As most of Hellenistic schools of thought, Stoic philosophy emerged around personal ethics theory. In line with accompanying social, cultural, and political conditions of Hellenistic period, Stoic thinkers were offering an autonomous approach to pursuing personal happiness while cultural climate was in decay. According to Stoic philosophy, it is one’s balanced inner state and cultivated virtues that determine the possibility of reaching happiness, no matter the external circumstances.
Following the teachings of Socrates, Stoics regarded happiness not as pleasure or acquisition of circumstantial goods, but as cultivation of reason and virtue within oneself (Becker & Becker, 2003). Virtue and logic are human pathways to grasping the cosmic order in nature and social realm. Attempting to internalize the quest for happiness and free it from the influence of external contingencies, Stoic thinkers believed that it rested upon one’s ability to live in agreement with nature (Stephens, 2007). Thus, cultivating moral character that relies on internal virtues of prudence, justice, moderation, courage, etc. leads to reaching eudaimonia while factors external to one’s moral consciousness are regarded as neutral. Harmonious state of mind and wise attitude towards the external circumstances allow one to remain happy.
Stoic philosophy offered beautiful in its simplicity approach to pursuing happiness. However, it is essentially individualistic path and does not take into account social relations that influence human life satisfaction on the most intimate level. On the contrary, Stoics emphasized personal autonomy and disapproved of person being influenced by anything, even by close relationship with another human being. Although Stoic ethics has been surpassed by more sophisticated theories, its essential principle of remaining internal balance is being promoted by mindfulness practices that gain recognition today. Meditation and conscious concentration assist people in cultivating moral agency and ability to remain calm at all times. No matter the circumstances one’s happiness is determined by subjective attitude and the ability to maintain harmony.
- Becker, L.C., Becker, C.B. (2003). A History of Western Ethics. New York: Routledge.
- Stephens, W.O. (2007). Stoic Ethics: Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom. New York: Continuum.
