Stoic Concepts

Fundamental principles for practical wisdom. These concepts have guided philosophers and practitioners for over two millennia.

Distinguishing between what is up to us and what is not

The fundamental Stoic distinction. We have complete control over our own judgments and actions, but none over external events. Mastering this distinction leads to invulnerability and peace of mind.

Key Principles:

Internal vs ExternalFreedomAcceptance
The mutual interdependence of all things

Recognition that all things in the universe are mutually interwoven. We are parts of a single organism, and what is bad for the hive is bad for the bee. This fosters a sense of cosmopolitanism and connection to nature.

Key Principles:

InterconnectednessCosmopolitanismNature
Gaining an objective perspective on life

A mental exercise of envisioning the world from a cosmic viewpoint. This objective perspective reduces our trivial worries and reminds us of the vastness of the whole.

Key Principles:

ObjectivityPerspectiveHumility
The practice of imagining loss to cultivate gratitude and resilience

A powerful Stoic exercise that involves deliberately contemplating potential setbacks, losses, or difficulties. This practice helps build emotional resilience, increases gratitude for what we have, and prepares us mentally for life's inevitable challenges.

Key Principles:

Mental preparationGratitude cultivationEmotional resilience
Love of fate - embracing everything that happens as necessary

The practice of not just accepting but actually loving whatever happens to us, including difficulties and setbacks. This concept goes beyond mere acceptance to find meaning and even gratitude in all of life's experiences.

Key Principles:

Radical acceptanceFinding meaning in adversityInner freedom
Remember death - a reminder of life's impermanence

The practice of remembering our mortality to inspire authentic living. Rather than being morbid, this meditation on death helps us prioritize what truly matters and live with greater intention and appreciation.

Key Principles:

Present moment awarenessPriority clarityGratitude for life

Deepen Your Practice

Stoicism is a practice of continuous self-examination. These concepts are designed to be lived, not just studied.