful life.
Case examples that reflect the philosophy of Stoicism
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Imagine you are facing a situation where your vacation plans are canceled due to bad weather. In this situation, instead of being overly angry or disappointed, you choose to accept the reality and look for other alternatives, such as spending time with your family at home or doing other fun activities. This accepting and adaptive attitude is an example of the application of Stoicism in everyday life.
Another example is when you face criticism at work. Instead of feeling offended or defensive, you see the criticism as an opportunity to learn and improve. You focus on the areas where you can improve and are grateful for the feedback. This approach demonstrates self-control and wisdom, which are at the heart of Stoicism.
When you experience failure, such as failing an exam or not getting the job you wanted, you choose not to wallow in disappointment. Instead, you reflect on what you can learn from the experience and try to do better. This positive and constructive attitude is in line with the Stoic teaching of seeing every difficulty as an opportunity for growth.
In everyday life, we are often faced with situations that are beyond our control, such as traffic jams or long lines at the supermarket. By applying the principles of Stoicism, you can face these situations more calmly and patiently, understanding that anger or frustration will not change the situation, but only add to the stress. Thus, you can live your days with more peace and balance.
(brl/lea)
