530: ANCIENT STOIC WISDOM FOR A MODERN WORLD

 

 

Happiness comes from aligning one’s will with nature, accepting what cannot be changed, and focusing only on what can be controlled—primarily one’s thoughts and actions.

 – STOICISM

 

Stoicism, a Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE, emphasises the pursuit of wisdom, self-discipline, and emotional resilience. It grew in Athens and later spread to Rome, shaping some of the most enduring thinkers in Western history, including Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, playwright Seneca, and the freed slave Epictetus. The Stoics were not merely theoretical philosophers; they crafted a way of life to achieve personal peace and strength, equipping individuals to face life’s inevitable hardships.

 

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

– Marcus Aurelius

 

At its core, Stoicism teaches that while we may not control external events, we have complete control over our responses. This simple yet powerful distinction between what we can and cannot control is the essence of Stoic thought, captured by Epictetus in his Enchiridion: “Some things are up to us, and some are not.” The Stoic approach encourages individuals to focus on their actions, thoughts, and attitudes—elements within their control—while accepting, with calm acceptance, the reality of things beyond their influence, such as the actions of others, outcomes of past events, or natural phenomena.

 

Principles of Stoicism

“In your actions, don’t procrastinate. In your conversations, don’t confuse. In your thoughts, don’t wander. In your soul, don’t be passive or aggressive. In your life, don’t be all about business.”

– Marcus Aurelius

 

 

Dichotomy of Control. Stoics advocate a fundamental divide between what is within our power and what is not. This “dichotomy of control” is the lens through which they view the world. By relinquishing any attempt to control external events or outcomes, Stoics can devote their energy to cultivating inner resilience. This distinction helps individuals avoid the frustration and helplessness that arise when they try to control things beyond their reach. Instead, Stoics channel their energy toward refining their thoughts and actions, which is a more productive and fulfilling approach.

 

“We are more often frightened than hurt, and we suffer more in imagination than in reality.”

– Seneca the Younger

 

Living in Harmony with Nature. For Stoics, living in harmony with nature means understanding and accepting one’s place in the universe. They saw nature as a rational, interconnected system and believed that human beings, as rational creatures, must align themselves with this order to live virtuous lives. Stoicism teaches that we are part of a larger whole, and acting in harmony with nature entails pursuing reason, justice, and ethical conduct. This “natural law” concept frames the Stoic emphasis on virtue, suggesting that human flourishing occurs when we act according to our nature—striving to be just, wise, courageous, and temperate.

 

Virtue as the Sole Good. Stoics hold that virtue—comprising wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance—is the only true good, while everything else is “indifferent” to one’s moral character. Material wealth, physical health, reputation, or life itself are viewed as external and thus neither inherently good nor bad. These things are preferred or dispreferred but do not determine a person’s happiness or virtue. This emphasis on virtue leads to a life of moral and psychological independence, where one’s sense of self-worth and contentment are anchored in one’s ethical behaviour rather than circumstances beyond one’s control.

 

Accepting Fate (Amor Fati). A central Stoic practice is the acceptance of one’s fate. The phrase amor fati, meaning “love of fate,” captures this sentiment: Stoics aim to accept events outside their control and embrace them as necessary and even desirable parts of the universe. This idea does not mean passive resignation; instead, it encourages an active acceptance, where one’s inner disposition remains peaceful regardless of external conditions. By developing a mindset of acceptance, Stoics believe they can endure hardships without despair, fostering inner tranquillity amid life’s inevitable challenges.

 

Practical Stoic Exercises

 

“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”

– Epictetus

 

Negative Visualisation. Negative visualisation, or premeditatio malorum, is a technique that visualises potential losses or misfortunes. The goal is to prepare oneself mentally for difficulties, thereby reducing anxiety about future events. By imagining worst-case scenarios, Stoics aim to minimise fear, cultivate gratitude, and reinforce the ability to respond calmly to life’s setbacks. This technique encourages resilience by fostering familiarity with possible hardships, making one’s mindless vulnerable to shock or distress when challenges do arise.

 

Reflection on Mortality (Memento Mori). The Stoics encourage regular reflection on mortality with the phrase memento mori, meaning “remember you will die.” This exercise serves as a reminder of life’s brevity, motivating individuals to act purposefully and make the most of their time. Rather than fostering morbid thoughts, this practice aims to cultivate gratitude for each day and encourages an appreciation of what truly matters. Recognising the finite nature of life can help one prioritise meaningful pursuits and avoid distractions or trivial concerns.

 

“Man conquers the world by conquering himself.”

– Zeno of Citium

 

Journaling and Self-Examination. Self-reflection through journaling was a common Stoic practice, famously exemplified by Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations. One can track personal growth, acknowledge mistakes, and commit to improvement by examining daily thoughts, actions, and reactions. This introspection helps Stoics remain aware of their thoughts and behaviours, ensuring they align with their principles. Journaling is thus both a practical and philosophical exercise, helping practitioners identify areas for self-improvement and maintain focus on their core values.

 

“It isn’t the things themselves that disturb people, but the judgements that they form about them.”

– Epictetus

 

Practicing Voluntary Discomfort. Stoics believed that occasional voluntary discomfort, such as fasting or exposure to cold, builds mental resilience. These controlled experiences with hardship help individuals prepare for unexpected adversities, teaching them they can endure difficulties and even live without luxuries. By embracing temporary discomfort, Stoics strengthen their ability to face real hardships with composure and courage, reducing dependence on external comforts for happiness.

 

Stoicism in Modern Life

“No person has the power to have everything they want, but it is in their power not to want what they don’t have, and to cheerfully put to good use what they do have.”

– Seneca the Younger

 

Despite its ancient roots, Stoicism remains highly relevant in modern times, offering tools to navigate a world filled with uncertainties, stress, and rapid change. Its principles are frequently applied in fields such as psychology, self-help, and leadership. For example, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a widely used psychological approach, draws on Stoic principles, particularly the idea that our interpretations, not external events, cause distress. Stoicism’s emphasis on controlling thoughts and reframing negative experiences parallels CBT techniques, making Stoic practices accessible and effective in mental health.

 

“Life is divided into three periods: that which has been, that which is, that which will be. Of these the present is short, the future is doubtful, the past is certain.”

– Seneca the Younger

 

In professional and personal realms, Stoicism provides a framework for resilience. Leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs often use Stoic practices to remain calm under pressure, focus on their actions, and detach from external results. By prioritising virtues over outcomes, individuals can make ethical decisions, reduce anxiety, and cultivate emotional stability.

 

“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.”

– Epictetus

 

Criticisms and Misunderstandings. Stoicism has been misunderstood as a philosophy of emotional suppression or apathy, largely due to its emphasis on rationality and detachment from externals. However, Stoics do not advocate for emotional numbness; instead, they seek to moderate destructive emotions, cultivating a calm mind capable of experiencing joy, love, and empathy without being enslaved by negative emotions like anger or fear.

 

“All things are parts of one single system, which is called nature; the individual life is good when it is in harmony with nature.”

– Zeno of Citium

 

Ultimately, Stoicism teaches that true contentment arises not from controlling external circumstances but from cultivating a mindset of acceptance, virtue, and purpose. Stoicism provides a pathway to inner peace, moral integrity, and a life grounded in reason by focusing on what lies within our power and releasing attachment to what does not. Its timeless lessons inspire those seeking resilience and tranquillity in an unpredictable world.

 

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502: SHIQURDU 45

 

 

  • Shiqurdu is a collection of thoughts. Although an odd-sounding name felt appropriate for the collection.

 

  • These are simplified quotes in Hurdu (Hurdu being a mix of Hindi and Urdu akin to Hinglish i.e., Hindi and English). Although in some cases the language has been simplified attempt has been made to retain the thought and the poetic flavor.

 

  • These thoughts have been picked up from various publications. Credit goes to all the original writers who penned down these deep-meaning messages.

 

 

 

सीखते रहे उम्रभर्, 

लहरों से लड़ने का हुनर

 

क्या पता था की, 

किनारे भी कातिल निकलेंगे

 

 

 

 

पुरानी यादें भूल गये,

क्या भूल गये, कुछ याद नहीं

 

कुच्छ यादें याद रही,

क्यों याद रही, कुछ याद नहीं

 

 

 

 

खामोश होना

जब किसी की बात बुरी लगे

 

खामोश रहना

 किसी को अपनी बात बुरी न लगे

 

 

 

गालो पर लुढ़कता पानी,

 

वो लफ्ज़ 

जिन्हें कागज नसीब नहीं हुआ

 

 

 

 

कद बढ़ा नहीं होता ,

ऐड़ियां उठाने से

 

ऊंचाईया तो मिलती हैं,

सर झुकाने से

 

 

 

 

बड़े अजीब दुनिया के मेले हैं

 

दिखती तो भीड़ है

 

पर चलते सब अकेले हैं

 

 

 

 

फ़क़ीर मिज़ाज़ हूँ,

अंदाज़ अपना औरों से जुदा रखता हूँ,

 

लोग जाते है मंदिर मस्जिद,

मै अपने दिल में खुदा रखता हूँ.

 

 

 

हिम्मत  कर , सब्र कर ,

बिखर  कर  भी  सवर  जाएगा

 

यकीन  कर , शुक्र  कर ,

वक़्त  ही  तोह  हैं  गुज़र  जाएगा

 

 

 

 

ज़रूरी और जरूरत

 

ज़रूरी नहीं की किसी को आपकी जरूरत हो

 

किसी की जरूरत बनना ज़रूरी है

 

 

 

मिट्टी से भी यारी रख

दिल से, दिलदारी रख

 

चोट न पहुंचे बातों से

इतनी समझदारी रख

 

 

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Five by Five Rule: For Assured Happiness

 

 

“You have to decide your life’s priorities, and then you have to live them.”

– Oliver Blatt

 

Rule: If it doesn’t matter in five Years/months/weeks, don’t spend more than five hours/minutes/seconds on it.

 

Trivial vis-à-vis Enriching. Our lives are finite, and our time on this earth is precious. In our consumer-driven, fast-paced lives, we often find ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of worries, desires, and countless material possessions. However, these concerns fade into insignificance after pausing and reflecting on what truly matters. One should focus on what truly enriches our lives rather than obsessing over trivial matters without lasting significance.

 

Misnomer. Material possessions are transient and cannot be taken with us. Accumulating them often leads to more stress and less happiness, so measuring success or happiness with material possessions is misleading.

 

“The best things in life aren’t things.”

– Art Buchwald

 

What Truly Matters. Personal growth and memories are more valuable than objects. The experiences we gain and the relationships we build are the true treasures of life. Emotional bonds with family and friends outlast material things. Making a positive impact on society and the lives of others is enduring and fulfilling.

 

Hakuna Matata.  “No trouble”, “no worries”, and “take it easy”. Let go of anxieties about things that won’t matter in the long term. Live in the present moment and avoid placing too much importance on material wealth. This will bring a sense of relief and peace to your life.

 

Focus on.

 

    • Seek wisdom. Look at life, events, and responses from a broader perspective.

 

    • Align your actions with your actual values and life goals. This will give you a sense of direction and control over your life, empowering you to make decisions that are in line with your true self.

 

    • Prioritise and live in the present.

 

    • Accept things for what they are. Every negative emotion is self-created, caused by our resistance to reality.

 

    • Let go of material desires and embrace a minimalist lifestyle.

 

    • Invest in relationships and spend time nurturing connections.

 

    • Practice gratitude and be thankful for what you have rather than longing for more.

 

    • Seek fulfilment by engaging in activities that bring joy and meaning to your life.

 

    • Take care of your mental and physical well-being.

 

Follow the five-by-five rule, liberate yourself from needless worry and live a more purposeful, fulfilling life. Ask yourself if what you’re worried about will matter in five years. If the answer is yes, carry on. But if the answer is no, give yourself five minutes to fret, then move on.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome.

 

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